Planning your South Africa travel budget is one of the first things every new visitor worries about. How much does it really cost? The honest answer is: it depends on how you travel. South Africa suits every budget, from shoestring backpackers to safari honeymooners. This guide breaks down real costs for flights, accommodation, safari, food, and transport — so you can plan your trip with confidence.
How Much Do Flights to South Africa Cost?
Flights are usually the single biggest expense on any South Africa travel budget. The good news is that once you land, your money goes a long way. The rand is weak against both the pound and the dollar, which makes daily spending very manageable.
Flights from the UK
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town or Johannesburg run throughout the year. In shoulder season — April to May and September to October — expect to pay £450–£700 for a return ticket. During peak season (December to January), prices climb to £800–£1,200 or more.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London. Budget carriers like Condor often offer cheaper indirect options via a stop. Book at least three months ahead to secure the best fares.
Flights from the United States
From the East Coast (New York, Washington DC), return flights to Johannesburg or Cape Town typically cost $700–$1,100. From the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco), add roughly $150–$250 more.
There are no non-stop flights from the US to South Africa. You will connect in Johannesburg or route through Doha, Amsterdam, or London. Total flying time from New York runs around 15–17 hours including the connection.
South Africa Daily Budget Breakdown
A South Africa travel budget looks very different depending on how you like to travel. Here is a clear breakdown of three main styles.
Budget Travel: £50–80 Per Day
Budget travellers will find South Africa surprisingly affordable. Hostel dorm beds in Cape Town or Johannesburg cost £10–20 per night. Local restaurants serve filling meals for £2–5. Uber works reliably in cities and costs far less than its European equivalents.
Outside of national park fees, South Africa is one of Africa’s most accessible destinations on a tight budget. Expect to spend £50–80 per person per day on a shoestring trip, excluding flights.
Mid-Range Travel: £120–200 Per Day
Most visitors fall into the mid-range bracket. A mid-range South Africa travel budget covers guesthouses and boutique hotels (£40–80 a night), restaurant meals, a hired car, and one or two paid experiences per day.
Hiring a car is strongly recommended at this level. It unlocks the Garden Route, the Winelands, and self-drive Kruger — all at a fraction of guided-tour prices.
Luxury Travel: £300+ Per Day
South Africa offers world-class luxury at prices well below comparable experiences in Europe or North America. A private game reserve typically costs £300–£1,200+ per person per night, but usually includes all meals, morning and evening game drives, and all activities.
Cape Town’s top hotels run £200–£500 a night. If luxury travel is your style, South Africa delivers exceptional value for money.
Accommodation Costs in South Africa
South Africa offers a wide range of accommodation at every price point. Here is what to expect across the country.
- Hostel dormitory: £10–20 per night
- Self-catering flat or backpacker room: £20–40 per night
- Guesthouse or B&B: £40–80 per night
- Boutique hotel (Cape Town, Stellenbosch): £80–200 per night
- Luxury hotel: £200–500+ per night
- All-inclusive private game lodge: £300–£1,200+ per person per night
Budget and mid-range accommodation outside Cape Town is particularly affordable. Towns along the Garden Route, the Drakensberg, and the Karoo offer excellent guesthouses for £35–60 a night. South Africa’s guesthouse culture is superb — family-run B&Bs often beat big hotels on both price and character.
How Much Does a South Africa Safari Cost?
A safari is the highlight of most South Africa trips. Costs vary enormously depending on how you choose to go.
Self-Drive Kruger National Park
Self-driving Kruger is the most affordable safari option in Africa. The daily park entrance fee is approximately £21 per vehicle. Rest camp accommodation inside the park runs £15–80 a night, depending on the camp and room type.
You bring your own hire car and your patience. Spotting the Big Five on a self-drive Kruger trip is genuinely achievable — and incredibly rewarding. Read our full Kruger National Park safari guide for everything you need to plan it properly.
Private Game Reserves
Private reserves bordering Kruger — including Sabi Sands, Thornybush, and Timbavati — offer a completely different experience. Expert guides, open 4×4 vehicles, sundowner drinks, and gourmet meals come as standard. Prices start around £200 per person per night and can rise to £1,000+.
These lodges are expensive. They are also extraordinary.
Food and Drink Costs in South Africa
South Africa’s food scene is brilliant — and more affordable than most visitors expect. Here is a rough guide to what you will pay.
- Street food or local restaurant meal: £1.50–5
- Mid-range restaurant main course: £7–15
- Fine dining (Cape Town, Stellenbosch): £25–50 per person
- Local beer (Castle or Windhoek): £1.50–3
- Glass of good South African wine: £3–7
Cape Town and the Winelands are where food spending climbs. But the quality is exceptional. A cellar lunch on the Stellenbosch wine route — paired with world-class Chenin Blanc or Pinotage — ranks among the great South Africa experiences at any budget.
South Africans love to self-cater on holidays. Supermarkets such as Checkers and Pick n Pay are excellent. Cooking a few meals yourself keeps food costs well under control.
