The idea of a South African safari often conjures up images of five-star lodges and luxury game drives — but a holiday in the bush doesn't have to be out of reach for travelers on a tighter budget.

I stayed in the luxury riverfront safari suites overlooking the Sabie River, bordering Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Whether you’re tackling the deserts of Namibia or the jungles of Uganda, the safari experience is heightened when you do it under your own steam. Here are some of the best self-drive adventures to be ...