A common question – how much did it cost? My previous post, Proof in the Numbers, seemed to drum up a lot of interest in the specifics of how much I spent on my 27 month journey around the world so I’ve decided to begin a series of expense-related content to help anyone planning extended travel to really get to the meat of their own budget. I plan to post about each country I visited, in no particular order, so if you’d like me to write about a specific country right away, please follow me via Facebook, Instagram, or email updates on this page and tell me what country you want to hear about in the comments section. However, please keep in mind I can only write about countries I visited on this journey, which you can find in the link above.
First off, it’s South Africa! With its abundant wildlife, craggy sea cliffs, world-class trekking, surfing beaches, and plenitude of adventure sports, there is rarely a dull moment in the Rainbow Nation.
Actual amount spent per day = $61/day**
Accommodations
Out of 51 days, I stayed in hostels for 45 nights, 2 nights in a hotel, and 4 camping. The hotels and camping were part of a tour so I’ll discuss that separately in another post, but an average night for a dorm bed in a hostel in South Africa is listed below.
Cape Town – $20/night (including a full breakfast) / 280R/night
Garden Route – $13/night / 170R/night
Eastern Cape – $13/night / 170R/night
Durban – $14/night / 185R/night
Kwazulu-Natal – $14/night / 180R/night
Johannesburg – $15/night / 200R/night
Food & Drink
Large bottle of water – $1.50 / 20R
Large bottle of beer – $2 / 30R
Cup of coffee – $1 / 15R
Restaurant meal and a drink in Cape Town/Garden Route – $10 / 135R
Restaurant meal and a drink in Eastern Cape – $7 / 95R
American style breakfast and coffee – $4 / 55R
Ground Transport
South Africa is a big fan of Uber and it’s available almost everywhere in the cities and on the Garden Route. I only used it a couple of times so most of my expenditures focus on public or group transportation, but if you’re keen to take a taxi, definitely consider using Uber to get around. When I did use Uber in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the cars were clean and spacious and the drivers were extremely professional.
Bus from airport to Loop Street in Cape Town – $7 / 95R
Baz Bus from Cape Town to Johannesburg (one way, hop on hop off bus with one year validity) – $402 / 5500R
Shuttle from Baz Bus route to Hermanus (one way) – $15 / 200R
Shuttle from Baz Bus route to Outdtshoorn (one way) – $11 / 150R
Shuttle from Baz Bus route to Hogsback (one way) – $14 / 190R
Shuttle from Baz Bus route to Coffee Bay (one way) – $6 / 80R
Shuttle from Baz Bus route to Bulungula (one way) – $9 / 120R
Activities
Cable car to the top of Table Mountain – $19 / 255R
Cape Point day tour with lunch – $61 / 850R
Cycling from top of Swartberg Pass – $33 / 445R
Cango Caves visit and tour – $7 / 90R
Ostrich farm tour – $4 / 55R
Wilderness NP entry fee – $9 / 120R
Tsitsikamma NP entry fee – $7 / 97R
One day bike rental – $13 / 180R
One hour kayak rental – $7 / 100R
Robberg Peninsula entrance – $3 / 40R
Zip lining – $28 / 375R
Guided hike and lunch to Hole in the Wall – $6 / 90R
Marine World entrance – $13 / 175R
Tugela Falls guided trek with lunch – $51 / 690R
Lesotho guided tour with lunch – $51 / 690R
Other Stuff
Laundry – $3-$6 for a load / 40-75R
Movie ticket – $5.50 / 75R
Tattoo – $75 / 1000R
Yoga class – $5 / 70R
Large bottle of shampoo – $5 / 66R
One hour massage – $11 / 150R
ATM fee – $3 / 40R
**Amounts current as of Dec 2016/Jan 2017. All amounts are listed in USD and local currency (Rand) and are only an estimate. Actual costs may vary.
South Africa definitely wasn’t the most budget-conscious destination, but without a doubt, it was worth every penny of stunning views and exhilarating adventure. Have you been to South Africa? Let me know your thoughts on my budget in the comments section.
Enjoy and keep traveling!
Someday is Now RTW 