Getting Around South Africa
South Africa is a large country. Moving between regions requires a clear transport plan. Distances are long, and public bus services between cities are slow.
Hiring a Car
A hire car is the best option for most visitors. Rates start around £15–25 a day from Avis, Budget, or Hertz. Factor in petrol — South Africa is a driving destination, and the distances between major sights are substantial.
The N2 Garden Route is the country’s most iconic road trip. Our Garden Route road trip planning guide covers every stop worth making along the way.
Domestic Flights
Flying between Cape Town and Johannesburg takes just two hours. FlySafair and Kulula offer return fares from R500–R1,500 (approximately £22–65) on popular routes. Book in advance to secure the cheapest tickets.
Getting Around Cities
Uber works well in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. A typical ride across Cape Town costs £3–8 — a fraction of what you would pay in most European cities. This is the easiest and safest way to get around as a visitor.
Sample South Africa Travel Budget — Two Weeks
Budget Trip (Excluding Flights)
- Accommodation (hostels and budget guesthouses): £200
- Food and drink: £150
- Car hire (14 days, basic vehicle): £180
- Petrol: £100
- Kruger entrance and camp: £180
- Activities and entrance fees: £120
- Total: approximately £930–£1,100
Mid-Range Trip (Excluding Flights)
- Accommodation (guesthouses and boutique hotels): £600
- Food and drink: £350
- Car hire (14 days, comfortable SUV): £350
- Petrol: £130
- Kruger self-drive: £250
- Activities, wine tasting, tours: £350
- Total: approximately £2,000–£2,400
Ten-Day Luxury Safari and Cape Town (Excluding Flights)
- Cape Town luxury hotel (5 nights): £1,400
- Private game lodge (4 nights, all-inclusive): £3,500
- Domestic flights (Cape Town to Kruger region): £250
- Fine dining, wine, and activities: £800
- Total: approximately £6,000–£8,000+
For a day-by-day plan that maximises your time, read our complete two-week South Africa itinerary. It pairs well with this budget guide and covers Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Kruger in a single trip.
Money-Saving Tips for South Africa
Travel in shoulder season. April–May and September–October offer excellent weather and lower prices. This applies especially to flights, Cape Town hotels, and the Western Cape generally.
Self-drive Kruger instead of a private lodge. You still see the Big Five at a fraction of the cost. Early starts and patience are the only tools you need.
Eat where locals eat. Cape Malay food stalls, local braai spots, and township restaurants deliver far better value than tourist restaurants. The food is often better, too.
Hire a car instead of booking tours. A hire car gives you total freedom on the Garden Route, through the Winelands, and across the Karoo. Tour prices add up quickly; a car hire does not.
Stay in guesthouses, not international chains. South Africa’s guesthouse culture is exceptional. Family-run B&Bs beat big hotels on both price and atmosphere.
Visit wine estates on weekdays. The Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes are far quieter Monday to Thursday — and the prices are the same.
Frequently Asked Questions About the South Africa Travel Budget
What is the best time to visit South Africa on a budget?
April–May and September–October offer the best combination of good weather and lower costs. Flights and accommodation are cheaper than the December–January peak. The Western Cape is clear and beautiful in autumn, and Kruger National Park is excellent in the drier months of September and October.
How much does a South Africa travel budget need for two weeks?
A two-week South Africa travel budget excluding flights typically runs £930–£1,100 for budget travellers, £2,000–£2,400 for mid-range, and £6,000–£8,000+ for a luxury safari and city combination. Flights from the UK add £450–£700 in shoulder season. From the US East Coast, add $700–$1,100.
Is South Africa expensive for tourists?
No — South Africa is one of the most affordable long-haul destinations for UK and US travellers. The rand is weak against both the pound and the dollar, meaning accommodation, food, and activities offer strong value. The international flight is the main cost. Once you land, daily spending is very manageable.
How do I visit Kruger National Park without a tour?
Fly from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Skukuza, Hoedspruit, or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Hire a car at the airport. The park entrance fee is affordable, and rest camps inside Kruger offer clean, self-catering accommodation. A self-drive Kruger trip is the best-value safari in Africa and genuinely accessible to independent travellers.
Where should I start my South Africa trip?
Most first-time visitors start in Cape Town. It is the most accessible city, with excellent direct flights from the UK and easy connections from the US. From Cape Town you can explore the Winelands, drive the Garden Route east, or fly to Johannesburg and on to Kruger. Our Cape Town 7-day itinerary is the best starting point for planning.
You Might Also Enjoy
- Two Weeks in South Africa: The Complete First-Timer’s Itinerary
- Kruger National Park Safari Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Cape Town 7-Day Itinerary: The Complete First-Timer’s Planning Guide
- Garden Route Road Trip: The Complete South Africa Planning Guide
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Plan Your South Africa Trip — Whether you are working out a tight budget or planning a once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari, South Africa rewards every level of traveller. Browse more guides on this site to plan every part of your journey.