Budget lodges offer simple, functional accommodation focused on affordability and practicality. These properties provide a cost-effective base for exploring a destination without unnecessary extras, prioritising experience over comfort or exclusivity.
Standards vary by location, and what qualifies as "budget" in one country may differ significantly in another, depending on local costs, infrastructure, and how remote the destination is.
In some regions, particularly in Southern Africa, budget options can still offer excellent wildlife experiences. In higher-cost destinations, however, even modest accommodation may fall into a mid-range price bracket, so these categories should always be viewed in the context of where you're travelling.
Not sure how budget lodges compare across different destinations? See our Safari Accommodation Price Guide.
A 2 ½ hour drive to the north-east of Nairobi, The Aberdare Country Club is in the Aberdare Highlands, which forms part of the Great Rift Valley. Originally a colonial family home lovingly built on a sloping hillside with sweeping views over the countryside below, the Country Club has been carefully developed to retain the grandeur of its past. The views are spectacular: the plains below, the Aberdare Mountains to the west and Mount Kenya to the east.
Situated in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley in the Little Karoo, Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages is in the heart of ostrich country. It's close to the attractions of Oudtshoorn and the spectacular Cango Caves. With seven beautifully decorated suites and eight self-catering cottages, swimming pools and air conditioning, this family-run farm is the perfect spot to stay. Encounters with Berluda's meerkat family, tours of the family's working ostrich farm, hiking, biking, abseiling and 4x4-ing are just some of the activities offered on, or near, Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages.
Quirky personality and a sense of bygone times give Canyon Roadhouse its special charm. The roadhouse-style lodge is located 25km from the impressive Fish River Canyon, arguably the second-largest canyon in the world. This unique spot is praised for its friendly staff and creative flair and it offers a fun, laid-back stay in remote southern Namibia. The 24 spacious, en-suite rooms are set around courtyards featuring the unusual flora of this arid region, and the main restaurant brims with vintage decor that adds to its old-world appeal.
Cape Town Hollow is a boutique hotel beautifully located in the city centre, overlooking the historic Company Gardens, with superb views of iconic Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. It is a perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Mother City and her surrounds.
Casterbridge Hollow boutique hotel is set on a former sweet mango farm and is Mpumalanga’s first “green hotel”, built from simple local materials with artwork sourced from local artists and artisans. It's superbly located - a 15-minute drive from KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) and with easy access to both Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route - and an ideal base from which to explore this picturesque region.
Chestnut Country Lodge is located in the beautiful farming district of Kiepersol, 10 km from Hazyview in Mpumalanga and ideally situated for exploring the magnificent Panorama Route. The lodge is set in the heart of 50 hectares of pristine indigenous bushland and offers spacious and comfortable accommodation for 26 guests.
Chobe Safari Lodge offers luxury, yet affordable, safari accommodation in the Chobe area, overlooking the Chobe River. Situated in Kasane, Botswana, Chobe Safari Lodge is a large resort-style safari lodge bordering the Chobe National Park, which is famous for its excellent game viewing.
Damara Mopane Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the unique gems of dramatic Damaraland – from prehistoric Twyfelfontein's rock engravings and towering sandstone formations, to desert-adapted elephants and the petrified forest. Each quaint chalet features its own little garden complete with flowers, herbs and vegetables that are used to prepare fresh, tasty meals at the restaurant. The charming setting and friendly staff really make a difference to the lodge.
Situated in the heart of ostrich country and close to the Little Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, lies the beautiful De Zeekoe Guest Farm. Boasting 14 stylishly furnished luxury rooms and suites, as well as 4 rustic waterside cabins, De Zeekoe is a popular accommodation choice in the Oudtshoorn area. The famous Cango Caves are nearby, and other activities on offer include Meerkat safaris as well as horse riding and canoeing.
Eka Hotel is a contemporary, four-star hotel conveniently located on Mombasa Road in Nairobi. It is ideally situated for day trips to some of the capital city's most popular tourist attractions such as Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, the National Museum, the vibrant Bomas of Kenya, the Giraffe Center, urban eateries, and entertainment venues.
The Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge is a luxury bed & breakfast guest house situated in an upmarket residential area of Knysna. Perched on top of the Welbedaght Cliff Tops, it offers spectacular views over the Knysna estuary. The lodge offers 5 beautifully-furnished suites and outstanding personal service.
Flatdogs camp is easy to get to from the airport and makes a good first night’s stop into the park, especially arriving on a late flight from Lusaka to nearby Mfuwe Airport. The camp is open from mid-March to mid-January every year. For Jess and her team, making sure you have the best possible stay is what Flatdogs is all about.
Experience the essence of African wildlife in the pristine and secluded Balule Game Reserve which shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. Greenfire Game Lodge allows you to enjoy excellent game viewing by vehicle or on foot, accompanied by expert, professional guides with a vast knowledge of the wild animals, birds and bush of Africa.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate is conveniently located outside the town of Hazyview and only ten minutes drive away from the world-famous Kruger National Park. Nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens, this Lowveld retreat on the banks of the Sabie River will leave you feeling totally refreshed and relaxed. Hippo Hollow offers en-suite hotel rooms as well as self-catering chalets.
Located within the heart of South Africa’s Mother City, the Hollow on the Square is within easy walking distance of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s International Convention Centre and many of the attractions, eateries, museums and sights this bustling city has to offer.
Ilala Lodge is the closest hotel to majestic Victoria Falls. Dine al-fresco at their award-winning restaurant while watching the spray from the Falls and its thundering. It's an eight-minute walk to the Falls and all the fun and activities on offer at Victoria Falls are a stone's throw away.
Ivory Tree Game Lodge is a large, well-appointed safari lodge in Pilanesberg National Park, offering a comfortable lodge-based safari experience close to Johannesburg. With a wide range of room types and family-friendly facilities, it suits travellers looking for an accessible Big Five safari at an affordable to mid-range price point.
Kanonkop is a 5-star boutique guest house situated in Knysna, one of South Africa's favourite coastal resort towns. The individually appointed five bedrooms are all tastefully furnished, focussing on natural light and texture. The Paradise room is rated the 'best room in Knysna' by Frommers.
This mobile tented camp is set up in one of the best game viewing spots on the plains of central Serengeti. Kati Kati Camp is rustic rather than luxurious, but with fully-equipped, en-suite tents, you'll experience a more refined version of camping in the wild African bush. It's a true safari experience.
Completely rebuilt after the devastating fires of 2017, Knysna Hollow is superbly located on a secluded 3-hectare country estate, just 5 minutes from Knysna town and its expansive lagoon on South Africa’s famous Garden Route. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the many attractions and activities this beautiful area has to offer.
Kosi Forest Lodge is a 16-bed wilderness lodge located in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, almost on the South African/Mozambiquan border. Set in a beautiful, unspoilt sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake, the lodge offers a variety of unique experiences, including turtle tracking and exploring this pristine wetland environment in guided canoes and vehicles.
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge offers affordable, cosy rondavel accommodation inside game-rich Balule Private Game Reserve, a large, private nature reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Greater Kruger Conservancy. Ku Sungula's main terrace and swimming pool look out over a waterhole that is often frequented by the wildlife that passes through Balule.
Kubu Lodge, situated on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana, offers comfortable accommodation and is a gateway to the Chobe safari experience. It's located 2km from the meeting place of four countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kubu Lodge offers excellent cuisine, various activities and rustic accommodation with panoramic views over the Chobe River.
KwaMbili Game Lodge provides is an affordable private lodge offering an authentic safari experience. Situated in the private Thornybush Game Reserve near Hoedspruit, KwaMbili is within the Greater Kruger area. Home to the Big Five as well as an abundance of wildlife and birds, you'll have every chance of good sightings, either on game drives or on foot.
Why not chat to one of our safari experts who can answer all your questions and help you design your dream trip to Africa.
