South Africa – with its dramatic coastline, wildlife-filled parks, vibrant cultures, and cosmopolitan cities – can be within reach for travelers of all budgets.
The country has long had a reputation for being affordable. Accommodations and food are particularly good value, especially in the upper ranges of the market, with prices at luxury hotels and restaurants considerably less than those at their European and North American counterparts.
At the budget end of the spectrum, expect good quality and standards at very reasonable prices. At all levels, your most significant outlays are likely to be for organized safaris and guided tours. However, with a bit of planning, it’s possible to find ways to keep costs manageable while still experiencing everything you hope to.
Daily Costs in South Africa
- Hostel room: ZAR200–300 (per dorm bed)
- Basic room for two: from ZAR600
- Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from ZAR550
- Bus ticket Johannesburg–Cape Town (1400km/870 miles): from ZAR650 one-way
- Flight Johannesburg–Cape Town: from ZAR1200 one-way
- Coffee: ZAR30
- Bunny chow (sandwich): ZAR70
- Dinner for two: from ZAR450, excluding drinks
- Bottle of South African wine: from ZAR90
- Daily entry fee for Kruger National Park: ZAR460/230 per adult/child
- Daily entry fee for Mountain Zebra National Park: ZAR252/126 per adult/child
- Beer/pint at the bar: ZAR30–60
Average daily cost for three meals a day plus accommodations and activities: from ZAR800 at the budget level up to ZAR3500 or more for top-end travel.
1. Johannesburg is the Cheapest Gateway Airport for Regional Flights
Johannesburg is an ideal port of entry if you’re planning to include Kruger National Park or the Drakensberg area (both an easy half-day’s drive away) in your travels. Furthermore, if you’ll be combining your South Africa itinerary with visits to neighboring countries, Johannesburg remains a preferred entry point. For international flights, Cape Town is catching up with Johannesburg, and fares are now roughly comparable between the two hubs; therefore, choose an entry point based on geographics and where you want to focus your explorations.
2. Renting a Car is the Most Cost-Effective Way to Explore the Country
Car hire is the best budget option for traveling around South Africa, especially if you’re traveling as a family or in a small group. International and local rental agencies have branches at major South African hubs, and many offer unlimited kilometers at reasonable rates, which is essential for keeping costs down while covering the country’s large distances.
Moreover, solo travelers or those who don’t want to rent a vehicle should check out private shuttle services. One popular option is BazBus, which connects Cape Town with both Johannesburg and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) via the scenic Garden Route, offering both direct and hop-on-hop-off options.
3. Use Ridesharing Apps to Get Around Urban Areas
Uber is widely regarded as safe and is generally less expensive than taxis. It’s also a good choice for affordable transport between the airport and your hotel; look out for the signposted ridesharing app pick-up zones.
4. Visit During the Shoulder Season to Get the Best Deals
Prices are typically highest during the December to January summer holiday period, and accommodations – including those within national parks – are often booked out well in advance. Therefore, February to May and September to November tend to be excellent months to visit in most provinces, with fine weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. However, be cautious around holiday periods and major events.
5. Plan a Do-It-Yourself Park Visit Instead of an Organized Safari
South Africa offers some of southern Africa’s best-value wildlife-watching opportunities, and all major parks are geared towards independent travelers. Self-drive itineraries are easy, and for those days when you do want a wildlife guide, this can be easily arranged at park reception areas. Additionally, you can save by camping or staying in park-run accommodations, as all parks often offer low-season accommodation discounts.
If you’re traveling as a family, or if you plan on spending more than a week inside the major parks, consider purchasing a SANParks Wild Card. Moreover, remember that smaller or lesser-known parks often have lower entry fees than their more famous counterparts.
6. Save by Staying at Hostels or Backpacker Accommodations
Take advantage of cheap dorm beds, kitchens for self-catering, bulletin boards with posts from travelers looking for groups, and plenty of links to reasonably-priced local excursions. Almost all hostels and hotels have discounts for children under 12, and many are well-suited for families, with private rooms in addition to dorm beds. Private rentals, such as those arranged through services like Lekkeslaap, Airbnb, or similar, can also bring significant savings, especially for longer stays.
7. Visit South Africa’s Free and Almost-Free Attractions
Small towns and off-beat destinations tend to have lower prices compared to cities and major tourist spots. However, it’s possible to save even in major hubs. For example, in Cape Town, you can hike up and down Table Mountain to visit it more affordably. Afterward, relax with a swim at the Camp’s Bay tidal pool or do some seal-spotting from the Seapoint promenade. In Durban, soak up local vibes on a stroll along the boardwalk, while in Johannesburg, you can explore many free museums and the famous Apartheid Museum, which has a reasonable ZAR150 entry fee.
8. Braai (Barbecue), Buy Local Produce and Bring a Refillable Bottle
The braai (barbecue) is a significant South African tradition that arises from various cultures across the nation. Consequently, it’s common to find guesthouses, apartments, or homestays with a braai pit available for use.
You can also picnic in South African style by stocking up on provisions in the nearest town, filling a cool box, and heading out for a self-catered holiday along the coast or in the national parks. Moreover, seek out South Africa’s abundance of locally made products, particularly cheeses and wines, which are often available at great prices.
Local tap water is generally safe to drink, so carrying a refillable flask helps save costs while also addressing the problem of plastic waste. If you prefer not to cook for yourself, observe where locals eat to find the best deals. Sidewalk food vendors and small, local-style restaurants selling traditional South African food often provide delicious options. Remember to ask staff at your accommodation for their favorite places to eat for the best recommendations.
9. Claim Back Tax When You Leave
Save your receipts for souvenirs and other items to claim back South Africa’s 15% Value Added Tax when leaving the country. For details, check out the government’s Vat Refund Agency page.
10. South Africa is a Great Place to Splurge, if You Can
While upmarket hotels can cost upwards of ZAR3000 per night, rates are generally well below those at equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. You’ll enjoy similar levels of service, often complemented by stunning views over oceans or mountains. After taking in the views, make time to relish South Africa’s world-class cuisine. The Cape Winelands and Johannesburg are just two locations known for their excellent dining options, where mains typically don’t exceed ZAR200 and a multi-course set menu at an elite-level restaurant might run to about ZAR1500.
This article was first published Apr 22, 2023, and updated Sep 11, 2023.
