"How You Can Save": Keith Dodgen Breaks Down the Full Cost of a 5,000km Garden Route Road Trip

• South African creator Keith Dodgen shared a detailed cost breakdown of his 12-day road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town
• Keith travelled 5,000 kilometres with two companions, driving a hybrid vehicle through some of South Africa's most scenic routes
• The total spend across petrol, tolls, accommodation and food surprised many viewers who called it a bargain for three people

South African content creator Keith Dodgen gave his followers a rare look at what it actually costs to tackle one of the country's most celebrated road trips. He posted the breakdown on Facebook on 30 October 2026.

The 28-year-old Johannesburg-based creator, known online as @Yung Earn, drove 5,000 kilometres across South Africa with his partner and a friend over 11 to 12 nights. The route took them from Johannesburg through Durban, Mthatha, East London, Port Alfred, Jeffrey's Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and finally Cape Town before the long return drive back to Joburg.

Read also

Sannieshof farmers praised by SAPS after helping police arrest 3 bank robbery suspects

What the trip actually cost

Keith was behind the wheel of a BYD, a hybrid vehicle that runs on both electricity and petrol, which kept fuel costs noticeably lower than a conventional car would have managed. The trio spent R7,000 on petrol for the full 5,000 kilometres. Toll fees along the Garden Route came to roughly R700, which Keith noted was surprisingly low given the distance covered.

Accommodation made up the biggest single expense at R13,300 for the duration of the trip. The group used Airbnb throughout, staying in a mix of houses, ocean-view spots that felt like hotels, a granny flat, and one night at a lodge. Keith pointed out that travelling outside the December peak season kept prices considerably lower.

Food for all three travellers over the 12 days came to R8,000, covering meals out and snacks on the road. The total trip cost worked out to R30,000, which amounts to roughly R10,000 per person. Keith noted that extras such as nightlife and activities were not included in that figure.

Read also

South Africans debate whether one teacher’s salary is enough to live on

Watch Keith's full cost breakdown here.

Mzansi reacts to the road trip budget

South Africans in the comments had plenty to say about the numbers on Keith's Facebook clip:

@Anver Botha wrote:

"R10k for 3 ppl, 12 days... seriously worth every cent 👊"

@Nonjabulo Makhanya said:

"You guys ate more than you spent for fuel?! Gimbas for stru! 🤞🏽😂"

@Tana Ndlovu shared:

"3 people at 10k for 12 days, it was worth it. I'm actually looking at doing it with my daughter. Thanks for this."

@Emmanuel TomFord Couch noted:

"For the 3 of you guys? For 12 days? That's a bargain. I do think all those prices would be inflated come festive season."

@Tebogo Makhopane added:

"Great breakdown, especially for those of us who love to drive and explore our beautiful country."

@Royden de Vos asked:

"Great tip for accommodating. How many days did you spend in Cape Town? R30,000, 12 days, 3 people, not bad."

Read also

Hundreds of Villa Vie Odyssey passengers stranded in Cambodia after ship abruptly shut down

@Brendon Snow Kinsey commented:

"You can go to Thailand and Singapore for that kind of money."

More on travel and tourism

• Briefly News recently reported that a Cape Town travel guide showed how much visitors could enjoy in the city with just R100, including a café stop and visits to free attractions.
• A video of South African primary school children speaking Mandarin during a classroom exercise impressed viewers, who praised their accents and confidence.
• A tourist who was robbed while walking from Sea Point to the Cape Town CBD shared three mistakes she made and urged visitors to take precautions.

Source: Briefly News