South Africa exemplifies beauty in its truest form! You wouldn’t need a round trip upon arriving in the country to experience the beautiful landscape, rich wildlife, and an upbeat culture.
If you’re looking to travel to South Africa, you have a valid desire, but first things first; you have to determine the true cost as you plan your trip.
Before we get to the details, South Africa is a fairly cheap country to groove, dine, and tour!
A 2022 report by Statista revealed that South Africa comes third place after Morocco and Tunisia among the top 10 most visited countries in Africa.
Africa reported in 2023 that South Africa recorded over a whopping 8 million international tourists. A number that has constantly been increasing over the years.
This insider’s guide will break down the actual costs of visiting South Africa so you can determine if it fits your budget. From accommodation to food, transportation, and activities you’re likely going to be involved in, we have broken them all up, price by price. At the end, you should be able to confidently set a budget that just fits your preference and also not a trade-off for the fun part!
Also, if you stick around till the end, you’ll also see practical money-saving tips to help you stretch your money as far as it can get. Yunno, some corner-cuttings that only an insider can leak.
Accommodation Costs
Let’s begin with one of the most crucial aspects of staying in a foreign land: a pleasant and safe place to lay your head.
Typical accommodation prices in South Africa can vary tremendously. It can go from as low as $10/night dorm beds in backpacker hostels to a whopping $500+/night for luxury lodges, where you have everything you’ll ever need, plus a dazzling environment.
As for mid-range hotels, expect prices to start around $50-100/night for a double room with an en-suite bathroom. Most travelers prefer this option, especially if they’re moving with their families.
AirBnBs and guest houses offer apartments or rooms starting as low as $30/night, which is also a preferred cost-effective option.
During peak tourist season, which typically starts around the holidays month of December through January, rates for accommodation can even double. One foolproof way to get past the hike in price is to book well in advance, which can help you to secure better and cheaper deals without much hassle.
And suppose you’re very particular about spending too little on accommodation. In that case, the cheapest option is to opt for dorms or guest houses in smaller towns over popular cities, which can significantly reduce costs.
Food & Drink Prices
Another important aspect, as you’d expect, is feeding!
South Africa boasts rich and diverse cultural foods; you may love some! From the popular Bobotie to Malva pudding and a favorite Chakalaka and pap, these will be well displayed on the menu as you enter restaurants/eateries.
Don’t worry; eating out in South Africa won’t break most travellers’ budgets. Meals at inexpensive eateries cost around $5-10.
A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $15-25/person (a very cheap bargain compared to visiting most European countries). At higher-end venues, dinner for two with wine easily tops $100.
If you shop for groceries, not to worry; you can get your stuff for highly affordable prices – especially if you stick to local staples like maize meal, rice, eggs, milk, and other locally sourced produce. And you may like to join the majority of shoppers to shop at Checkers.
According to a poll by Netwerk24, 84% of over 3500 respondents preferred to shop at Checkers. So don’t fail to try them when you’re in South Africa.
As for street food, bakeries, fresh juice bars, and local fast-food chains, you can expect them to be very cost-effective compared to the classic eateries. Meals at this spot can come under $5/meal.
Alcohol prices are on par with most Western countries – budget $2-3 per local beer or glass of South African wine. Expecting a lowered price on exotic drinks is not typical.
Transportation Costs
Suppose you’re going to be making long-distance bus travel. In that case, it’s not a blow to your budget – it is highly affordable in South Africa, with famous lines like Greyhound, TransLux, and BazBus offering fares starting as low as $10 for a 5-6 hour journey.
The infamous minibus taxis locals use provide an even cheaper (though less comfortable) option at just a couple of dollars per hour of transport.
Rental cars start around $30-60/day for economy vehicles like hatchbacks and sedans. Opting for a 4×4 vehicle that can handle rugged terrain will save you around $100-150/day during peak season.
For movement within cities, ride-hailing apps like Uber offer affordable rates of just a few dollars per shorter trip.
The price typically depends on the kind of vehicle you choose and the distance. Exotic cars will surely cost more, and a long distance will also translate to a higher price.
The country’s passenger rail system is highly economical but slower than buses or driving yourself.
For example, a 19-hour train between Johannesburg and Cape Town costs just $30 for a seated coach ticket. Premier luxury sleeper compartments with all meals included run $100-150.
Activity & Park Fees
Most protected areas and nature reserves charge entry fees of $5-30 per person.
More famous destinations like Kruger National Park and Cape Town’s Table Mountain charge $25-75 per person.
Multi-day wilderness safaris in private concessions fall in the splurge-worthy realm, costing upwards of $500-1,000 per day.
Cultural and township tours generally range from budget-friendly at $50-100 for a half-day to $150-200+ for a full-day excursion.
Adrenaline adventures like shark cage diving, bungee jumping, or paragliding will cost most travelers $100-300 for a single activity lasting a few hours. Bottom line: a wide spectrum of activities suit various budgets.
So, Is South Africa Cheap for Tourists?
Compared to the average costs of sightseeing in Europe, the United States, or Australia, South Africa is generally an affordable destination for most foreign tourists.
However, it’s not necessarily “cheap” by developing world standards, where places like Southeast Asia provide extreme budget travel for just $30-50 per day.
Most frugal backpackers plan on a daily budget of $50-100 to allow participation in some activities beyond basics.
Mid-range comfort travelers should tally $100-200 per day for a South Africa trip, including private lodging, car rental, eating at nicer restaurants, and several tour/park excursions.##
The most expensive trips easily tally $500-1,000+ per day. And that’s if you’re going to be living in high-end accommodation, taking guided safaris (which are fun), and dining lavishly. All these come at a cost that is not cheap but worth every money spent.
Tips for Saving Money in South Africa
Here are some of the top insider tips for saving money during your South African getaway, no matter your style of travel and whether you want it meager or mega:
- Ensure to travel during the summer low season, typically around November-February. During these times, airfares and lodging drop by 25-50%. Normally, you can expect to range from $500 – $950. However, it varies with different airlines.
- Use budget airlines for internal flights. Or travel by stops.
- Book multi-city bus tickets in advance for the most significant discounts. The best months to book include September to early November.
- Ensure the purchase of a prepaid SIM card for affordable local data rates. The cheapest operators include Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom and MTN.
- Opt for apartments, BnBs, or guest houses with self-catering facilities. It’s cheaper to shop for groceries and prepare meals yourself than to be served an already-made one. This is especially beneficial if you’re traveling with a family.
- Shop at grocery stores, fresh produce markets, and street vendors. Top grocery stores with occasional discounts in South Africa include Checkout, Boxer, Shoprite, Pick and Pay, Advance Cash and Carry, 7-Eleven, and Woolworths.
- Buy daily entrance tickets instead of pricey multi-day park passes. It’s very important if you’re looking to save money yet have a fun-filled vacation.
- Join free walking tours and visit museums on free days. And if you’re visiting any of these towns, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Soweto, you can easily find free walking tours. The best part is that they’re open 365 days a year! To join a free tour, visit TripAdvisor to see converging locations and departure times.
Wrapping up
Hope this insider peek gives you a better grasp of South Africa’s affordability. It’s a place for everyone!
As pointed out, it all depends on how much you’re willing to spend. South Africa accommodates the most luxurious and frugal budgets. Mega or meager, you’re as good as any tourist could be and signed up for a fun-filled vacation.
So, with some planning and following the money-saving strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be amazed by how far your budget can stretch across this incredibly exciting country!