How to book a brilliant Budget Safari in South Africa - our top 10 tips

The word "Budget" is not often one that we associate with the elegance and luxury that we attribute to Safaris. The very definition of "Safari" is a journey and at Martin Meyer Safaris we know that there is a safari for every style and Budget. Follow us as we unpack the best way to book a Budget Safari with us!

What is a Budget Safari?

A Budget Safari is a safari that doesn't necessarily come with all the bells and whistles you would experience at an ultra luxurious lodge - however the safari experience is still an epic one. As a rule of thumb lodges on the higher pricing scale have a higher staff to guest ratio, offer more luxurious accommodations and place a special focus on fine dining.

Personally, we hate the term "Budget" as it implies that you are getting a lesser experience or product, however the truth is you will have the same opportunities to see the same wildlife and experience the same "Oh WOW" moments as if you were paying top dollar. So what defines a budget safari ?



At Martin Meyer Safaris, a Budget Safari is just a safari that is affordable to you - and gives you an exceptional all round experience. We do not believe in offering any of our clients a "lesser" experience but rather the best experience that their budget allows. 

10 Things to consider when booking a Budget Safari :

1.

Leverage the Rate of Exchange: When planning your Budget Safari in South Africa, keep a close eye on the fluctuating exchange rate of the South African Rand. This rate, which can vary from 16 to 19.5 Rand to the Dollar, plays a significant role in maximizing the value of your foreign currency. Take advantage of favorable exchange rates, as your Dollar, Pound, or Euro can stretch further in South Africa, allowing you to enjoy more experiences without overspending.

2.

Identify What is Important to You: Before delving into your safari planning, pinpoint what truly matters to you during your journey. If you're traveling a long distance, consider prioritizing your preferences. In vibrant Cape Town, where the array of attractions can be overwhelming, opt for a more affordable hotel option that offers cleanliness and comfort. Save a bit more of your budget for the thrilling and immersive safari experience.

3.

Travel Outside of Peak Periods: Aim to book your South African Budget Safari outside of the peak travel periods. Finding this ideal balance can be tricky, in Cape Town peak season is between September and March - when the weather is at its best. Cape Town has a winter rainfall which means between April and August your days can be slightly wetter and Windier.

For a Safari in South Africa, in the Greater Kruger peak season is between May and November. This is because this region has a summer rainfall. Summer rains make the bushveld lush and verdant which can make game viewing a bit trickier but not impossible.

4.

Use a Local Expert: Rely on the expertise of local operators like Martin Meyer Safaris to make the most of exclusive deals and comprehensive support. Contrary to popular belief, booking through local experts can often result in better prices and added benefits, such as dedicated guidance throughout the entire booking process and access to a 24-hour guest concierge service. With our insider knowledge, we can guide you through the intricate details of your journey and ensure that every step is tailored to your preferences.

5.

Buy the Travel Insurance: Never underestimate the importance of investing in comprehensive travel insurance. Accidents and unforeseen circumstances can occur at any time, and having reliable travel insurance offers peace of mind, safeguarding you from potential financial burdens and ensuring that your focus remains on soaking up every moment of your safari adventure.

6.

Book Well in Advance: We recommend booking far in advance, a year in advance if you intend on travelling in our Peak Safari season and up to 6 months in advance if you intend on travelling outside of peak season. The reason for this is twofold, firstly booking far in advance ensures that you have your pick of lodges within your budget. Secondly lodges like having confirmed bookings in advance and many offer early bird specials, where you can get an additional 5-10% off your package price.

It is true that there are many last minute specials out there, but if you look at the bigger picture, you may get a great deal on your accommodation but we all know that last-minute airfare generally tends to be much more expensive - especially cross continental travel.

7.

Take Advantage of Specials and Promotions: Make the most of your budget safari by keeping a lookout for special offers and promotions provided by lodges and hotels. A reputable safari operator, such as Martin Meyer Safaris, stays abreast of the latest deals and combines various specials to provide you with the best value for your money. By leveraging their expertise, you can enjoy an enhanced safari experience without straining your budget.

Quite often lodges have a Stay 4 pay 4 Special outside of peak travel periods, or even combo deals where you can get a discounted rate by combining certain lodges or hotels

8.

Avoid Peak Tourist Hotspots: While renowned wildlife areas may be popular for a reason, they often come with premium prices due to their extensive marketing and high-end lodges. Consider exploring lesser-known reserves and off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer equally exceptional wildlife experiences at a more affordable rate.

Embracing these hidden gems not only provides a more intimate safari adventure but also contribute to a more authentic and immersive wildlife encounters.

