Drakensberg is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Drakensberg?
You should plan to spend around $106 (R1,912) per day on your vacation in Drakensberg. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $29 (R531) on meals
- $71 (R1,276) on local transportation
- $78 (R1,404) on hotels
A one week trip to Drakensberg for two people costs, on average, $1,484 (R26,768). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$742
R13,384
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,484
R26,768
-
One Month
Per person
$3,179
R57,360
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,484
R26,768
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,967
R53,536
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,359
R114,720
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Drakensberg cost?
A one week trip to Drakensberg usually costs around $742 (R13,384) for one person and $1,484 (R26,768) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Drakensberg on average costs around $1,484 (R26,768) for one person and $2,967 (R53,536) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Drakensberg will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Drakensberg on average costs around $3,179 (R57,360) for one person and $6,359 (R114,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Drakensberg expensive to visit?
Drakensberg is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Drakensberg can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $46 (R836) per day, mid-range travelers spend $106 (R1,912) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $202 (R3,653) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Drakensberg.
Within Africa, Drakensberg is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hermanus or Johannesburg.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Drakensberg Expensive?
Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
How much money do I need for a trip to Drakensberg?
The average Drakensberg trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Drakensberg travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Drakensberg cost?
Drakensberg on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(R307)
|
$39
(R702)
|
$74
(R1,342)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$31
(R558)
|
$71
(R1,276)
|
$135
(R2,438)
|
|
Food2
|
$13
(R232)
|
$29
(R531)
|
$56
(R1,015)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$4
(R71)
|
$9
(R161)
|
$17
(R308)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(R15-46)
|
$2-6
(R35-105)
|
$4-11
(R67-201)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Drakensberg. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $46 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Drakensberg is home to plenty of hostels, including Karma Backpackers. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Drakensberg will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $106 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $202. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing.
Accommodation Budget in Drakensberg
Hotel rates in Drakensberg vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $ to $. Expect prices to range from $ for budget hotels to $ for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Drakensberg for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $78 (R1,404). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $39 (R702) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Drakensberg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Drakensberg
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $71 (R1,276) per person, per day, on local transportation in Drakensberg. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Drakensberg is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$71
R1,276
There are no major airports in the region surrounding Drakensberg. The nearest international airport is King Shaka International Airport in Durban, located about 2-3 hours to the east on the coast of South Africa. Pietermaritzburg (a little over an hour closer than Durban) has a smaller regional airport with daily domestic flights.
By car, the N3 highway is the major throughway connecting Durban in the south to Johannesburg in the north. There is also bus service which runs between Durban and Johannesburg/Pretoria with stops in Pietermaritzburg and at the Ampitheater in the Royal Natal National Park (just to the north of the Drakensberg mountain range).
How much does it cost to go to Drakensberg? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Drakensberg will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Drakensberg
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Drakensberg can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Drakensberg is $29 (R531) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$29
R531
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Drakensberg is around $29 (R531) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $56. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Drakensberg are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Cuisine of South Africa is characterized by a combination of indigenous, Dutch, French, and Indian influences. The indigenous side of things mainly consisted of harvesting fruits, nuts, bulbs, leaves, and other items gathered from wild plants as well as the hunting of wild game, though eventually domestic cattle were introduced as well as grain crops like maize. Today, a staple meal remains mieliepap-a kind of porridge or polenta made from ground maize. Meat also remains central to the South African diet with braai (barbeque) and biltong (dried & preserved) being the most common methods of preparation. Beef, mutton, goat, and chicken are all found in South African dishes. As far as foreign influences go, the Dutch brought spices like nutmeg and chili peppers as well as pickled fish and a variety of fish stews, the French brought wines and traditional recipes from France, and the Indians brought curry dishes, chutneys, and fried snacks, amongst other items. In addition to this adopted fare, the major cities of the region will have a variety of dining options for all tastes and budgets.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Drakensberg
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Drakensberg typically cost an average of $8.95 (R161) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.95
R161
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site centered on the Drakensberg mountain range. One of the highest peaks in the park is Champagne Castle, towering at a height of 3,377 meters above sea level. While the higher peaks consist mostly of basalt rock, the lower elevations are mostly sandstone and even have caves with rock paintings left by the San people. Some 20,000 individual rock paintings have been recorded at 500 different sites between the Drakensberg Royal Natal National Park at the northern end and Bushman's Nek in the south. The flora and fauna of the park are additional attractions to the mountainous region. Wildlife like bushbuck, oribi, mountain reedbuck, tiny duiker, vultures, baboon, and the largest of South Africa's antelope species, the eland, as well as many others can be found here. The spring gives life to carpets of wildflowers and other plant species, while the autumn gives color to the blossoms of the lower reaches of the Drakensberg.
While Royal Natal National Park is a separate entity, it also forms a part of the Drakensberg range. Highlights of this park include the Amphitheatre (visible from most of the park), the Cascades (set of waterfalls), and the Tugela Falls (the world's second highest waterfall with a total drop of 947 meters in 5 leaps).
In the Drakensberg, most visitors look to the outdoors for daily activities and entertainment. With striking mountain scenery, wildlife, and thriving vegetation, the area is popular with those hoping to go hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and much more-anything that fully immerses oneself into the mountain environment.
Nightlife Budget in Drakensberg
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $3.88 (R70) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Drakensberg per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$3.88
R70
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 5, 2025
Traveling in Drakensberg
Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
Towns and cities in the Drakensberg area include Matatiele and Barkly East in the Eastern Cape Province, plus Ladysmith, Newcastle, Ulundi (the former Zulu capital), Dundee, and Ixopo in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The mountains also encompass much of Lesotho, whose capital is Maseru. Matatiele and Barkly East are on the southern end of the range-Matatiele being a mid-sized town rooted in dairy farming, and Barkly East a small community in an area characterized by rugged mountains and green valleys. The towns of the KwaZulu-Natal province also each have their trades from textiles, farming, and coal to a bigger city like Newcastle which has all the comforts of a metropolis. Maseru in Lesotho is another bigger city, often a home base for travels deeper into the country. The nearest major cities to the Drakensberg area are Johannesburg to the north and Durban to the south, making them the hubs from which visitors begin due to convenience of transportation.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.