What is a Kruger Park budget 9-day safari?

The budget 9-day safari offered by the Kruger Safari Co. in the Kruger National Park offers an affordable opportunity to enjoy the wildlife that this well-known location has to offer.

It is entirely possible to visit the park on a shoestring budget for an exciting and beautiful eight-day safari trip.

The majority of lodging in Kruger National Park is inexpensive self-catering lodging in large rest camps run by South African National Parks (SANParks). A few remote satellite and bushveld sites also offer a more sedate, authentic safari experience.

The main rest camps and satellite camps, as well as bushveld camps, bush lodges, overnight hides, and a remote camp site, are all available for lodging in Kruger National Park. In addition, the large camps offer caravan and camping sites, which are popular with local tourists.

Visitors can bring their own food and drink to Kruger’s self-catering accommodations, but there are restaurants and takeaway food options at the major rest camps.

What to expect on a budget 9-day safari

You will have ample time to take in the breath taking vistas and fascinating wildlife of Kruger National Park during your nine-day visit there. You have a good chance of seeing all of the “Big Five” animals—elephant, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and lion—multiple times if you drive through the park on your own or go on a morning, sunset, or night drive with informed and experienced local guides.

A large amount of money can be saved on a budget safari to Kruger Park if you are able to utilise either your own vehicle or one that you have hired for 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 stop at any one of the numerous popular waterholes and watch animals and birds for as long as you like if you bring a cooler box full of refreshments and snacks with you.

When going on a safari with a limited budget, it is likely that you will stay in one of 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

Detailed inclusions and exclusions will be specified in the tour itinerary you select.

You can select between a safari conducted by an experienced and qualified safari guide and a self-drive safari. Morning, sunset, or night game drives may be included in your package, but they are not included in the cost of your accommodations.

Your lodging will be self-catering, although all of the bigger rest camps include restaurants and takeout alternatives.

The Kruger Park entrance charge, commonly known as the conservation fee, must be paid. Every night stayed in Kruger National Park requires payment of this daily conservation charge.

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 9-day safari in the Kruger National Park

Cancellation Policy

A 9-day safari reservation must be cancelled in writing when the client and Kruger Safari Co agent have agreed to it. You are responsible for any costs associated with any alterations.

The standard cancellation and refund policy for 9-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 7 Day Budget Kruger Park Safari Tour or 8 Budget Kruger Park Safari Tour.

FAQ’s

Can you do a budget 9-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 an 9-day safari?

You will pay a daily conservation fee for each night spent in the Kruger National Park. The fees until 31 October 2023 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 an 9-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 9-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.