How Much Does a Road Trip Cost in South Africa?

By Alice Nichols

Taking a road trip in South Africa can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to budget accordingly to ensure that you don’t overspend. The cost of a road trip in South Africa can vary depending on your itinerary and the places you plan to visit. Here’s a breakdown of some of the costs that you can expect to incur during your trip:

Transportation Costs

One of the main expenses when it comes to road trips is transportation costs. In South Africa, there are several options for getting around, including renting a car, taking a bus or using ride-sharing services like Uber.

  • Renting a car: The cost of renting a car varies depending on the type of vehicle you choose and the rental company you use. On average, you can expect to spend between R200 – R1,000 per day.
  • Taking the bus: If you’re traveling on a budget, taking the bus is an affordable option.

    Bus fares vary depending on the distance traveled and the bus company used.

  • Using ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in most major cities in South Africa. The cost of using these services varies depending on the distance traveled and demand at that time.

Accommodation Costs

Another major expense when it comes to road trips is accommodation costs. In South Africa, there are various options for accommodation ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

  • Hostels: If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation, hostels are a great option. Dorm rooms typically range between R100 – R300 per night.
  • Budget hotels: Budget hotels typically range between R400 – R800 per night.
  • Luxury hotels: Luxury hotels can cost anywhere from R1,500 – R5,000 per night, depending on the hotel and location.

Food Costs

Food is an inevitable expense when it comes to road trips. In South Africa, there are various options for dining ranging from street food to high-end restaurants.

  • Street food: Street food is a great option if you’re looking to save money. You can expect to pay between R30 – R50 for a meal.
  • Casual dining: Casual dining options like fast-food chains and cafes typically range between R50 – R100 per meal.
  • Fine dining: Fine dining restaurants can cost anywhere from R400 – R1,000 per meal.

Attractions Costs

South Africa is known for its diverse range of attractions, including national parks, museums, and historical sites.

  • National parks: The cost of visiting national parks varies depending on the park and the activities you plan to do. On average, you can expect to spend between R50 – R200 per person.
  • Museums: Museums typically charge an entrance fee of between R40 – R100 per person.
  • Historical sites: The cost of visiting historical sites varies depending on the site and the activities you plan to do. On average, you can expect to spend between R20 – R100 per person.

In conclusion

The cost of a road trip in South Africa can vary significantly depending on your itinerary and the places you plan to visit. However, by budgeting for transportation, accommodation, food and attractions costs ahead of time, you can ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and affordable.