African Budget Safaris Reviews 

The Umkumbe lodge was fantastic. The game drives, service, food and atmosphere was exceptional. We couldn’t say enough great things about our safari experience. It was an epic trip. We also did a terrific wine tour that Claire with Budget Safaris arranged. Claire was also amazing she was so helpful and accommodated our last minute changes. Highly recommend!!!

Claire from Africa Budget Safaris, did a phenomenal job arranging our full holiday in South Africa. From the point we landed to the point we completed the arrangements. From pick up to drop off all on point. The Safari (Africa on Foot) was exceptional. The Africa on Foot camp site was clean and very well run. The guides were fantastic and very knowledgeable. Africa on Foot was an excellent recommendation by Africa Budget Safaris. Four days of Safari, mornings on foot trail then the afternoon on vehicle. Plenty of food and drink and great conversation during meal time with other guests and the camp hosts. Definitely recommended for those who like to hit the trail by foot. Best encounter was with an elephant whilst on foot. 4 meters from where we were (without moving).
Second best encounter was a pride of lions, which rushed into a hunt after zebra, amazing!!
Following our time on safari we took a flight into Cape Town, pickup and dropoff at hotel. I say hotel, but it was more like being at someone's home. The Pineapple Boutique at Sea Point. Excellent hospitality clean and the decor was something to admire. Whilst in Cape Town, we did the Peninsular Tour one day and a wine tour another day. All arranged by Claire.

We had the most amazing time. Thanks for all the arrangements Claire.

I can't say enough praise about my experience dealing with Claire and African Budget Safaris. Very helpful, accommodating and enthusiastic about what they offer and do. I was initially overwhelmed by the options but was guided to tours that suited my priorities in what I wanted in an 'adventure' vacation. The prices were also extremely reasonable. I previously said this was a 'trip of a lifetime' but now know I'll be back to do it again and will most certainly use ABS to help coordinate my next adventure!

Claire from ABS bent over backwards to organize a wonderful private tour for my group. The lodges were great. We had amazing guides throughout the trip. Namibia is a fascinating, off the beaten track country that is full of pleasant surprises: scenery, flora and fauna. I highly recommend ABS.

I cannot sing the praises of African Budget safari’s and Claire enough!

My mother wanted to experience an African safari for her 70th, 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!

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 send 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!

The trip was excellent from the start to the finish; initial guidance from Claire Monson, through to the running and management of the trip by Nomad.
Highlights:
- the landscape of the countries we travelled through
- the Okavengo Delta
- the lodge at the Okavengo Delta; superb . Amazing fixed tents, great lodge; lovely meals
- the game safaris through Africa Pride; great drivers, skilful and amazing ability to spot game
- Vic Falls (from both sides) as good as I hoped it would be
- our tour leader, Loraine; enthusiastic - even at 6.00 a.m; knowledgable about the route and places we were visiting; great problem solver !
Although I joined the tour in Windhoek (started in Cape Town) I was made very welcome and thoroughly enjoyed the group dynamics.
One observation (rather than criticism): felt rather isolated , screened from, the local peoples and cultures; understandable but a shame nonetheless.
Overall - loved it.
Overall - great trip.

Wonderful Experience:
We had a great experience right from the exploring/advising stage!
Claire (6 out of 5 stars to her!!!) was fantastic is understanding what we were looking for and customizing and incorporating their "fixed" tours around our wants to fit our customized needs.
She planned everything meticulously! She even allowed me to book hotels that she planned for us myself, given that she could not match the Google prices!
The safari tours are like an well oiled system; really well planned and meticulously arranged (despite dodgy African roads and communications infrastructure!)
We especially loved their accommodated budget tours (less expensive) than the higher priced one! Food was cooked fresh in front of us by a really efficient and amazing cook (mama Tembhi) - and since we could participate in the process a bit, it allowed building great camaraderie.
All in all, was really an experience of a lifetime! Highly recommended!

Amazing tour from start to finish. Claire was always helpful and made me feel taken care of at all times before the tour. As an older solo traveller, this was very appreciated. Our tour guides Para and Rimson were very professional and experienced. To see Victoria Falls has been on my bucket list for a long time. And then the animals! Nothing compares to seeing a beautiful, wild animal in its natural environment. I will never forget this adventure. Thank you African Budget Safaris and Nomad Tours.

