South Africa is a popular travel destination with stunning landscapes and lots of fun activities to take part in. Many travellers assume this destination is beyond their budget. However, we are here to show you that’s not the case.
There are countless tours and activities to take part in across South Africa. Many of the most touristy activities are just as popular with locals. You can’t visit Cape Town without venturing to the top of Table Mountain. If you aren’t prepared for the strenuous hike, take the cable car up for £17. After exploring the city, join a sunset cruise around Cape Town’s gorgeous beaches on a catamaran for around £33.
One reason why South Africa is so popular is the fantastic wildlife. The Kruger National Park is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts as it offers one of the best values for a safari experience. To make this attraction more affordable you can opt for self-drive tours and stay in rest camps for a budget-friendly unforgettable adventure.
One of the cheapest places to visit in South Africa is the Garden Route. This scenic stretch along the southeast coast is a road-trippers dream. Not only does it offer breathtaking views but there are also numerous free or low-cost attractions on the way.
For more advice on the best places to visit in South Africa check out our page.
South Africa is known for its affordable luxury, especially in terms of dining and food prices. Local markets and street food offer delicious meals at a fraction of restaurant prices. Naturally, however, certain areas are more expensive than others. Johannesburg is slightly cheaper when eating out at restaurants than Cape town.
The country has access to incredibly fresh produce and world-class chefs who put together unique and authentic dishes. When you’re in Durban, make sure you try a traditional Bunny Chow, which is an Indian curry served in a hollowed-out bread roll. One of these will cost around £5 ($7) and keep you full all day.
Alcohol is as cheap as you might expect. A classy cocktail at a high-end bar should cost around £5 ($7) – never more than £8 ($10). Therefore, going to bars and clubs can be an affordable night out.
Read more on popular foods in South Africa in our South African travel guide blog.
There’s a lot to see and do in South Africa, and the country is spread out across a huge area. Depending on where you visit, there are a few optimal ways to get around the country. that being said you might want to consider renting a car. Not only will this come in handy for road trips, but it is also great for visiting remote destinations and an efficient way to get around.
The safest and most cost-effective way to travel around South Africa would be flying. South Africa is home to 20 commercial airports spread out across the country which makes it super easy to travel domestically within South Africa!
Ubers are another excellent option, especially if you’re planning on drinking. An Uber from Cape Town city centre to Clifton beaches could cost between £3 ($5) to £5 ($8). You should also consider the buses as they are accessible for wheelchair users, and fares are based on distance, ranging from 40p (60cent) to £2 ($4).
Johannesburg’s most reliable form of transport is the Gautrain, a super-fast train connecting Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport. A one-way journey from the airport into the city will cost £11 ($13) per person.
To learn more about transport in South Africa read our blog on South Africa travel advice.
Planning a trip to South Africa? It can be tough to estimate daily costs due to the wide range of experiences on offer. Luckily, you can save on flights with our Best Fare Finder. It helps you find the cheapest flight dates, so you can spend more on exploring South Africa.
To make your trip even more affordable, consider using our Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options or choosing a low-cost airline. With BNPL plans, such as PayJustNow, you can spread the cost of your flight into interest-free instalments. Find out more about our payment plan options.
One of the best places to start when searching for affordable flights is to find out which airlines offer the cheapest tickets. If you're willing to fly on a low-cost airline instead of a full-service carrier, you can save massively on price.
We've written a blog that uses real data and expert knowledge to look at ways to find the cheapest flights available. Read our blog on the cheapest day to buy flights to find out more.
Ready to book your flights to South Africa? Here at Alternative Airlines, you can find the most affordable flights followed by a quick and easy booking process. If you're a resident of South Africa and using the South African Rand to pay for your flights, you can use PayJustNow to spread the cost of your flights over time.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
FAQ's
Between June to September is the cheapest time to visit. This is the perfect time to visit the safari and you are more likely to witness the big five. The weather also becomes more bearable with cooler evenings. For more in-depth information about the best time to visit check out our page.
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Generally, in a restaurant, you should aim to provide a tip of 10-15% of the bill. This is considered a good gesture of appreciation for good service in South Africa.
If you're hiring a car in South Africa, it's good to know that you need to drive on the left-hand side of the road (not a problem if you're a UK traveller!). An international driver's licence is a must before you hire your car.
Some popular reputable car rental companies in South Africa include Bluu Car Rental, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Budget.
