Kruger Park Travel budget 7-day safaris
Budget Kruger Park Safari offer all the fun without too many of the frills to keep the price as low as possible. We choose quality 3-star accommodation in a combo of safari tents and treehouses and make certain activities, meals and drinks optional.
What is a Kruger Park budget 7-day safari?
It is entirely possible to visit the park on a shoestring budget, both in terms of travel and lodging, and still have a fantastic safari vacation.
The Kruger Safari Co’s budget 7-day safari in the Kruger National Park provides an affordable experience of the wildlife that this iconic destination has to offer.
The majority of Kruger National Park accommodation is budget-friendly self-catering units in large rest camps, which are managed by South African National Parks (SANParks). A few satellite and bushveld camps located off the beaten path also offer a quieter, more authentic safari experience.
Kruger National Park offers almost 30 accommodation options, ranging from the main rest camps and satellite camps to bushveld camps, bush lodges, overnight hides and a remote camp site. The big camps also offer caravan and camping sites which are very popular for local visitors.
Kruger’s self-catering accommodation allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks, but there are restaurants or takeaway eateries at the main rest camps too.
What to expect on a budget 7-day safari
You will get the opportunity to take in a significant portion of the park’s breath taking beauty and fascinating wildlife encounters over the course of seven days. You may look forward to seeing the “Big Five” animals, which include the elephant, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and lion, whether you drive yourself or are accompanied by local experienced and skilled guides.
A large amount of money may be saved on a budget safari to Kruger Park since you are able to either drive your own vehicle or hire one for the duration of your trip. If you have your own vehicle, you will have the freedom to explore the park at your own pace and make pit stops at well-known bushveld locations for a picnic or a braai. You can park your vehicle at any of the waterholes and enjoy magnificent views of the local wildlife and avian population while you snack and drink from your cooler box.
On a low-budget safari, you have a choice between the following types of accommodations:
- A self-catering rondavel (round huts) or bungalow, chalet or family cottage in a main rest camp
- A caravan or camping site in a main rest camp.
- Self-catering accommodation in bushveld camps
- Self-catering bush lodges that can be booked on an exclusive-use basis and offer families and groups of friends an intimate and private safari experience.
- Satellite camps located close to a main rest camp but far enough away to escape the busy crowds.
A budget safari does not mean that you need to miss out on excitement. During your visit you can participate in any of the following park activities without breaking your budget:
- Game drives in your own car
- Guided bushveld walks from the main rest camps
- Play golf at Skukuza Golf Club
- Picnics and bush braais
- Birdwatching
What is included and excluded
Specific inclusions and exclusions will be clearly stated in your chosen tour itinerary, and any changes must be agreed upon by the client and The Kruger Safari Co agent.
A safari led by a qualified and experienced safari guide or a self-drive safari are both options. Morning, sunset, or night game drives may be included in your specific package, but they are not automatically included in the price of lodging.
Your accommodation will be self-catering, but all of the major rest camps have restaurants as well as take-away options.
You must pay the Kruger Park entrance fee, also known as the conservation fee. This daily conservation fee is required for each night spent in the Kruger National Park.
What about children
All budget accommodations in Kruger National Park are suitable for families, even with small children. Parents should just keep in mind that children 6 years and younger are not permitted on an open safari vehicle for game drives.
Pros and Cons of a budget 7-day safari in the Kruger National Park
Pros | Cons |
You can do self-drive safaris | All accommodation are self-catering |
You are free to explore Kruger Park at leisure | No luxuries are included in the price you pay |
You can stop at popular bushveld sites for a picnic or braai | Game drives are optional extras |
Budget accommodation are available at all camps in the park | |
You can experience the wonderful animal and bird sightings without it costing you much |
Cancellation Policy
A 7-day safari booking must be cancelled in writing after it has been agreed upon between the client and the Kruger Safari Co agent.
It is your responsibility to notify and confirm with the Kruger Safari Co agent in writing any changes you want to make to the itinerary whilst on tour. You are liable for any cost(s) incurred for such changes.
The standard cancellation and refund policy for 7-day safaris stipulates that a cancellation more than 15 days before departure will make you forfeit 50% of total payment made. When cancelling less than 15 days before departure, you will forfeit total payment.
You might also like our 5 Day Budget Kruger Park Safari Tour or 6 Day Budget Kruger Safari Tour.
FAQ’s
Can you do a budget 7-day safari to the Kruger National Park?
Yes, the bulk of Kruger National Park accommodation consist of budget-friendly, self-catering units in large rest camps and being able to do self-drive safaris is a major cost saving on a Budget Kruger Park safari.
How do you pay Daily Conservation fees when on a 7-day safari?
You will pay a daily conservation fee for each night spent in the Kruger National Park. The fees until 31 October 2024 are:
- South African Citizens and Residents (with ID) – R110 per adult, per day and R55 per child, per day
- SADC Nationals (with passport)- R220 per adult, per day and R110 per child, per day
- International Visitors – R440 per adult, per day and R220 per child, per day.
What is the difference between the Daily Conservation fees and an entrance fee?
The entrance fee and the daily conservation fee is one and the same thing.
May children go on a 7-day safari into the Kruger National Park.
Yes, all standard accommodation in the park are children friendly. Parents just need to remember that children 6 years and younger are not permitted on open safari vehicles used for booked game drives.
Will I get my money back if I have to cancel my booked 7-day safari?
If you cancel more than 15 days before departure, you will forfeit 50% refund of total payment made, excluding the non-refundable deposit. If less than 15 days before departure, you forfeit total payment.