Destinations.africa

South Africa Trip Cost Calculator

South Africa is the best-value major safari destination on the continent. Cape Town, the Garden Route and Kruger can all be done on under USD 100 per day if you self-drive and pick wisely.

Build your trip

Trip style

Three-star guesthouses, Uber, half-day Kruger guided drives, sit-down restaurants.

Activities & experiences

Daily cost by trip style

Per-person, per-day spending in South Africa. Mid-range and luxury assume double occupancy for accommodation; budget assumes per-bed.

CategoryBudgetMid-rangeLuxury
AccommodationUSD 25USD 90USD 450
Food & drinkUSD 15USD 35USD 90
Local transportUSD 20USD 40USD 80
IncidentalsUSD 10USD 20USD 50
Daily totalUSD 70USD 185USD 670

South Africa budget wisdom

1

Self-driving Kruger is dramatically cheaper than private reserves — book SANParks rest camps months ahead.

2

Cape Town's MyCiti bus and Uber cover almost everywhere a tourist needs.

3

Restaurant prices feel low to USD/EUR visitors — tip 10 to 15%.

Keep planning your South Africa trip

First

Check South Africa visa requirements

Pick your nationality to see whether you need a visa, an eTA, an e-visa, or nothing at all.

Then

Best time to visit Southern Africa

Seasons, wildlife windows and shoulder-season deals.

Or

Browse South Africa destinations

National parks, cities and signature experiences.