PRICING

One of the first questions I am asked from possible clients is, "How much does a trip to South Africa cost?" My answer usually sounds as though I am being evasive when I reply with, "It depends".   Of course, the biggest variable is the exchange rate. I have been to South Africa when the Dollar was worth as little as 5.5Rand and as much as 14Rand. I believe the value of the country to be worth travel at any exchange rate, but if the exchange rate gets above 1:7, then the travel looks especially appealing. At 1:10, you need to get on the first plane leaving!

Travel to South Africa, like all destinations, varies greatly depending on the level of product and service the client requires.   The good news about South Africa is that the country is so well developed that all levels of travel, from economy to extravagant, can be achieved while maintaining the same opportunity for sight seeing, animal viewing and safety.  

The first important fact to recognize is that South Africa has three travel seasons.   In order of cost, from high to low, the Christmas/New Year's/School Summer Holiday season runs from about mid November through about the end of the first week of January. During this time you can expect the highest prices of the year, sometimes as much as 4x the price of tourist attractions during the low season. This peak season usually tapers off to a more predictable normal season from March to May and September to November.   The low season in South Africa runs during their winter months from June through August.  

AIRFARE

My knowledge of airfare pricing is limited to direct travel between the US and South Africa on South African Airways, as well as internal flights in South Africa. South African Airways departs daily from New York-JFK, Atlanta and Washington-Dulles.   The flights all have a one hour refueling stop before landing in South Africa.   This option provides the fastest way to reach South Africa.

The price of airfare will also go up during South Africa's peak travel season from mid November through mid January. Round trip airfare will run anywhere from $1,200 during the low season to $2,000 during the peak season in economy class.   Depending on the price of jet fuel, off peak season airfare should stay between $1,200 and $1,700.

The other option is to fly through Europe.   I recommend this choice if you have the time as the flights will delay your arrival into South Africa by half a day.   However, because more carriers (KLM, British Airways, Virgin, Nationwide, Lufthansa) fly to South Africa from Europe, competitive deals are worth investigating.

SAFARI

The most expensive part of your trip will, most likely, be the safari.   I say most likely because South Africa offers good game viewing in national parks that just charge a nominal fee ($25) to enter with your own vehicle. Kruger National Park is as large as the state of Massachusetts and boasts enough wildlife (including the big 5-elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo) to keep visitors entertained for days.   Kruger, as well as other national parks operates much the same as US national parks where visitors can rent accommodation in the park itself for low rates.   The challenge with looking for lions while driving yourself on paved roads only in a reserve as big as Massachusetts is that you might see little wildlife up close.  

I usually have my clients visit a private game reserve where the animals are wild but the land is privately held and managed for game viewing.   Good options also exist where private lodges are built on or near a public reserve.   Both these type setups boast professional rangers who guide us off road to find the large game that Americans want to see.   These options also provide food and lodging at an array of pricing levels.   The lower end can fall somewhere around $150 per person per night. The higher end can get to close to $1,000 per person per night. The $150 option provides clean, comfortable accommodation (like high end camping), plenty of good food and game viewing to rival that of higher end lodges as many reserves have multiple priced lodges on the same property where the game viewing is the same but the accommodation is vastly different.   The higher end lodges offer amenities (swimming pool, 5 star cuisine, staffed bar, library, internet access, more experienced rangers and a staff ready to wait on you hand and foot) that the usual American finds will exceed expectations.            

NON SAFARI ACCOMODATION

The accommodation while traveling throughout South Africa varies greatly.   Prices are determined on a per person basis, usually, versus a per room basis.   South Africa is well known for its extensive offerings of bed and breakfast locations.   Hotels are also plentiful.   Options to rent a house in Cape Town abound.   I prefer to have my guests stay in bed and breakfasts or rent a house should the size of the group warrant it.   Bed and breakfasts will range in price from $30 per person per night and up.   To work with an average you can count on about $50 per person per night for a place I would recommend up to $100 per person per night for a high end location (ocean view, expensive neighborhood, etc).   There is nothing cheap about the $50 per person per night choice. It meets the requirements of most of my clients. In general, you will pay less in South Africa for accommodation of a similar level in the United States.

FOOD AND DRINK

Food is South Africa is good and not expensive. I could go into detail but plan on getting more food, better service and many international choices for less cost.  

South Africa boasts a wine producing region to rival Napa in beauty and quality of product. In addition, the wine is inexpensive by American standards.

INTERNAL TRANSPORTATION

Driving a rental car is the best way to see South Africa. I would advise against traveling by public transport as it is not extensive enough to be helpful.   All the major car rental companies are represented in South Africa.   The cars are new and the level of service is at par with the US.   The road system in South Africa is very well developed.   You can expect to pay between $50 to $125 per day for a vehicle with full insurance, theft protection, medical insurance, unlimited miles, etc., included. A $50 car would be something similar to a Toyota Corolla.   A $125 car would be a minivan or Mercedes.