African safaris can cost upwards of US$1000 per person per day – but don’t scratch them off your travel wish list yet. There are ways to see the big five and more on a budget, if you know where to look.
This extract from our new title, The Best Things in Life are Free, reveals destinations where the wild rewards vastly outdo the price tag.
A lion and lioness in Kruger National Park © Thomas Retterath / Getty Images
Big five safari – South Africa
Kruger is one of the world’s greatest parks – the Big Five are all here, along with an extensive cast of other safari species. Independent access is a breeze, camping options are plentiful and there are 19,485 sq km of incredible landscapes.
Sanparks.org; Kruger National Park, South Africa; US$20.
Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most unspoiled wilderness areas © Ben Cranke / Getty Images
Walking safari – Tanzania
Think of a thousand hippos sharing a mud bath and you’re on the right track. The park comes to life in dry season (August to October). Camp in nearby Sitalike and share the armed guide fee (US$20 per group).
Tanzaniaparks.com; Katavi National Park, Tanzania; US$80 (including walking permit).
A red-throated bee-eater in Mole National Park © Mint Images / Frans Lanting / Getty Images
West African safari – Ghana
Known for its elephants, the savannah also hosts buffaloes, kob, baboons, warthogs and numerous bird species. Share the park’s vehicle hire (US$20 per hour) with others to make it more of a bargain. Budget accommodation too.
Molemotelgh.com; Mole National Park, Ghana; US$8, plus guide US$2.50/hr.
Spot a leopard in Etosha National Park © Hannes Thirion / Getty Images
Namibian safari – Namibia
The desert-like environment around the massive Etosha salt pan is captivating, but it is the wildlife that frequents the waterholes here that make it one of Africa’s best parks. Great roads mean small rental cars are an option, and camping is possible.
Etoshanationalpark.org; Etosha National Park, Namibia; US$7.
Earn your safari stripes on a cycle safari in Kenya © mgokalp / Getty Images
Cycle safari – Kenya
Beneath the basalt cliffs of this volcanic landscape are zebras, giraffes, impalas and other iconic species. Large carnivores are rare, however, so it’s possible to spend a day walking or cycling; bikes can be rented nearby for an additional US$6. Camping is available.
Kws.go.ke; Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya; US$30.
Elephants drink from the Okavango Delta, Botswana © Mint Images / Getty Images
Okavango Delta mokoro safari – Botswana
Being poled through the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe is one of Africa’s greatest, and most expensive, experiences. However, Old Bridge Backpackers offer self-catered camping options ranging from US$70 (one day) to US$140 (four days).
Maun-backpackers.com; Old Bridge Backpackers, Maun, Botswana; from US$70.
See if you can find the Big Five in South Africa © donut dollie / Budget Travel
South African safari
The coastal town of St Lucia is on the doorstep of two great parks: iSimangaliso (isimangaliso.com) and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi (hluhluwegamereserve.com). The latter is a classic Big Five destination, while the former hosts both land animals and aquatic ones. Budget safaris and accommodation available.
St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; from US$40.
Come face to face with mountain gorillas in Rwanda © mick789 / Getty Images
Tracking gorillas – Uganda
The value of sharing a glance with a gorilla in the wild is something that can’t be quantified. Visit Bwindi during low season (April, May and November) and permits are US$350 instead of US$600. Permits in Rwanda are US$750.
Ugandawildlife.org; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda; from US$350.
