Hey Tourists, South Africa Has Never Been Cheaper

While the falling rand is bad news for South Africans, tourists from abroad – or South Africans living overseas – can score big during the currency’s slump. While other safari destinations in Southern and East Africa quote their prices in U.S. dollars, South Africa still quotes in rand, making it more attractive, according to safari operator Onne Vegter.

The rand currently trades at around 13.9 to the dollar and about 21 to the British pound. Vegter, founder of Wild Wings Safaris, says that at those exchange rates, there has never been a better time to visit South Africa and go on a safari.

He says that South Africa could change its pricing to also be in U.S. dollars in the future, like other African countries.

“We hope this will never happen, but who knows what the future holds?”

Tourists spending dollars or pounds are getting 50 percent more for their money than two or three years ago, Vegter says.

Comparing average costs in South Africa:

Vegter put together a list of examples of what a tourist might spend money on, and how each price translates into dollars or pounds. A coffee in South Africa, for example, translates to only $1 or 67p. (These estimates are generous and based on current prices, he says. It is possible to enjoy a hot breakfast for under R30, a large pizza for R75 or a three-course restaurant meal for only R220 per person).

While the future of the Rand is uncertain, Onne says “right now, tourists with Dollars or Pounds to spend are getting 50% more for their money than 2 or 3 years ago. So now is a great time to book a trip to South Africa!”

A version of this article first appeared on Wild Wings Safaris and is republished here with kind permission of Onne Vegter, co-founder and managing director of Wild Wings Safaris.