Costs & how to choose
Top funeral parlours in South Africa: how to evaluate them
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
There is no single best or top funeral parlour in South Africa: the right one depends on your budget, where the burial will be, your faith or culture, and whether you want cover, a service, or both - so evaluate any parlour, big groups or small local ones, on cost, cover, service and trust. The right parlour depends on your budget, where the burial will be, your faith or culture, and whether you want cover, a service, or both.
Instead of a fake league table, this guide gives you a practical way to evaluate any parlour or chain - the big national groups like AVBOB, Icebolethu, Doves, Two Mountains and Royal Funeral, as well as smaller local ones - so you can choose the best for your family.
Why there is no single best parlour
A parlour that is excellent for a Johannesburg family burying locally may be the wrong choice for a Cape Town family repatriating to the Eastern Cape, or a Durban family needing a same-day Muslim burial. "Best" depends on your specific needs and budget. Beware of sites that publish a ranked top 10 - they are usually based on opinion or advertising, not verified facts.
The checklist - how to evaluate any parlour
- Cost: get a written, itemised quote. Compare like for like.
- Cover: if they sell funeral cover, confirm it is underwritten by a licensed insurer and they are an authorised FSP.
- Service: confirm they can collect and bury where you need, including repatriation.
- Coffin range: see what is included versus extra.
- Waiting period and exclusions: get these in writing for any plan.
- Reputation: ask family, community and your burial society for names they have actually used.
The big national groups
Large groups such as AVBOB, Icebolethu, Doves, Two Mountains and Royal Funeral have wide branch networks and can usually handle repatriation between provinces. The trade-off is that they can cost more than a small local parlour, and the experience can feel less personal. They suit families who value reach and a one-stop service.
Small local parlours
A trusted local parlour can be more affordable and more personal, and may know your community's customs well. The trade-off is that they may have limited reach for long-distance repatriation, and you should still confirm any cover they sell is properly underwritten. For local burials, a good small parlour is often the better value.
Red flags to avoid
- Pressure to pay before you have a written quote.
- Funeral cover that is not underwritten by a registered insurer.
- No clear waiting period or exclusions in writing.
- Vague pricing or extras added on the day.
- Cash-only with no receipt. Walk away from any of these.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best funeral parlour in South Africa?
There is no single best one. The right parlour depends on your budget, where the burial will be, your faith or culture, and whether you want cover, a service, or both. Use a checklist to evaluate each option.
Are the big funeral groups better than local parlours?
Not automatically. Big groups offer reach and repatriation but can cost more and feel less personal. A trusted local parlour can be cheaper and more personal for a local burial. Compare on your specific needs.
Can I trust a top 10 funeral parlours ranking online?
Be cautious. Most ranked lists are based on opinion or advertising, not verified facts. Use a checklist and written quotes to decide what is best for your family.
What are the biggest funeral parlours in South Africa?
Well-known large groups include AVBOB, Icebolethu, Doves, Two Mountains and Royal Funeral. Size does not guarantee the best fit for your situation, so still compare quotes and services.
What are red flags when choosing a parlour?
Pressure to pay before a written quote, cover that is not underwritten, no clear waiting period in writing, vague pricing with extras added on the day, and cash-only with no receipt.
How do I check if funeral cover is legitimate?
Confirm it is underwritten by a registered insurer and that the seller is an authorised financial services provider (FSP). The National Financial Ombud handles funeral-cover complaints.
