Budget & Costs
Thanks to the favorable Rand exchange rate, South Africa offers an excellent value for money. Fine dining, luxury lodges, and safaris cost a fraction of the prices in East Africa or Europe.
Daily budget per person (1 EUR ≈ 20 ZAR)
| Style | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 30–50€ | Hostel/Camping | Street Food + Self-catering | Baz Bus/Minibus |
| Budget | 50–80€ | B&B/Guesthouse | 1× Restaurant + Self-catering | Rental car (shared) |
| Mid-range | 80–150€ | 3–4★ Lodge/Hotel | 2× Restaurant | Rental car |
| Comfort | 150–300€ | 4–5★ Lodge | Fine dining | Rental car + guided tours |
| Luxury Safari | 300–800€+ | Private Game Lodge (All-Inclusive) | Included in price | Transfers + Safari drives |
Example prices (in EUR, rounded)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cappuccino | 1.50–2.50€ |
| Beer (Local, 0.5l) | 1.50–2.50€ |
| Main course (simple) | 5–10€ |
| Main course (upscale) | 12–25€ |
| Bottle of wine (good, winery) | 5–15€ |
| Petrol (per liter) | 1.10–1.30€ |
| Rental car (small car/day) | 20–40€ |
| Kruger entry (per day) | 22€ (440 ZAR) |
| Table Mountain cable car (return) | 20€ (395 ZAR) |
| Robben Island tour | 25€ (500 ZAR) |
| Private Safari Lodge (per night) | 250–1,000€+ |
💡 Tipp
South Africa is sensationally affordable for self-drivers: rental cars from €20/day, petrol under €1.30/liter, and B&Bs for €30–60 per night with breakfast. Only private safari lodges break the budget.
