South Africa Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip Really Cost?

Sharing is caring!

Planning a trip to South Africa is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make — but before you book, the big question looms: how much does it actually cost? Understanding your South Africa travel budget is the first step to turning that dream into a real itinerary. Whether you’re a backpacker stretching every pound or a couple splurging on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, South Africa has options at almost every price point. Here’s a practical, honest breakdown of what you can expect to spend.

What Does a South Africa Trip Cost? An Overview

South Africa is one of the best-value long-haul destinations available to UK and US travellers. The rand has historically been favourable against both the pound and dollar, which means your money stretches considerably further than in Western Europe or North America. That said, costs vary enormously depending on where you go, how you travel, and what you want to do.

As a rough guide:

• Budget travellers can manage on approximately £50–£70 per person per day (excluding flights)
• Mid-range travellers typically spend £100–£200 per person per day
• Luxury and safari travellers should budget £300–£800+ per person per day, particularly when staying at private game reserves

These figures cover accommodation, food, local transport, and activities — but not international flights, which are a significant separate cost.

Getting There: Flights to South Africa

Flying from the UK

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town or Johannesburg take roughly 11–12 hours. Return fares typically range from around £600 in economy on a budget airline or off-peak deal, up to £1,200–£1,500 or more during peak season (December–January and the South African winter, June–August, when northern hemisphere travellers escape the cold). Business class fares are considerably higher.

Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International) is often cheaper to fly into than Cape Town, and many travellers choose to fly into Joburg and out of Cape Town (or vice versa), exploring the country between the two cities.

Flying from the US

From the East Coast of the United States, expect a journey of around 15–18 hours (usually with one connection through London, Amsterdam, or Doha). Return fares from New York or Washington D.C. typically range from $900 to $2,000 in economy, depending on the airline, routing, and time of year.

Flying into Johannesburg rather than Cape Town often yields cheaper fares from the US, and it’s also a natural starting point for safari itineraries to Kruger National Park.

Accommodation: What to Budget for Where You Stay

South Africa offers a remarkable range of accommodation, from backpacker hostels to five-star beach resorts and legendary private game lodges. Getting the accommodation right is key to managing your South Africa travel budget.

Budget Accommodation

Hostels and guesthouses in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and other cities typically charge between £15–£40 per person per night for a private room. Dormitory beds in well-rated hostels can be found for as little as £10–£15 per night. Budget guesthouses along the Garden Route and in smaller towns are often very good value, with clean, welcoming rooms for around £30–£60 per night for two people.

Mid-Range Hotels and Guesthouses

A comfortable mid-range hotel or boutique guesthouse in Cape Town or Stellenbosch will typically run £80–£150 per night for a double room. In Johannesburg’s safer northern suburbs (Sandton, Rosebank), similar properties cost roughly the same. Along the Garden Route — in towns like Knysna, Wilderness, and Hermanus — lovely mid-range options are often available for £60–£120 per night.

Luxury Lodges and Safari Camps

This is where costs can escalate dramatically. All-inclusive luxury lodges in or around Kruger National Park typically charge £200–£800 per person per night — sometimes more. These rates usually include accommodation, all meals, game drives, and a ranger. For many visitors, even two or three nights at a mid-range safari camp represents a highlight of their entire trip, and the investment is widely considered worthwhile.

Private game reserves adjacent to Kruger (such as the Sabi Sands) command premium prices but offer off-road vehicle access and exceptional Big Five sightings. Budget self-catering camps within Kruger itself — managed by SANParks — cost significantly less and are an excellent option for independent travellers. Read more about what to expect on a visit to Kruger National Park before you book.

Food and Drink Costs in South Africa

Eating in South Africa is generally excellent value, particularly compared to the UK or US. Here’s a rough guide to daily food costs:

• Self-catering or street food: £8–£15 per person per day. South Africa’s supermarkets (Pick n Pay, Woolworths Food, Checkers) are well-stocked and affordable. A braai (barbecue) with good-quality meat and produce from a local market is an inexpensive and memorable way to eat.
• Casual restaurants: A main course at a good casual restaurant typically costs £7–£15. Cape Town’s food scene in particular is world-class, with excellent restaurants at prices far lower than equivalent establishments in London or New York.
• Mid-range dining: A meal for two at a decent restaurant with wine will typically cost £40–£70 in Cape Town. In smaller towns and rural areas, prices are considerably lower.
• Wine: South Africa produces outstanding wines, and they’re remarkably affordable. A good bottle in a restaurant rarely exceeds £15–£25, and in a supermarket, excellent bottles can be found for £5–£10.

