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

Should you visit Dakar or Hermanus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dakar or Hermanus, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Dakar or Hermanus?

Dakar

Located in West Africa, Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Main attractions include the city's markets, the Dakar Grand Mosque, Goree Island, the IFAN Museum, the African Renaissance Monument, beaches, and the Senegal Zoo.

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 Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Hermanus or Dakar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $61, while the average daily cost in Hermanus is $67. 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 Dakar and Hermanus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dakar $32
    Hermanus $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dakar $64
    Hermanus $50
Compare Hotels in Dakar and Hermanus

Looking for a hotel in Dakar 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.

Hotels in Dakar


Hotels in Hermanus


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: Hermanus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dakar $5.32
    Hermanus $8.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

  • AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
  • Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
  • Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
  • DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
  • Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Hermanus?

Prices for flights to both Hermanus and Dakar 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
    Dakar $19
    Hermanus $38
Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:


  • Breakfast
    $4.07

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dakar.

  • Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dakar $13
    Hermanus -

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $31
  • Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
  • Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
  • Private City Tour: $108
  • Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
  • Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
  • Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
  • From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $136
  • Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
  • Full-Day Private Dakar City Tour : $142
  • Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159

Tours and Activities in Hermanus

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

  • Hermanus Whale Watching Day Tour: $24
  • Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) - from JUNE 2024: $54
  • Hermanus Land based Whale Walking Tour with Dave de Beer: $69
  • Boat Based Whale Watching Experience: $71
  • Hermanus Food and Culture Tour: $73
  • Shark Cage Diving - Adventure Meets Conservation!: $134
  • Half-Day Private Tour to Cape Peninsula with Local Guide: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dakar $8.92
    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: $80
  • Private Family Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting: $146
  • Whale Watching Boat Trip and Wine tasting ,Penguin: $162


When comparing the travel costs between Dakar and Hermanus, we can see that Hermanus is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Dakar or Hermanus?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Hermanus. When comparing the sizes of Dakar 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.


When is the best time to visit Dakar or Hermanus?

Hermanus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dakar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dakar or Hermanus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Hermanus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.

In the summer, Dakar is a little warmer than Hermanus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dakar in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hermanus averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hermanus this time of the year. In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dakar usually receives less sunshine than Hermanus during summer. Dakar gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Hermanus receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dakar usually receives more rain than Hermanusin January. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Hermanus 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Hermanus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Hermanus. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Dakar is generally much warmer than Hermanusin April. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Hermanus fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hermanus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In the autumn, Dakar often gets more sunshine than Hermanusin April. Dakar gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hermanus receives 233 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in October than Hermanusin April. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dakar 28°C (82°F) 
    Hermanus 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Hermanus in the Winter?

Both Hermanus and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.

Dakar is much warmer than Hermanus in the winter. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Hermanus fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. Dakar usually receives more sunshine than Hermanus during winter. Dakar gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Hermanus receives 193 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dakar usually receives less rain than Hermanusin July. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dakar 22°C (72°F) 
    Hermanus 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Hermanus in the Spring?

Both Hermanus and Dakar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Dakar is a little warmer than Hermanus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dakar in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Hermanus averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

In Hermanus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dakar. In the spring, Dakar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hermanusin October. Dakar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hermanus receives 278 hours of full sun.

Dakar usually gets less rain in April than Hermanusin October. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hermanus receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dakar 21°C (70°F) 
    Hermanus 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hermanus and Dakar

Dakar Hermanus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)