There are quite a few additional costs to the rate the operator will propose to you. Here is a list of such costs:
The operator normally only includes breakfast in the rate. This gives you the freedom to choose your restaurants according to your taste for the other meals. Those meals can be your single biggest extra expense. In South Africa the food is generally cheaper than in most areas of Europe and closer to those in the USA, especially if you choose restaurants that the locals frequent. The food here is wholesome and normally more than the 'norm' served elsewhere.
The operator normally only includes breakfast in the rate. This gives you the freedom to choose your restaurants according to your taste for the other meals. Those meals can be your single biggest extra expense. In South Africa the food is generally cheaper than in most areas of Europe and closer to those in the USA, especially if you choose restaurants that the locals frequent. The food here is wholesome and normally more than the 'norm' served elsewhere.
Meals
Meal costs can vary considerable depending on the type of food, a general rule of thumb would put it around R 80.00 for a basic restaurant meals to R 200.00 per person for more excotic food and /or some fish dishes. South African wines are normally cheaper in our 'bottle stores' or discount stores, but around one and a half times more in restaurants.
Fuel
Fuel costs around R 7.00 - R 8.00 per litre and varies monthly according to the international oil price.
Scenic Areas - Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are generally not expensive and could be budgeted from R 2.00 - R 10.00 per person to scenic areas. Scenic areas with a well organised infrastructure charges more and can get to R 60.00 - R 80.00 per person.
Public Game Reserves
Public game reserves have introduced a conservation levy of between R 80.00 and R 160.00 per person per day. This is paid in addition to accommodation costs.
Fun Rides
Other costs are around R 100.00 - R 450.00 per person for a short boat ride in lagoons and lakes and around R 600.00 -R 750.00 when going out to sea. Rides such as cable car and short steam train rides around R 160.00 and R 40.00 - R 60.00 for entry into museums.
Gratuities and Porterage
It is custom to pay gratuities and porterage at hotels, restaurants, guides and parking attendants. The fees here are indications only; R 8.00 - R 10.00 per person for porters at hotels and airports, 10% of restaurant bill depending on the quality of food and service, R 2.00 - R 5.00 for parking and fuel attendants and around 10% of taxi fares.
Toll Roads
Toll roads are not too expensive compared to some countries in Europe and are only found on main routes. There may be several tolls on a road between major cities totalling between R 60.00 to R 160.00.
Meal costs can vary considerable depending on the type of food, a general rule of thumb would put it around R 80.00 for a basic restaurant meals to R 200.00 per person for more excotic food and /or some fish dishes. South African wines are normally cheaper in our 'bottle stores' or discount stores, but around one and a half times more in restaurants.
Fuel
Fuel costs around R 7.00 - R 8.00 per litre and varies monthly according to the international oil price.
Scenic Areas - Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are generally not expensive and could be budgeted from R 2.00 - R 10.00 per person to scenic areas. Scenic areas with a well organised infrastructure charges more and can get to R 60.00 - R 80.00 per person.
Public Game Reserves
Public game reserves have introduced a conservation levy of between R 80.00 and R 160.00 per person per day. This is paid in addition to accommodation costs.
Fun Rides
Other costs are around R 100.00 - R 450.00 per person for a short boat ride in lagoons and lakes and around R 600.00 -R 750.00 when going out to sea. Rides such as cable car and short steam train rides around R 160.00 and R 40.00 - R 60.00 for entry into museums.
Gratuities and Porterage
It is custom to pay gratuities and porterage at hotels, restaurants, guides and parking attendants. The fees here are indications only; R 8.00 - R 10.00 per person for porters at hotels and airports, 10% of restaurant bill depending on the quality of food and service, R 2.00 - R 5.00 for parking and fuel attendants and around 10% of taxi fares.
Toll Roads
Toll roads are not too expensive compared to some countries in Europe and are only found on main routes. There may be several tolls on a road between major cities totalling between R 60.00 to R 160.00.
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