I booked the most fabulous trip to South Africa with ABS and worked with Claire. I cannot express how wonderful she was -- prompt and extremely clear communications from beginning to end. She found my husband and me the perfect place to experience safari!! We've never taken such a big trip before and I was comfortable and confident due to Claire's management. We were pampered yet never forgot we were truly in a fabled and wild African National Park. If you are mulling it over, just jump in - you will remember this forever! Lions, rhino, wonderful birds, giraffe .. you name it, its out there ..and a lux tent with air to sleep in... how will I go back to my real life?

Fantastic experience all round using African Budget Safaris!

Claire was so helpful in organising my safari, especially as I needed an onward transfer north instead of going back to Jburg which she got all sorted for me!

I stayed at the nDzuti camp on the Greater Kruger Tented safari package which was amazing and the lodge owners were lovely. The camp was very comfortable and a little rustic (which I loved!) and provided fantastic food. Game drives were amazing with a very knowledgable guide (despite having awful weather!) And of course I saw lots of wonderful wildlife!

From the first contact we had with African Budget Safaris we knew we were in good hands. Claire replied to our inquiries within a very short time and provided us all the information we needed to make an informed decision. This was our first visit to Africa and our first safari, so it was good having someone so knowledgeable to keep us informed.
Our experience on safari exceeded our expectations! We were hoping to see a few animals but were overwhelmed by how many we did see and get up close with. Our driver and guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The accommodations were also diverse and comfortable.
When we come back to the African continent we will be contacting ABS to plan it for us!!

African Budget Safaris was confronted with not easy task to put together the itinerary that would suit a group of 12 persons, both teens and adults, first time visitors to South Africa mixed with repeaters, and last but not least, of divers financial situation. Our person in ABS was Claire and nobody could do it better than she did. We travelled from Cape Town to the north towards Kgalagadi Tranfrontier Park, did canoeing on Orange River, walked Augrabies Falls, toasted Cape Agulhas and ended in Cape of Good Hope. Beatiful landscapes, animals and birds in wild, lots of bottles emptied in elegant wineries...Excellent crew from Nomad Tours made our long way on tour-truck full of fun and adventorous, but not exhausting at all. Good en-suite accomodation on every stop was comfortable and budget-friendly as well. Very interesting itinerary within reasonable budget, each and every traveller is absolutely satisfied after our African Adventure. Thanks Claire, thanks ABS, thanks Nomad Tours, thanks Cardi & Shorty. Hope to see you again :)

Had a fantastic five day adventure planned by African Budget Safaris in Tanzania, mainly the Serengeti (and two other parks). I have always dreamt of being there and thrilled I finally did. African Budget, via Claire, were fantastic ranging from thorough prompt communications, solid advice, answering my too many questions, attention to details, catering to individual preferences and obvious passion. I had extra complex planning which included bus logistic and all came through well. This was my first Safari (aside from a lesser bush one many years ago) and what an experience. Tanzania is wonderful with proud beautiful people that leave you with a lasting impression. Wild Africa- See you again.

The overland adventure camping trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls via Namibia and Botswana that we just did, after a fair bit of good advice and service given by Claire at African Budget Safaris, was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure I - the family bossess - wanted for us, a Norwegian couple with three teenagers, and we loved every minute, more than we'd imagined. We have done our share of backpacking, kids included, and have been to Africa before, but my husband and our 15-year-old, who are two meters tall, did worry: It's a long drive (5500 km). But it was a bliss: the truck (with its good seats, leg space and big cupboards, power points, fridge and water tap), the drives, the bumpy roads and sometimes strenuous walks, the camping, the work (tents, dishes and such), the heat (up to 40 degrees), the bushy-bushy ... No one complained. There was always something new and exciting to do or look at. In short, we'll never forget these three weeks, much thanks to our brilliant Drifters-leaders - let's call them R and F - who are different types with different backgrounds and mindsets, one energetic and one calm, and quite perfect together, the way we see it, and inspirational, especially for the youngsters. They were kind and respectful towards every person - us and others - and animal; they share a leave-no-trace-attitude; they were flexible, calm and solution-oriented in stressful situations or when we had some kind of mishap; they always gave good, clear and correct information about our next step, to all of us at the same time, never too much and sometimes a little too little, which just made the next step more exciting. They fixed problems, if any, without moaning. They told people - egotistical tourists and such - off when necessary. They were in a good but not too good mood. Both had a nice sense of humour that suited all of us, the eight different people on board. They have stories to tell and know how to talk with all kinds of people; they see you; you feel valued. They talked about their own lives, but too much, and were interested in our lives and cultures without asking (too) personal questions. They treated us as individuals as well as a group. R in particular often took part in our spare-time activities, playing, swimming, just hanging or going for an extra walk, when he could have had some peace and time alone after a long day. They both, F in particular, know a lot about animals, flora and fauna as well as history, local languages - F spoke several african languages - and anthropology. They never seemed at a loss; they knew where they were going and prepared and guided us correctly and in not too many words. They were tidy and efficient, and cooked and served varied and nutritious meals, not too big, not too small, also for the vegetarians - no problem. We loved all the campsites we stayed at, and we slept well on our stretchers. The lodges and hotels we stayed at, were of a higher standard than we would have chosen ourselves - very good. R did 98 percent of the driving, for some reason, and he truly is a brilliant driver (on every road and condition) - never reckless or careless. F was incredibly good at spotting and pointing out animals and birds of all kinds, and we often stopped to look at things, but not too often. They would sometimes stop the truck to check if people were all right, buy fruit from poor people or lift a tortoise or chameleon out of the road and into the shrubs. A couple of times we helped people in a near life-saving way. I love these blokes. I feared that three weeks on one and the same bus, glued to people we'd never met before, would not always be easy, but I would gladly have spent another week or two with R and F (and the others), in that very bus, on those African roads. Magical, it was. If we had the money, we'd go on a new Drifters-trip every year.

