Photo: Peter John Watson/Shutterstock

This Game Drive in Eswatini Is One of the Cheapest Safaris in Africa

Africa Wildlife
by Matador Creators Mar 13, 2023

African safaris are a hallmark of a complete Africa experience, though cost can often be a barrier to entry. This game drive, however, in Eswatini’s Mkhaya Game Reserve, is not only one of the most memorable in Africa, it’s also one of the most affordable.

Mkhaya Game Reserve was established in 1979 with the goal of conserving endangered wildlife species. The reserve is home to a wide variety of animals, including black and white rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, as well as over 200 bird species. Visitors to Mkhaya Game Reserve can go on game drives, which are guided tours through the reserve in open-sided vehicles. These game drives give visitors the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat, and learn about the reserve’s efforts to conserve endangered species.

@chalofy Did we do the cheapest safari in Africa?😅 #traveltiktok #desitiktok #safari #travelafrica #lionking #couplecomedy #dreamscometrue ♬ original sound – TNC Media

the reserve is incredibly intimate, with a maximum of eight guests per game drive. This allows for a more personalized experience and plenty of opportunities to see the animals up close. And because the reserve is relatively small (just 12,000 acres), it’s easy to see a variety of animals in one day. The black and white rhinos are particularly special; there are only 500 black rhinos left in the wild, and Mkhaya is home to 15 of them.

The cost of a safari trip to Mkhaya Game Reserve will depend on several factors, including the type of accommodation you choose and any additional activities or services you might want to add on. Prices typically range, however, from around $300 – $500 per person for two nights, including all meals, park entrance fees, and game drives. That’s pretty cheap by safari standards. There are also a variety of package deals and discounts that can make your safari even more affordable, like family discounts if you’re traveling with children under the age of 12, and military discounts.

Discover Matador