If you want to experience the “Big Five” without breaking the bank, a group-joining safari is your best bet. You travel in a shared 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari minivan with a small group of other travelers.

The Experience: You share the costs of the vehicle, the fuel, and the guide. You will stay in budget-friendly lodges or permanent tented camps located just outside the national park gates.
The Vibe: Social and high-energy. You’ll meet people from all over the world, though you’ll have less flexibility regarding your daily schedule.