We had an amazing holiday thanks to Claire - she was truly remarkable. we have travelled many places around the world and worked with different travel agents but Claire is in a league of her own. Responsive, warm, thoughtful and goes over and beyond to our (embarrassingly) countless ad hoc requests. What an absolute pleasure and privilege to have had her for our holiday planning.

Thank you Claire for all your help in putting together my trip in South Africa....From the minute I was picked up from the airport to my return journey I was well looked after. The Garden Route tour through Earthstompers was really great...lovely accommodation and good food all the way. something different everyday. Your advice was super and I really enjoyed the hostel style...exceeded expectations. Our guide Wendy really helped to make this trip special. Nothing was a bother for her and she is a mine of information... Finishing off my stay with a wine tour was a smashing idea....loved the different foods with the wines.....especially the chocolates!

Fast and easy communication process with the manager (Claire) who offered lots of different options and spent time checking on their availability. Booking process very smooth with online credit card payment.
The trip itself was great - lots of nice places seen, very professional and friendly guides, great atmosphere, almost an individual trip experience with the 2nd lady quitting earlier. I liked that despite being a camping option, there were 2 nights in a comfortable, remote, picturesque chalet. NB A lot of driving involved between the places though, might be tiring for some people.

Claire worked her magic and pieced it all together. I needed help to book two separate overland trips that had to fit in with some other independent travel that I was planning. My dates were tight due to my work schedule. Claire made some great suggestions as well as secured the trips and dates I needed. We had a great trip to the Southern Africa region for our 30th wedding anniversary. .

We absolutely loved the 20 day Kiboko safari, and we are sooo happy with everything!! The safari was really diverse, and we got to experience so many things, from big city in Cape Town, three different national parks with amazing wildlife, canyons, boulders, deltas & of course the great Victoria Falls!

We had a great group, with a good mix of people, and our three guides Collen, Promise & Zakeeli were 10 out of 10!! Collen handled the group brilliantly, reading any potential situation and addressing it before it escalated. Promise and Zakeeli were possibly the most hard working and patient people we have ever met. They were up every morning at 5am like soldiers, working away with genuine smiles that never left their faces. On the last night there was a storm which wrecked the camp and in the pouring rain they still prepared a great meal for us.
We can honestly say hand on heart - and many others in our group agreed - that you are very lucky to have 3 great guys such as these! We truly wish we could get such hard workers back in Sweden.

The long travel days on a hot bus was sometimes a bit challenging, but we were covering such big distances, so we know that it’s unavoidable. At the same time it gave us a chance to reflect & take in what great things we had just experienced! But if we would have any complaint/feedback (and we are being picky here!), it would be to maybe have a small fan on the bus…and perhaps a bit more storage space in the fridge.

But as you can hear, we couldn’t be happier with our safari with Kiboko, it was truly an unforgettable experience!

A special ‘Thank You’ to our wonderful agent Claire Monson for all her help & support throughout this time leading up to our safari. We couldn’t have done it without her professionalism, but still down to earth approach, and we are so happy that we got her to help us book this unforgettable safari!! ❤️❤️❤️ Not only is she a great agent, but she has also become a friend during these last couple of months, and we are so grateful for you Claire! Thank YOU for everything!!