The Unexpected Cost of a Cape Town Getaway: A Tale of Romance and Finance - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

The Unexpected Cost of a Cape Town Getaway: A Tale of Romance and Finance

3 mins read
travel expenses budget-friendly

A viral TikTok video revealed the unexpected cost of a five-day romantic retreat to Cape Town, shocking many viewers. The total cost was R27,000, with a significant chunk spent on lodging, e-hailing services, and food. While some argue that Cape Town can be budget-friendly, it’s a reminder to carefully plan and explore local destinations. The story emphasizes the need for financial planning and the value of exploring overlooked local treasures like Cape Town.

The unexpected cost of a five-day romantic retreat to Cape Town was revealed in a viral TikTok video, leaving many viewers astonished. The total cost of the trip was R27,000, with a significant chunk spent on lodging at an Airbnb, e-hailing services, and food. While some argue that Cape Town can be a budget-friendly experience, it’s a timely reminder to carefully plan and explore local destinations.

Venturing into the Mother City

When considering a romantic vacation, many people often dream of distant, exotic destinations, bypassing the stunning beauty and appeal right in their own backyards. One such overlooked treasure is Cape Town, affectionately known as the Mother City. This breathtaking metropolis combines the charm of global destinations within its boundaries. A recent video that went viral on TikTok, posted by user Thobi Mashitisho, reveals the financial reality of a five-day romantic retreat to Cape Town, leaving many viewers astonished.

Mashitisho and her partner embarked on a thrilling journey, traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town. This exciting venture amounted to a staggering total of R27,000, causing disbelief amongst their TikTok followers. The expense breakdown provided by the couple paints a fascinating contrast of costs, fluctuating across various aspects of their trip.

The Breakdown of Costs

For their five-day lodging at an Airbnb, the couple spent R7,532, a significant chunk from their budget. Initially, they considered traveling by long-distance bus, a budget-friendly option that would have cost around R1,900. However, valuing time over money, they opted for a flight back to Johannesburg, setting them back R4,250.

As they navigated around Cape Town, the couple relied on e-hailing services – a contemporary convenience that came with a price tag of over R3000. Their itinerary also included a journey to one of their activities costing around R800 and a four-hour luggage drop service that added a further R260 to their expenses.

In addition to these costs, the couple indulged in adventure-filled activities such as quad biking at the Atlantis dunes and a charming boat cruise for two, costing them R1,200 and R589 respectively. Not all their adventures came with a price tag though. They enjoyed a free day at Clifton Beach, adding only a R70 umbrella to their expenses. Food, an essential aspect of any travel experience, cost them a surprising R7,000 plus.

The Debate Over Travel Expenses

The surprising cost of this local vacation stirred debates among TikTok viewers. Many were shocked by the expenses that seemed to mimic the costs of some overseas holidays. One viewer’s comment, ‘Cape Town is expensive 😭 to think I spent around R27k in Thailand for nine days,’ encapsulates the general sentiment.

However, it’s worth noting that the cost of any vacation can be a direct manifestation of personal choices and tourist behaviors. Some argue that Cape Town can indeed offer a budget-friendly experience, provided some mindful strategies are employed. One such suggestion is to use public transportation like MyCiti or buy a City pass. Others recommended purchasing restaurant vouchers on Hyperli for better management of food expenses.

Weighing Luxury Against Economy

The experience of Mashitisho and her partner underscores the full range of travel experiences, from economical shortcuts to lavish luxuries. It reminds us that while Cape Town can be an expensive destination, it can also be a budget-friendly escape with careful planning. The one constant is the city’s irresistible allure, offering an unforgettable experience, regardless of the budget.

This story not only highlights the need for careful financial planning when embarking on a vacation but also emphasizes the value of exploring local destinations that are often overlooked in favor of more exotic locales. Cape Town offers a unique blend of romantic adventure, cultural richness, and natural beauty that rivals any international destination. It’s a timely reminder to explore and appreciate the treasures in our own backyard.

What is the total cost of a five-day romantic retreat to Cape Town as revealed in the viral TikTok video?

The total cost of a five-day romantic retreat to Cape Town, as revealed in the viral TikTok video, was R27,000.

What were the significant expenses during the couple’s trip to Cape Town?

The significant expenses during the couple’s trip to Cape Town were lodging at an Airbnb, e-hailing services, and food.

Can Cape Town be a budget-friendly experience?

Yes, Cape Town can be a budget-friendly experience, provided some mindful strategies are employed, such as using public transportation or buying a City pass and purchasing restaurant vouchers on Hyperli for better management of food expenses.

What is the value of exploring local destinations like Cape Town?

Exploring local destinations like Cape Town offers a unique blend of romantic adventure, cultural richness, and natural beauty that rivals any international destination. It’s a timely reminder to explore and appreciate the treasures in our own backyard.

What does the viral TikTok video of the couple’s trip to Cape Town highlight?

The viral TikTok video of the couple’s trip to Cape Town highlights the need for careful financial planning when embarking on a vacation and emphasizes the value of exploring local destinations that are often overlooked in favor of more exotic locales.

What is the one constant in Cape Town, regardless of the budget?

The one constant in Cape Town, regardless of the budget, is the city’s irresistible allure, offering an unforgettable experience.

Previous Story

The Web of Betrayal: A Closer Examination of the Grindr Gang’s Strategy

Next Story

The Evolution of Monkeypox: A Virus on the Move

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.