Country
What's the budget for a trip to South Africa?
A trip to South Africa starts around €56/day on the ground, roughly €1138 for 7 nights per person excluding flights. Full budget breakdown by category across 2 cities, with flights and the best month to visit.
At a glance
- Cities covered
- 2
- Min. budget per day
- €56
- Index vs London
- 59%
How much it costs
What a trip to South Africa actually costs
In South Africa, the daily travel budget starts at €54 in the cheapest city (Pretoria) and runs up to €58 in Cape Town, covering every traveler profile. For a standard 5-night trip, plan around €813 per person at a mid-range comfort level, flights not included. At 59 % of our reference index, the country sits among the most affordable destinations we track.
Seasonality
When to go for the best price
The most temperate month across the country is January, averaging 22°C. Across the 60+ InstantTripCost destinations, this is also the window where median flight prices stay the most stable outside peak tourist season.
Jan
22°
Feb
22°
Mar
21°
Apr
18°
May
15°
Jun
13°
Jul
13°
Aug
14°
Sep
17°
Oct
19°
Nov
20°
Dec
21°
How many nights, and where
A night costs different amounts city to city. Splitting seven nights differently can be worth several hundred euros, at the same length and comfort.
| City | Per night | 7 nights here | 14 nights here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pretoria | €136 | €952 | €1,904 |
| Cape Town | €189 | €1,323 | €2,646 |
Two ways to spend seven nights
- Seven nights in Cape Town
- €1,323
- Split across the cheapest cities : Pretoria 4 + Cape Town 3
- €1,111
Gap: €212 per person
On-the-ground figures, excluding flights, mid-range, per person. Intercity travel is not counted.
Selection
Cities worth exploring in South Africa
Each card shows the lowest daily budget, the cost index versus London, and July weather.
Why go
Travel to South Africa: what you need to know
South Africa ranks as one of the most affordable African destinations, with an average cost index of 76 % versus London. The 2 cities we document span a wide range: travelling cheap, from €54/day in Pretoria up to €58/day in Cape Town; at mid-range comfort, €136 to €189/day.
A trip to South Africa averages €1138 for a 7-night mid-range stay, flights from London included. The country sits among the most economical worldwide, at 76 % of London's cost.
Daily budget
How much does a trip to South Africa cost?
Daily budget in South Africa varies sharply by city and travel style. Budget mode: €54 to €58 a day depending on the city, for hostels or entry-level hotels, local meals, and public transit. Mid-range: €136 to €189 with 3-star hotels, local restaurants, and some activities. High-end: €319 to €459 for 4 or 5-star hotels. All three tiers come from the same survey as the table above.
Across the country, lodging averages 35 to 45 % of total budget, food 15 to 20 %, flights 20 to 30 % from Europe, with the rest split between local transport and activities. The €54-58/day range we observe reflects directly the gap between the cheapest cities and the most touristed ones.
Seasonality
When to visit South Africa
The best price-weather compromise in South Africa is around January, with comfortable temperatures countrywide and still-reasonable off-peak pricing. Air seasonality stays moderate (25 % max gap month to month), giving you flexibility on planning.
South Africa's mild winter climate (21 °C average) makes it an ideal European cold-escape from November to March.
Regional budget
Budget varies across regions
The country isn't experienced the same way everywhere. Pretoria has the most accessible daily budget (€54/day) and makes a strong base for a first trip. At the other end, Cape Town asks €58/day, 7 % more, at the same length and comfort. The country's other cities sit between these two poles.
Tips
How to cut the South Africa budget
Timing does most of the saving in South Africa: in November, the flight from London drops to a €395 median, 25 % below peak season. Pairing two cities also stretches the airfare, especially with a cheaper stop like Pretoria before or after the main city. For hotels, the 6-to-8-weeks-out booking window gets the best rates. And on short legs, rail or public transit beats domestic flights almost every time, on price and on simplicity.
Practical
Currency, language, practical info
Currency: ZAR (R). Main language: Sesotho, Tsonga, Tswana; English is generally understood in tourist areas. Plan €50-150 in cash for the first days depending on the city, and use a no-foreign-fee card for the rest.
Comparison
Country cities at a glance
Sorted by daily budget ascending. All figures per person, flights excluded.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a trip to South Africa cost?
- Plan for an average €1533 per person for 7 nights at mid-range comfort: roughly €1138 on the ground (hotel, meals, transport) plus €395 for the median round-trip flight from London. The on-the-ground daily budget runs from €54/day (Pretoria) to €58/day (Cape Town) depending on city and travel style.
- What's the travel budget for a week in South Africa?
- For one week in South Africa at mid-range comfort, plan around €1533 per person all in: €1138 on the ground plus €395 for the flight. On a tight budget the total drops to roughly €773, and high-end easily tops €1201.
- How can I visit South Africa on a budget?
- For a low-cost trip to South Africa, base yourself in Pretoria (€54/day) and fly in November, the cheapest month from London (up to 25 % off the airfare). Hostels or entry-level hotels, local meals, and public transit keep the daily budget at its lowest.
- Which is the cheapest city in South Africa?
- Of the 2 cities InstantTripCost documents in South Africa, Pretoria offers the lowest daily budget (€54/day in budget mode). It makes a solid base for a low-cost trip.
- When is the best month to visit South Africa?
- The best price-weather compromise is in January countrywide, with comfortable temperatures and still-moderate prices. For the cheapest flight from London, target November (save up to 25 %).
- Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?
- Visa requirements vary by passport and stay length. Check your home country's official foreign affairs website for up-to-date entry rules before booking.
- Is South Africa an expensive destination?
- With an average cost index of 76 % versus London, South Africa ranks among the most affordable worldwide.
- Which city in South Africa costs the least?
- Pretoria, at €54 a day on the ground, against €58 in Cape Town: 7 % more at the same length and comfort. Which one to see first is not something we measure, and we would rather say so than rank cities on their price tag.
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