Ready to explore South Africa? As a stunning destination, it's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we've got all the practical info you need to plan a fantastic trip without breaking the bank. From hotel rates and food costs to sightseeing prices and transportation, we've covered everything because we have a huge amount of data from previous travelers.
How much does it cost to travel to South Africa?
You should plan to spend around $103 (R1,901) per day on your vacation in South Africa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $34 (R630) on meals
- $16 (R288) on local transportation
- $95 (R1,754) on hotels
A one week trip to South Africa for two people costs, on average, $1,441 (R26,614). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$721
R13,307
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,441
R26,614
-
One Month
Per person
$3,089
R57,030
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,441
R26,614
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,883
R53,228
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,177
R114,060
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to South Africa cost?
A one week trip to South Africa usually costs around $721 (R13,307) for one person and $1,441 (R26,614) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to South Africa on average costs around $1,441 (R26,614) for one person and $2,883 (R53,228) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in South Africa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to South Africa on average costs around $3,089 (R57,030) for one person and $6,177 (R114,060) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is South Africa expensive to visit?
South Africa is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Africa, South Africa is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Tanzania or Uganda.
South Africa caters to all kinds of travelers, with plenty of activities and accommodations across a broad price range. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate hostels in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, but there are also luxurious hotel options, plus mid-range stays perfect for families or couples.
Although South Africa can be expensive, you can reduce your expenses by focusing on eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $43 (R755) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $108 (R1,901) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $281 (R4,939) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to South Africa.
For more details, see Is South Africa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to South Africa?
The average South Africa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these South Africa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to South Africa cost?
South Africa on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(R321)
|
$47
(R877)
|
$140
(R2,585)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6.42
(R118)
|
$16
(R288)
|
$36
(R658)
|
|
Food 2
|
$14
(R261)
|
$34
(R630)
|
$77
(R1,421)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6.50
(R120)
|
$17
(R315)
|
$47
(R863)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(R36-108)
|
$5-15
(R94-283)
|
$14-42
(R259-777)
|
The view from Table Mountain, Cape Town
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your budget. Many people assume that they're a "budget" traveler, and some believe that they will spend just $43 per day in South Africa, the reality is, most people are not comfortable traveling in that style. Consider what you really enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Is dining out important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit South Africa for around $43 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, South Africa has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to South Africa will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $108 per person, per day.
South Africa has a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals to fit any travel style. You'll likely be cutting your individual costs by sharing your hotel room with a partner, friends, or your kids. In family-friendly spots like Cape Town and Gansbaai, you'll come across plenty of hotels and restaurants designed with kids in mind. In Cape Town, check out Carmichael Guesthouse, or consider Cape Heritage Hotel in Cape Town. For more family and couples options, see our hotel guide for South Africa here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $281 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Luxury Garden Route Journey from Cape Town - offered by Amatungulu Tour.
Accommodation Budget in South Africa
The hotel prices in South Africa can really vary. In some areas, you'll notice a big gap between budget-friendly and high-end accommodations. During peak season, expect even higher prices. Traveling in the off-season or shoulder season can help you save a lot, and booking early usually gets you a better deal.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in South Africa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $95 (R1,754). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $47 (R877) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in South Africa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in South Africa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 (R288) per person, per day, on local transportation in South Africa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in South Africa is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
R288
Typical prices for transit in South Africa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in South Africa. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in South Africa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in South Africa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in South Africa is $34 (R630) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$34
R630
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in South Africa is around $36 (R630) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $81. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in South Africa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $29
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
South African cuisine has been influenced by both its colonial past as well as its indigenous cultures. It's very multicultural in nature in large part because of these diverse influences. Countries that have somehow impacted this country's cuisine include Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, India, Malaysia, and Portugal. You'll see all of the flavors represented in traditional South African dishes.
Braaivleis: This is a common way of preparing meat during social gatherings or on the weekends. The meat is grilled over an open fire that is made from either wood or charcoal. It is then served with a variety of side dishes.
Potjiekos: This dish is typically prepared along side of Braaivleis. It's a meat and vegetable stew that is prepared in a cast iron pot over an open fire.
Boerewors: This is a fast food style dish that is made with spicy sausage that is served on a hotdog bun. It is usually garnished with onions and tomato relish.
