African Budget Safaris

I cannot sing the praises of African Budget safari’s and Claire enough! My mother wanted to experience an African safari for her birthday, and after receiving some extremely expensive quotes from British companies, I decided to have a search around online. I came across ‘African Budget Safari’s’ and thought the prices were too good to be true. I did a video call with our Guide, Claire, who immediately put my mind at ease that it was a real, reputable company who were going to look after us. From the initial discussion about what we were looking for, to helping me book all of our flights and transfers - Claire was endlessly helpful and knowledgeable about the different camps, what was worth going to visit in South Africa, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On our own, couldn’t have booked anything as spectacular as the trip Claire arranged for us! The prices were superb, she was on hand to assist at all times, and honestly we had the most incredible family time away all thanks to Claire! Literally cannot recommend African Budget Safari’s enough, and even though we booked from London, it all went perfectly smoothly!

African Budget Safari review We couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Claire Monson at African Budget Safaris. From start to finish, Claire’s attention to detail and flawless execution made our trip seamless and truly unforgettable. Every flight, transfer, and accommodation was perfectly arranged, and she remained in close contact with us throughout our safari experience—providing timely updates on pickups, meeting points, and schedules with reassuring clarity. Her dedication allowed us to relax and fully enjoy the adventure without worry. I wholeheartedly recommend African Budget Safaris, and Claire in particular, to anyone planning a safari. Her expertise and care make all the difference.

Claire Monson, of African Budget Safaris, was a tremendous help as we planned our trip to South Africa. She listened to our interests and needs and put together an itinerary that was perfect! She arranged our safari adventure, booked our rental car, and reserved wonderful accommodations along the Garden Route. At one point we found ourselves on a dirt road, looking for our next destination. Claire's quick response to our SOS call was greatly appreciated (and we were on the right road!). This vacation was truly the experience of a lifetime. Thank you to Claire and African Budget Safaris.

As still relative newcomers to Africa, resident since June 2021 in Uganda, with our only travel to date within Uganda, we reached out for help to plan our recent visit to Zanzibar. To some it might seem strange that we selected a Cape Town-based agent working through an on-the-ground Zanzibar team to plan a week's visit to a fascinating island with a rich and extraordinary culture. What resulted was one of the most wonderful trips we have ever taken. Africa Budget Safaris' Cape Town crew, in particular our agent, were totally committed to learning our travel preferences and to understanding our approach to travel from our past experiences. What resulted was a trip calibrated to introduce two American strangers to the history, culture, and environment of Zanzibar. Africa Budget Safaris accomplished this through its relationship with Discover Zanzibar. With one travel organization subbing out its work through another organization based 3700 kilometres away, a first time client might have a few questions and doubts. Trust us from our experience. The connection between Africa Budget Safaris and Discover Zanzibar was and is seamless. What was promised via email was delivered on the ground to two travelers mostly new to Africa and completely unfamiliar with Zanzibar. From our first greeting from the Discover Zanzibar driver who met us at Zanzibar's airport, to the days we spent with him and our guide for tours of Stone Town, a spice plantation, and Jozani Forest, and who drove us from point to point, we felt as if we were in the care of Zanzibari friends and neighbors. Both were jovial, informed, helpful, and vigilantly on time. Our guide's grasp of Zanzibar's history is encyclopedic, and he complements his knowledge with superb gifts as a story-teller. Also, as foreign visitors we were never "steered"; we were always escorted. So, in answer to a prospective client's question, can a booking agency 3700 kilometres away set up a visitor with convivial and trustworthy hosts in an altogether different country, the answer is that Africa Budget Safaris can - and did. We were shown around Zanzibar - a place we did not know - by friends. This both speaks to the competence and character of our guides in Zanzibar, and to a hands on approach to trip design and to vetting by Africa Budget Safaris. Throughout our week long trip we had then sense that the unseen details were well worked out. Our three different lodgings were each ready for us on our arrival. Our questions were always anticipated and answered. Any uncertainties were put before us ahead of time. And the price for seven nights, three tours, and "partial plan" packages that included breakfasts and dinners was simply spot on, and a great value. We would unhesitatingly recommend Africa Budget Safaris to other interested travelers and look forward to another opportunity to call upon their talents in another part of Africa. And for in-country guides, we cannot but offer praise and appreciation to Discover Zanzibar. Richard and Catherine Ranger

Best vacation ever. South Africa, here I come. We have just returned from our beautiful South Africa vacation! African Budget Safaris did a terrific job working out our itinerary and making the trip an outstanding experience for me and my whole family! The whole trip was organized and professionally carried out! Claire Monson was so wonderful from the beginning of our trip planning until the end! She made sure we were taken care of! We have seen more than what we expected on the safari adventures and the Garden route tours! Thank you for such a memorable time, we will cherish forever!

Many many thanks for your part in arranging this wonderful birdwatching tour. Everything went very smoothly from the moment we landed till the day we left. We seemed to attract a lot of attention on safari from other safaris who were bemused by the fact that we were birdwatching at a slow pace rather than tearing around looking for the big 5 - which we managed to see at close quarters anyway! Our guide (Peter) and driver (Martin) were excellent and really did everything they could to make sure we saw and photographed as many birds as we did.

We had the chance to visit South Africa in the past week. When we knew we were going there a Safari was a must, however we wanted to find something that would suit our expectations and likes, but also would make us feel secure (1st time in South Africa, two women traveling). I found info about African Budget Safaris online, read their reviews, and had the fortune to be helped by Claire. Claire is a detail oriented travel agent, she sent all the specifics about our options, found the perfect 5-stars Safari for us -Sanbona- and made everything smooth and easy. From Safari selection, to accommodate our transportation accordingly to our needs/flights, and to provide any details needed for 1st timers. Thank you for had given us such a great experience as customers and travelers. Sanbona, hope to have the chance to go back again, amazing staff, our compliments to the chef, spa, ranger, everyone made us have a wonderful experience!

Truly a satisfying experience. I’ve to thank Daniel from African Budget Safari for providing me with right package after understanding my preferences. Although my initial trip got cancelled due to Covid restrictions, Daniel managed to reserve my trip for the future and I finally managed to get on to the safari. The tremisana lodge and treehouse lodge were simply great . Simple lodges but felt homely . The staffs in the lodges were great in their hospitality. The safaris were the most satisfying part . Managed to see lots of animals in their natural habitat. The guides who drove us were very knowledgeable and were very willing to share their knowledge of the terrain and animals . Lastly the drive along the panorama route to the blyde canyon was simply terrific. Excellent views. Overall totally satisfying . Thank you African Budget Safaris