Should I Visit Dahab or Hermanus for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Dahab or Hermanus?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Dahab and Hermanus can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Dahab or Hermanus?

Dahab

Dahab is a small town on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It is located about 85 kilometers north of Sharm el-Sheikh and sits on the Gulf of Aqaba. It's a popular destination with divers and backpackers alike, and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving that you'll find in the Red Sea. It's a great alternative to the resort driven Sharm el-Sheikh, and is popular with independent travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation. There are some upmarket options however, predominantly in the Laguna area, but budget facilities are not hard to find.

Hermanus

Hermanus is located on the southern coast of the Western Cape region of South Africa, situated right on the Atlantic Ocean. The area is famous for being the summer home to the Southern Right Whales who migrate there from the Antarctic every September. Hermanus offers incredible natural scenery and great opportunities for adventure seekers. The best time to visit is during their winter and spring, which runs from April through October. This is the driest time of year, meaning wildlife is easier to spot and the heat is much more bearable!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Africa.

Which place is cheaper, Hermanus or Dahab?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Dahab Prices
Egypt Prices

Hermanus Prices
South Africa Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Dahab $16

Hermanus $94

The average daily cost (per person) in Dahab is $16, while the average daily cost in Hermanus is $94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dahab and Hermanus in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Dahab $5.72

Hermanus $24
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Dahab $11

Hermanus $48

Compare Hotels in Dahab and Hermanus

Looking for a hotel in Dahab or Hermanus? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dahab Hotel Prices and Hermanus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Dahab $1.80

Hermanus $7.92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab

Also for Dahab, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Sharm el-Sheikh: 1-Way or Round-Trip Transfer to Dahab: $42
Dahab To/from Sharm El Sheikh Private Transfer : $45
Private Transfer From Dahab To Taba border group from 1 to 4: $90
Private Pickup Transfers from Dahab to Taba: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Hermanus?

Prices for flights to both Hermanus and Dahab change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Dahab $7.84

Hermanus $65

Typical Food Prices in Dahab

For Dahab, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Seafood Dinner (for 2)

$1.88
Juice

$0.10
Breakfast for Two

$0.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab

For Dahab, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Bedouin Dinner in the Mountains In Dahab: $36
Dahab Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner: $95

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Dahab $4.32

Hermanus -

Tours and Activities in Dahab

For Dahab, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Jeep Safari to Canyon Salama Day Tour from Dahab: $19
Mount Sinai Hike and St Catherine Monastery Tour from Dahab: $20
Dahab's Kept Secrets 5 Adventures in 1 Tour: $25
Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour with lunch from Dahab: $28
Full-Day Hike Tour at St. Catherine's Monastery: $30
Royal seascope Semi-Submarine Cruise: $33
Royal Seascope Submarine Guided Boat Tour : $37
luxury Snorkeling cruise with buffet lunch: $41
Seascope Submarine Tour from Dahab: $45
Camel Ride + Blue Hole Snorkeling + Quad Bike Tour With Lunch From Dahab: $49
Adventure Quad Biking Tour in Dahab: $50
Mount Sinai Sunrise and St Catherine Monastery Tour from Dahab: $50

Tours and Activities in Hermanus

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hermanus are as follows:

Cape Town: Hermanus Land Based Whale Watching Tour: $139
Half-Day Private Tour to Cape Peninsula with Local Guide: $257
Hermanus Food and Culture Tour: $115
Hermanus Land based Whale Tour with Dave de Beer: $75
Boat Based Whale Watching Experience: $74
Whale Watching and Winelands Tour with Tastings: $171
Morning Fatbike Dune Tour: $68
Shark Cage Diving - Adventure Meets Conservation!: $136
Sunset Fatbike Dune Experience : $68
Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) - from JUNE 2025: $54

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Dahab $2.47

Hermanus -

Sample the Local Flavors in Hermanus

Also in Hermanus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting in Hermanus with Guide : $24
Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Tour: $126
Whale Watching Boat Trip and Wine tasting ,Penguin: $130
Private Family Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting: $146

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dahab and Hermanus, we can see that Hermanus is more expensive. And not only is Dahab much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dahab would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dahab and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hermanus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hermanus than you might in Dahab.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dahab Expensive? and Is Hermanus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dahab or Hermanus?

Hermanus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dahab. When comparing the sizes of Dahab and Hermanus, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dahab vs. Hermanus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dahab or Hermanus?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Dahab or Hermanus?

Dahab

Hermanus

Which place is cheaper, Hermanus or Dahab?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dahab and Hermanus

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab

Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Hermanus?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Dahab

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dahab

Tours and Activities in Hermanus

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Hermanus

Which is Bigger, Dahab or Hermanus?

Related Articles for Dahab

Related Articles for Hermanus

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dahab vs. Hermanus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dahab or Hermanus?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Dahab or Hermanus?

Dahab

Hermanus

Which place is cheaper, Hermanus or Dahab?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dahab and Hermanus

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab

Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Hermanus?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Dahab

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dahab

Tours and Activities in Hermanus

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Hermanus

Which is Bigger, Dahab or Hermanus?

Related Articles for Dahab

Related Articles for Hermanus

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