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in South Africa. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Half-Day Small Group Cooking Experience in Franschhoek for $107 details
- Private Cape Malay Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family for $100 details
- Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals for $92 details
- Swartberg Sunset Tour and Dinner for $79 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in South Africa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in South Africa typically cost an average of $17 (R315) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
R315
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore South Africa. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Culture Walking Tour of Durban for $62 details
- Panorama Guided Tour for $126 details
- Private Day tour of the Cape. Our reviews show why people book! For $119 details
- Cape Point Penguin Tour for $226 details
Nightlife Budget in South Africa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $10 (R189) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in South Africa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$10
R189
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but drinking less can leave you with more money for other parts of your trip.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in South Africa. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Exclusive Wine Tours by Martin Stevens for $141 details
- Private Wine Tour of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl for $145 details
- Cape Town Peninsula Day Tour ( Cape Point/Boulders/Wine Tasting) for $84 details
- Wildlife Safari, Olive, Beer and Wine Tasting Day Tour from Cape Town for $223 details
Traveling in South Africa
Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
South Africa is a great place to immerse yourself in the African culture. It's a large country that's located on the southern tip of the continent. It has a large diversity of landscape, culture and industry. It also has one of the strongest economies on the continent, and as such it is an influential political power in the area. Many people visit South Africa for its wonderful and diverse wildlife, but there are so many other things to see and do here. Kruger National Park is one of the most visited parks in all of Africa and you can spend days, or even weeks, exploring it's ecosystems. The cities are multicultural and cosmopolitan so there are many museums, restaurants, and entertainment options nearby. The beaches are beautiful and there is no shortage of adventure sports, whether you want to swim with a great white shark, surf some of the best waves around, or go whitewater rafting on the Orange River.
The country is divided into nine different provinces, each of which has something unique to offer visitors. You'll find Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province. This is where you will most likely enter the country if you're are arriving by plane. The Western Cape is one of the most popular provinces for tourists. This is where you will find Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Garden Route, and any number of great wineries. The Garden Route also crosses into the Eastern Cape which is also home to several great surfing beaches and a few national parks. The Northern Cape has the lowest population despite having the largest size. Free State is where you'll find the World Heritage Site of Vredefort Dome. KwaZulu-Natal is a great area for hiking and waterfall spotting and the North West has Pilanesberg Game Reserve. You'll have to cross through Mpumalanga if you're headed to Mozambique, and if you're looking for Kruger National Park you'll find it in Limpopo.
South Africa is a popular starting point for those who are hoping to explore the entire southern region of Africa. It's the easiest country to reach with international flights and is a great introduction to the region. Whether you plan to spend your entire holiday in South Africa, or are using it as a jumping off point to explore other countries, it's sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
At A Glance
- Many people choose to rent a car during their time in South Africa. This provides you with more freedom and flexibility during your travels, but there are some things which you should be aware of. Rental cars are available almost exclusively with manual transmissions. If you want an automatic they are often very expensive and in short supply. Prior to renting the car, also make sure you understand any restrictions you might be under like driving on dirt roads or geographic limits. Many rental cars also limit the waiver they provide on damage. Inquire about this prior to signing a contract.
- Road signs in South Africa are different from those found in most places. If you plan to do any lengthy driving make sure you familiarize yourself with what the signage means. Vehicles also drive on the left hand side of the road. If this is new to you, it may be tricky in the beginning.
- Cycling in the rural areas is a wonderful way to experience the country. It is generally best to avoid riding a bike in the major cities because of reckless drivers and crime, but on rural roads it is a beautiful and fun experience.
- It's a good idea to use precautions anytime you travel wherever you are. Try to use ATM's that are inside of buildings such as shopping malls or banks. Also make sure that nobody can see you enter your pin number. If someone offers you assistance, tell them no thanks and wait until they leave before you continue your withdrawal.
- If you're shopping in an indoor store, the prices are usually fixed and non negotiable. If you're in an outside market however, there will likely be some room for haggling.
Related
Looking for a
hostel in Marrakesh,
Cape Town,
Nairobi, or
Zanzibar?
Top Tourist Attractions
The country of South Africa is full of sights and activities. From natural beauty such as the wildlife and mountains to the historical sights found in Johannesburg or Cape Town, this dynamic country offers something for everyone. Many people suggest that you spend two weeks in South Africa, or more, just to see it all. Below are some of the highlights.
Kruger National Park: This park is one of the most popular national parks in Africa. It is one of the best places to do a safari. It's located in the northeastern part of the country and is quite diverse in its landscape and wildlife. It has many different sights and a great infrastructure which makes it easy to explore.
Cape Peninsula: This is a beautiful area that is made from a rocky peninsula that juts out into the the Atlantic Ocean. On it you will find many different places of interest including Table Mountain, scenic beaches and excellent shopping. On the southern end you will also find Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
Garden Route: This is a region with incredible beauty and great opportunities for outdoor sports and activities. It runs between Mossel Bay and St. Francis along the Indian Ocean and it is one of the top tourist attractions in the area.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.