Getting Around: Transport Within South Africa

Car Hire

Hiring a car is strongly recommended for most South Africa itineraries, particularly the Garden Route and any self-drive safari experience. South Africa has well-maintained roads and drives on the left, making it straightforward for UK drivers. Expect to pay roughly £25–£60 per day for a standard mid-size car from a reputable rental company, excluding fuel. A diesel car is recommended for longer journeys given lower fuel costs.

Note that driving in central Johannesburg and at night in unfamiliar urban areas is best avoided. GPS is highly recommended.

Internal Flights

South Africa is a large country, and internal flights are often the most practical option between major destinations. Budget airline FlySafair offers routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other cities, with fares sometimes available from as little as £40–£80 one-way if booked in advance.

Transfers and Shuttles

Shared airport shuttle services are available in most cities and major tourist destinations, typically costing £10–£20 per person. Private transfers are more expensive but convenient, particularly for the first night of arrival when road orientation is helpful.

Activities and Attractions: What to Budget

South Africa offers a wealth of activities, many of which are surprisingly affordable:

• Kruger National Park entrance: There is a daily conservation fee for entering the park, which is very reasonable by international standards — well under £20 per person per day.
• Boulders Beach Penguin Colony (near Cape Town): Small entrance fee (under £5 per person).
• Cape Point (part of Table Mountain National Park): Entry fee of approximately £10–£15 per person.
• Robben Island tour: Approximately £15–£20 per person, including the ferry crossing.
• Shark cage diving (Gansbaai): Around £100–£150 per person — a memorable splurge.
• Wine tasting in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek: Tastings typically cost £5–£10 per person per estate.
• Tandem paragliding over Signal Hill, Cape Town: Around £80–£110 per person. Find out more about paragliding in Cape Town.

Sample South Africa Travel Budgets

To make this concrete, here are three example 10-day itineraries with approximate costs per person (excluding international flights):

Budget: Approximately £700–£1,000 per person

Staying in hostels and budget guesthouses, self-catering or eating at local spots, using shared shuttles and car hire split between two people, visiting free or low-cost attractions. Cape Town focus with a day trip to the Winelands and a self-drive day in the Winelands area.

Mid-Range: Approximately £1,500–£2,500 per person

Mix of boutique guesthouses and comfortable hotels, eating out regularly at mid-range restaurants, car hire, a few nights in a mid-range safari camp (e.g., a SANParks rest camp in Kruger), a Cape Town 7-day itinerary paired with a few days on the Garden Route. Read the full Cape Town 7-Day Itinerary for inspiration.

Luxury: £4,000–£8,000+ per person

Three or four nights at a premium private game reserve, boutique hotels in Cape Town and along the Garden Route, fine dining, activities including helicopter flights, shark cage diving, and private wine tours.

Best Time to Visit: How Season Affects Your South Africa Travel Budget

The best time to visit South Africa depends on what you want to do. The dry winter months (May–September) are ideal for wildlife viewing in Kruger, as vegetation thins out and animals gather near water sources. This is also high season in terms of safari demand, so lodge prices tend to be higher.

Cape Town is a year-round destination, but summer (November–February) brings the best beach weather and the most crowded conditions. Visiting Cape Town in the shoulder months of March–April or September–October often delivers excellent weather, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices.

Top Tips to Stretch Your South Africa Travel Budget

• Book flights early: Fares rise significantly as departure dates approach.
• Mix accommodation types: Combine a couple of nights at a luxury safari lodge with more modest guesthouses elsewhere to balance the budget.
• Shop at local markets: Fresh produce, braai supplies, and local snacks from markets are delicious and very affordable.
• Hire a car rather than booking tours: Many attractions are easily self-driven, saving significant money on guided excursions.
• Visit the Winelands independently: Hiring a car or joining a small-group day trip from Cape Town is far cheaper than a luxury private tour.
• Use SANParks camps in Kruger: The parks board’s own accommodation is clean, well-located, and excellent value compared to private lodges.
• Travel in the shoulder season: April–May and September–October offer a balance of good weather, wildlife activity, and moderate prices.

You Might Also Enjoy

• Cape Town 7-Day Itinerary: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide
• Your Ultimate Garden Route Road Trip Guide
• When Are the Best and Worst Times to Go on Safari in South Africa?

Plan Your South Africa Trip

South Africa is vast, varied, and endlessly rewarding. Whether you’re planning a Cape Town city break, an epic Garden Route road trip, or a Kruger safari adventure, explore everything we have to share and let the planning begin.

Sharing is caring!