Affordable Safari Camps in South Africa

Before I give you my 5 favourite more affordable safari options, I’d like to touch on what you are paying for. I often get asked “why are safari camps so expensive?”. Well, a safari experience is hugely different from any other holiday because the cost includes so much more than just your bed for that night…

Firstly, private reserves receive no funding from the government so every single cost needs to be covered by paying guests. As soon as animal populations are kept in enclosed areas (reserves), the area needs to be managed sustainably. Therefore, staff are required to manage the reserve – the fences, the roads, the animal numbers and then the lodges themselves (imagine the costs of fencing!). Then you need to think about all the people that work in a lodge – management, the kitchen staff, the housekeeping staff, the reception staff as well as the guides and trackers. Furthermore, remember that these camps are often situated in remote areas so the logistics of the staff, food etc. has to be considered too. On top of that, many private reserves have active anti-poaching units. The nightly rate usually includes 3 meals, 2 game drives per day as well as your luxurious (or rustic) suite. So before jumping on the bandwagon, remember that there are many costs that need to be covered and you are essentially contributing to conservation and the livelihoods of so many families!

1: Pungwe Safari Camp

Oh this place is incredible. No electricity, no WiFi, no stress! It’s all about the experience of being in the bush. Pungwe Safari Camp is located in the Manyeleti Reserve on the border of the Kruger Park. The camp is lit at night by the glorious campfire and the tented suites have paraffin lamps which offer more than enough light to tuck yourself in at night. You can still have a hot shower after a thrilling day of game viewing – a ”donkey boiler” – a wood-fired heating system is used. The staff are all from the local villages and boy are they brilliant! The guides and trackers are so knowledgable and the cooks are next level! Those hearty and delicious dinners next to the fire while listening to the hyenas moaning have you truly immersed in the bush. Michel, the camp manager, will have you completely captivated with his incredible bush stories. It is so grounding to visit a place like this for a few days, it really puts things into perspective. Rates at Pungwe are R4 945 per person sharing per night.

2: nThambo Tree Camp

nThambo Tree Camp is located in the game-rich Klaserie Game Reserve. As it’s only a 30 minute drive to the nearest airport, it’s a great option to start or end your safari experience. The beautifully appointed chalets are built on wooden stilts for a tree-top feel. The camp has only 5 chalets which makes it wonderfully intimate. Meals are shared with other guests at a long table which provides a great opportunity to connect and share stories of the day’s sightings. The splash pool in the main area is often visited by elephants which, as you can imagine, is a delight for guests! Rates start at R5 555 per person sharing per night.  

3. Shindzela Tented Camp

Situated in the beautiful Timbavati Game Reserve, this eco-friendly tented camp offers its guests an authentic safari experience. The tents are very comfortably appointed and each has its own en suite bathroom. Walking safaris are very popular here so pack your hiking boots and swap a game drive for a walk on the wild side! Traditional dishes are lovingly prepared by hard-working hands and dinners are enjoyed in the open-air boma. The camp can accommodate 16 guests which makes it perfect for a group. Rates are R4 450 per person sharing per night.

PS: For a treat – spend a night or 2 at their sister camp, Thabamati Tented Camp, It’s glorious!

4: Woodbury Tented Camp

This popular camp is situated in Amakhala Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. The canvas tents are tucked away in the bush surrounded by aloes and offer crisp white linen and electric blankets (to keep those toes toasty in the colder winter months!). Being a family-run camp creates a really intimate and personalised atmosphere. Game drives through the reserve are very scenic and elephants like to visit the pool in the main area. They offer great specials (pay 2 stay 3 during low season) and are family-friendly too. Rates are from R4 220 per person sharing per night.

5: Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Located on the banks of the seasonal Sabi River, Umkumbe Safari Lodge is situated in prime game viewing region – the Sabi Sands. The accommodation offers modest-luxe suites with and having its own small private deck with gorgeous views. The lodge has a pool and a small gym for those who feel they need some exercise! Afternoon game drives include a sundowner stop – the perfect ending to a thrilling day of animal encounters. Dinners are enjoyed in the boma area under the stars! Umkumbe is a most affordable lodge option in the predator-rich Sabi Sands reserve – rates are R5 145 per person sharing per night. PS: This is where we stay during our Wild Hearts Women’s Safari tour!

Let me know which safari camps you decide to visit! I’d be happy to assist with more advice and bookings. Wishing you Happy Safaris!

PS: Rates quoted for these safari camps are for 2024.