9.

Do Your Research: When you select a lodge it is best to look at an all inclusive option, look at a lodge that offers all meals and selected beverages. This means you can fully immerse yourself in your safari instead of worrying about your drinks bill at the end of your stay. Speak to your Safari Expert - this is their job after all and make sure you communicate with them what is important to you.

Many lodges charge a premium for beverages - due to the remote locations and the costs of getting supplies to the lodge. If you opt for a lodge that offers selected beverages - generally soft drinks, waters and selected local beverages you won't be paying premium for your evening gin and tonic or having to watch every penny.

10.

Pack Smart: Don't lug around too much baggage. Many lodges offer a laundry service - some charge extra for this and some include it in their overall rates, so be sure to find out before your departure.

You will likely also find that the lodges you visit will include basic amenities such as shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Most will also have bug sprays and water bottles. Make sure you include things like sunscreen, lip balm etc as purchasing these items at curio shops often come at a hefty price.

Bonus Tip: Your Budget Safari won't be complete without some keepsakes - purchase gifts and curios in larger cities - away from the main tourist traps. The sad reality is that many lodges and hotels gift and curio shops are carefully stocked with expensive items. Speak to your local guides and drivers to find out if there are any local shopping areas where you can pick up your gifts at a lower price.

Budget Safari - Google in Overdrive

Be wary when doing your research - in doing research for this blog post I typed in Budget Safari - and I was completely overwhelmed by the hundreds of hits that sprang up on Google. Honestly I was surprised at what is being passed off as a true safari experience and at the prices that these "Budget Safari" offerings are coming in on.

While we firmly believe that there is a safari for every budget - we also believe that not all safari's are created equally. At the end of the day, practice vigilance when selecting a safari and make sure that it is the right fit for you, and that there are no hidden expenses in park fees, meals or additional excursions which are listed as "optional" in the fine print.

Our Favorite Budget Friendly Safari Lodges:

Wading through reams and reams of pages on Google can be overwhelming, so we have put together some of our favourite Budget Friendly Safari Lodges for you to consider on your Budget Safari. We have personally visited and stayed at each of these lodges - the Martin Meyer Safaris Difference - we only promote properties we have stayed at ourselves.

These lodges are not your typical "Budget Safari" Options - these are wonderful lodges that offer a truly authentic african safari experience without breaking the bank. Each of these lodges are situated in the Greater Kruger National Park in pristine wilderness regions, and offer exceptional game viewing experiences.

Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge

Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge, located in the captivating Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, offers an incredible budget safari experience that allows guests to embrace the beauty of the African wilderness without compromising on quality. The lodge provides comfortable and affordable accommodations, ensuring a memorable stay for budget safari travelers. With an array of cost-effective safari packages, guests can enjoy expertly guided game drives and nature walks, immersing themselves in the remarkable wildlife sightings and the untamed splendor of the surrounding landscape. Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge stands as a prime choice for those seeking an authentic safari adventure without exceeding their budget, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Klaserie Reserve.

Kambaku Safari Lodge

Kambaku Safari Lodge, in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, stands out as the quintessential budget safari destination, providing an exceptional wildlife experience without any compromises. With its reasonable rates and unwavering dedication to offering an authentic African adventure, Kambaku welcomes guests to revel in the raw beauty of the African bushveld without straining their wallets. The lodge's comfortable accommodations, genuine hospitality, and experienced guides ensure that every visitor can partake in exciting game drives and guided walks, immersing themselves in the marvels of the Big Five and other indigenous wildlife. Emphasizing value and immersive nature encounters, Kambaku Safari Lodge is the ultimate choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking an unforgettable safari experience in the renowned Timbavati Reserve.

Wrapping up our thoughts on a Budget Safari

As we said earlier we hate the term Budget Safari - due to the negative associations with the word "Budget". However we understand the need for the term. During our complimentary safari consultations the most difficult question we always ask is "What is your Budget" most people falter and don't know how to answer this - for two reasons really, firstly the average person has no idea what a safari actually costs, and secondly there is this perception that operators are unscrupulous and will give you only the most expensive options, so people tend to prefer not to give a monetary value outright.

The reason we ask this, is so that we can immediately identify how we can give you the safari you have always dreamed of. How we can make the most of your budget delivering exceptional experiences.

Martin Meyer Safaris will never offer you a package price for more than you can book it yourself directly. How do we do this? The lodges and hotels we partner with give us commission based on the prices you see online. This means you get the benefit of our expertise, a 24hour safari concierge at no additional cost to you. If this doesn't make you want to book a complimentary safari consultation right now, then nothing will.