Depending on what you want to do and where you want to stay, your holiday in South Africa could cost anything from hundreds of dollars to many tens of thousands. For most, the flight alone will be the major cost – it’s possible to have a two-week, self-drive holiday and not spend as much on the road as on the plane tickets to get there.
Luxury lodges and guided safaris will rapidly ramp up expenses, as will the many adventure activities you might be tempted to try. Hiring your own vehicle is also an outlay, but it doesn’t have to be a major one. You’ll need a vehicle of some sort to explore the country properly, but for most itineraries, a regular car will be fine.
Cars are the most affordable to hire and the most efficient to run – you could be driving thousands of kilometers, so keep fuel economy in mind. You’ll need to balance this against the convenience of having a bigger car with portable sleeping facilities. Campers and 4x4s are certainly easier when camping, and can even work out cheaper if you’re traveling in a group. However, if you’re one or two people on a tight budget, a simple ground tent and a car is the most affordable option. Most visitors opt for car rental in South Africa to accommodate their trip.