How much does a trip to Northern Lights cost from South Africa?
About R52 100 for 5 days, solo
Or R43 100 each for two people sharing a room. Saving for a trip a year from now means about R4 340 a month.
Estimates from Johannesburg, booked 3 to 6 months ahead, including a 20% buffer and the visa fee. Prices checked Sep 2026.
Join the waitlistWinter nights above the Arctic Circle, chasing green curtains of light between fjords and snowy peaks.
Cost by trip length and style (solo)
| Length | Tourist | Blend | Niche |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | R52 100 | R52 790 | R52 460 |
| 14 days | R105 020 | R102 416 | R98 468 |
Tourist covers the famous sights. Niche swaps them for places locals love, usually with cheaper stays but more travel between them. Blend mixes both. Two people sharing pay less each, because the room is split.
Where the money goes (5 days, Tourist, solo)
| Return flight from Johannesburg | R17 000 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, 5 nights | R15 000 |
| Food, local transport and activities | R9 500 |
| 20% buffer for surprises | R8 300 |
| Visa and entry fees | R2 300 |
| Total | R52 100 |
Visa for South Africans
Visa required Yes. South Africans need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Norway.
Apply 4–6 weeks ahead (up to 6 months early).
When to go
| Best time | Sep–Mar |
|---|---|
| Cheapest time | Sep–Oct, Mar |
| Currency | Norwegian krone (kr) |
Book 4–6 months out; Arctic-winter beds sell fast.
Know before you go
| Getting there | About 15 to 18 hours with one or two stops via Oslo to Tromsø. |
|---|---|
| Health | No malaria. Dress for -10°C to -20°C with wind chill. |
| Money | Norway is almost cashless. Book aurora tours with free rebooking for cloudy nights; they cost R2,500 or more each, which is why daily costs here are high. |
A 7-day plan that mixes both
- Day 1 Arrive, check in and find dinner nearby
- Day 2 Aurora chase tour
- Day 3 Lofoten's fishing villages under the peaks
- Day 4 Fjellheisen cable car over Tromsø
- Day 5 Senja's Segla and Husøy
- Day 6 Husky sledding
- Day 7 Final morning, then fly home
The classics
- Aurora chase tour
- Fjellheisen cable car over Tromsø
- Husky sledding
- Reindeer and Sámi culture visit
- Arctic Cathedral and Polaria
- Fjord cruise
- Snowshoe walk
- Second aurora chase
Where locals go
- Lofoten's fishing villages under the peaks
- Senja's Segla and Husøy
- Harbour sauna and cold plunge
- Whale watching (Nov–Jan)
- A night in a glass-roof cabin
- Lyngen Alps winter hike
- Fish soup at a harbour café
- Self-guided aurora spotting away from the lights
Hidden gems near Northern Lights
Lofoten
Red fishing cabins beneath jagged peaks, with fewer aurora crowds than Tromsø.
About R3 500 extra to get there
Senja
Norway's second-largest island: dramatic coastal mountains and very few winter visitors.
About R2 000 extra to get there
Ready to book?
Affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
How much does a trip to Northern Lights cost from South Africa?
About R52 100 per person for 5 days travelling solo, or R43 100 each for two people sharing a room, booked 3 to 6 months ahead. That includes return flights from Johannesburg, mid-range accommodation, daily spending, the visa fee and a 20% buffer. These are estimates checked in Sep 2026.
Do South Africans need a visa for Norway?
Yes. South Africans need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Norway. Apply 4–6 weeks ahead (up to 6 months early).
When is the best time to visit Northern Lights?
The best time is Sep–Mar. The cheapest time is usually Sep–Oct, Mar.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg?
About 15 to 18 hours with one or two stops via Oslo to Tromsø.
Sources
Checked Sep 2026.