South Africa Trip Cost Calculator

Plan your South Africa budget with detailed cost breakdowns for 2 destinations.

days
traveler
Accommodation
R0
Hostel Dorm
R0 per night
0
Budget Guesthouse
R0 per night
0
Mid-Range Hotel
R0 per night
0
Boutique Hotel
R0 per night
0
Luxury Hotel
R0 per night
0
Food & Dining
R0
Street Food/Takeaway
R0 per meal
0
Fast Food Meal
R0 per meal
0
Casual Restaurant
R0 per meal
0
Mid-Range Dinner
R0 per meal
0
Fine Dining
R0 per person
0
Cappuccino
R0 each
0
Transportation
R0
Public Bus (MyCiti/Rea Vaya)
R0 per ride
0
Gautrain (Johannesburg)
R0 per ride
0
Uber (Short Trip)
R0 per ride
0
Uber (Airport to City)
R0 per ride
0
Car Rental
R0 per day
0
Activities & Attractions
R0
Table Mountain Cable Car
R0 per person
0
Robben Island Tour
R0 per person
0
Major Museum Entry
R0 per person
0
Wine Region Day Tour
R0 per person
0
Safari Day Trip
R0 per person
0
Free Attractions
R0 varies
0
Miscellaneous
R0
Domestic Beer (Restaurant)
R0 each
0
Imported/Craft Beer
R0 each
0
Bottled Water (0.5L)
R0 each
0
Tourist SIM Card
R0 one-time
0
Souvenirs & Crafts
R0 budget
0

South Africa Travel Budget Guide

Planning Your South Africa Budget

South Africa is one of the best-value destinations for travelers, offering world-class experiences at a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe or North America. The favorable Rand exchange rate means your money goes further, whether you’re exploring Cape Town’s coastline, going on safari, or touring the Winelands.

Regional Price Differences

  • Cape Town: Most popular, moderate prices with excellent value
  • Johannesburg: Business hub, good budget options available
  • Kruger/Safari areas: Premium pricing for lodges, budget camping available
  • Garden Route: Moderate prices, great for road trips
  • Durban: Budget-friendly beach destination

Money-Saving Tips for South Africa

  1. Visit in shoulder season - March-May and September-November offer 30% savings
  2. Use MyCiti and Uber - Public transport and ride-shares are very affordable
  3. Self-cater sometimes - Supermarkets like Woolworths have excellent prepared meals
  4. Do free hikes - Lion’s Head, Table Mountain trails, and beaches cost nothing
  5. Book safari camps early - National park rest camps are much cheaper than private lodges

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 2-week trip to South Africa cost?
A 2-week trip to South Africa costs $700-1,120 for budget travelers, $1,680-2,800 for mid-range, and $4,900+ for luxury travelers, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Is South Africa expensive to visit?
South Africa offers excellent value. The favorable exchange rate (R18 = $1) makes it affordable compared to Europe or the US. Budget travelers can manage on $50-80/day.
What is the cheapest time to visit South Africa?
June to August (winter) offers the lowest prices, with 30-40% savings on accommodation. Shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) balance good weather with reasonable prices.

Explore More of South Africa

Check out our curated travel guides from local experts.