Should I Visit Jinja or Johannesburg for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Jinja or Johannesburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jinja or Johannesburg, 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: Jinja or Johannesburg?

Jinja

Jinja is a city located at the source of the Nile in Uganda, Africa. Many backpackers travel to Jinja, as it is known for its white water rafting. This city is the third largest economy in all of the East African Community. It has a population of about 72,000 people.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa with a population of over 3 million people. Most of the population is made up of South Africa's black residents, who predominately reside in the Soweto area. There are approximately half a million white residents and 300,000 residents of other descent. Half of the population live in the Soweto area as well as the nearby suburbs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in Uganda, The Best 2-Week Tours in Uganda, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa, and The Best 10-Day Tours in South Africa.

Which place is cheaper, Johannesburg or Jinja?

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

Jinja Prices
Uganda Prices

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

Jinja $115

Johannesburg $104

The average daily cost (per person) in Jinja is $115, while the average daily cost in Johannesburg is $104. 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 Jinja and Johannesburg in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Jinja $45

Johannesburg $53
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Jinja $90

Johannesburg $106

Compare Hotels in Jinja and Johannesburg

Looking for a hotel in Jinja or Johannesburg? 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: Jinja Hotel Prices and Johannesburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Jinja $22

Johannesburg $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Johannesburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Johannesburg:

Taxi Ride

$3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johannesburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johannesburg:

Pilanesberg Transfer from Johannesburg and Pretoria : $215
Transfers Between Lanseria Airport And Johannesburg : $54
1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure JNB - Airport Transfers: $64
1-3 Passenger Private Johannesburg - Airport Transfer: $34
Airport & Private Shuttle and Transfer Services in Johannesburg: $54
Airport Shuttle and Private Transfers: $23
Airport Transfers Johannesburg-Pretoria-Sandton: $107
Airport Transfers OR Tambo to Sandton Hotels: $52
Airport Transfers from Cradle of Humankind Muldesdrift to Jo'burg: $142
Arrival Private Transfer: Tambo Airport JNB to Johannesburg in Business Car: $64
Departure Private Transfer Johanesburg Pretoria or SunCity to JNB Airport by Van: $74
Departure Private Transfer: Johannesburg to Tambo Airport JNB in Business Car: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Jinja or Johannesburg?

Prices for flights to both Johannesburg and Jinja 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

Jinja $50

Johannesburg $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johannesburg

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

Unique street food tour from at least 6 different cultures!: $50
Maboneng Street Art and Street Food Tour: $50
Pan-African Cooking & Dinning Experience: $76
Zulu Food Cooking & Dining Experience with a local Chef: $77
Johannesburg Culture and food tour: $97
Lesedi Cultural Village with lunch or dinner cultural food: $120

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Jinja $29

Johannesburg $20

Tours and Activities in Jinja

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

Half-Day Jinja Walking Tour: Source of Nile & Boat Ride Options: $31
Guided Walking Tour with Optional Source of the Nile: $31
David's Shared Walking Tour in Jinja with a Local Cultural Meal: $40
Full Day Tour with source of the Nile Boat Cruise: $175
2 days Jinja adventure with white water rafting and tubing: $200
1-DAY BEST JINJA & SOURCE OF RIVER NILE TOUR: $220
1 Day Jinja And Source Of The Nile River Tour(female Guided): $295
Jinja 2-Day Trip with boat cruise, Zip lining, Quad Bikes: $485
Uganda : 3-Day Jinja Adventure Holiday: $1,100
HIGH-OCTANE ADVENTURES—QUADBIKE, ZIPLINE, RIVER-RAFT & MORE: $2,750
UGANDA HORSEBACK — SCENIC LANDSCAPES & ADVENTURES | 8-Days: $3,200
EPIC UGANDA SAFARI ADVENTURE | (2 Adults-1 Child Tier) 5-Day: $3,850

Tours and Activities in Johannesburg

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

Jo'burg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Apartheid Museum & Soweto: $17
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Optional Soweto Tour: $18
Soweto: Hector Pieterson Memorial, to Orlando Towers Tour: $24
Architectural Walking Tour: $25
Guided Walking Tour in Johannesburg: $25
Soweto Township Tour: $29
Braamfontein Street Art & Culture Tour: $29
Soweto: Bike Tour with a Local Tour Guide: $29
Johannesburg Street Art & Museum Walking or E-scooter Tour : $30
Half-Day Walking Tour in Soweto: $32
JHB Maboneng- Street Art Tour and the Roof Top Restaurants: $34
Maboneng Street Art & Culture Tour: $34

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Jinja $13

Johannesburg $4.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Johannesburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Johannesburg:

Wine Tasting Experience in Johannesburg: $8.05
Wine Tasting: $10
Hop on Hop Off Johannesburg Pub Crawl: $12
Wine Tasting and Cableway Half Day Tour: $131

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Jinja and Johannesburg, we can see that Jinja 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 Jinja Expensive? and Is Johannesburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jinja or Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jinja. When comparing the sizes of Jinja and Johannesburg, 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 Jinja vs. Johannesburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jinja or Johannesburg?

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

Where Should I go: Jinja or Johannesburg?

Jinja

Johannesburg

Which place is cheaper, Johannesburg or Jinja?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Jinja and Johannesburg

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Johannesburg

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johannesburg

Is it cheaper to fly into Jinja or Johannesburg?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johannesburg

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Jinja

Tours and Activities in Johannesburg

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Johannesburg

Which is Bigger, Jinja or Johannesburg?

Related Articles for Jinja

Related Articles for Johannesburg

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jinja vs. Johannesburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jinja or Johannesburg?

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

Where Should I go: Jinja or Johannesburg?

Jinja

Johannesburg

Which place is cheaper, Johannesburg or Jinja?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Jinja and Johannesburg

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Johannesburg

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johannesburg

Is it cheaper to fly into Jinja or Johannesburg?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johannesburg

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Jinja

Tours and Activities in Johannesburg

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Johannesburg

Which is Bigger, Jinja or Johannesburg?

Related Articles for Jinja

Related Articles for Johannesburg

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