Which place is cheaper, Drakensberg or Johannesburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Johannesburg or Drakensberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Johannesburg and Drakensberg 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: Johannesburg or Drakensberg?
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.
Drakensberg
Drakensberg, whose name derives from the Dutch and means "mountains of the dragons," is a mountainous region which encompasses a vast amount of South Africa's interior, extending into neighboring countries as well. It hugs the eastern border of Lesotho, attracting visitors for hiking, backpacking, and admiring the natural wonders of the landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Eco Tours in South Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Africa, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJohannesburg $94Drakensberg $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Johannesburg is $94, while the average daily cost in Drakensberg is $90. 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 Johannesburg and Drakensberg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJohannesburg $54Drakensberg $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJohannesburg $108Drakensberg $74
Compare Hotels in Johannesburg and Drakensberg
Looking for a hotel in Johannesburg or Drakensberg? 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: Johannesburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Johannesburg $16Drakensberg $68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Johannesburg
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Johannesburg:
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Taxi Ride$3.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johannesburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johannesburg:
- Transfers Between OR Tambo and Pilanesburg : $171
- Shuttle Transfer from Johannesburg Airport to Hazyview: $64
- Private Van Airport Transfers : Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria: $71
- Private Transfer: Tambo Airport JNB to Johannesburg in Luxury Car: $102
- Private Transfer: Johannesburg to Tambo Airport JNB in Sedan Car: $61
- Private Transfer: Johannesburg to Tambo Airport JNB in Luxury Van: $71
- Private Transfer: Johannesburg to Tambo Airport JNB in Luxury Car: $102
- Private Transfer, Airports to Cradle of Humankind & Muldersdrift : $142
- Private Transfer from Johannesburg To Pilanesberg: $214
- Private Transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) to Pretoria hotels: $163
- Private Transfer Johannesburg Pretoria or SunCity to JNB Airport by Business Car: $70
- Private Transfer JNB Airport to Johannesburg Pretoria or SunCity by Business Car: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Johannesburg or Drakensberg?
Prices for flights to both Drakensberg and Johannesburg 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
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Food Meals for one dayJohannesburg $17Drakensberg $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johannesburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johannesburg.
- Maboneng Street Art and Street Food Tour: $39
- Unique street food tour from at least 6 different cultures!: $48
- Taste of Africa Food Tour: $49
- A Private Traditional Cape Malay Cooking Class, with a MKR Finalist: $95
- Johannesburg Culture and food tour: $97
- Pan-African Cooking & Dinning Experience: $186
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Johannesburg $21Drakensberg $8.58
Tours and Activities in Johannesburg
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johannesburg are as follows:
- Golf Tour, Sun City , Gary Player Course - Rated the Best: $219
- Private Full Day Johannesburg Historical Tour : $187
- Rhino and Lion Park Safari Tour : $94
- Soweto half day tour including Mandela House.Private transport: $67
- (Meet the Artist)Art Gallery & Street Art tour with lunch: $29
- 10 Days Overland Tour-Johannesburg and Cape Town: $2,589
- 15 Days Johannesburg, Kruger National Park – Cape Town Tour: $3,884
- 3 Day Kruger National Park Tour from Johannesburg: $823
- 3 Days 2 Nights Panorama Tour & Kruger National park Safari: $797
- 3 Days Big 5 Kruger National Park Tour from Johannesburg: $1,176
- 4-Days Overnight Experience in The Panorama Route & Safari: $1,663
- 6 Days Johannesburg and Kruger National Park Tour: $1,553
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJohannesburg $4.65Drakensberg $3.72
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: $8.08
- Wine Tasting and Cableway Half Day Tour: $111
- Experience Johannesburg Wine Tour Views and Luxury: $224
When comparing the travel costs between Johannesburg and Drakensberg, we can see that Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg Expensive? and Is Drakensberg Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.