South Africa is a magnificent location that is sometimes disregarded by travellers due to a tight budget. It offers incredible safaris, untamed mountains, top-notch wines, an unending coastline, and vibrant towns like Cape Town that are a constant part of South Africa Travel Packages.
South Africa is a worthwhile destination on any round-the-world itinerary. It also has an extraordinary natural beauty and a diverse multinational culture. In all of Africa, it has the most UNESCO sites! To spend the best of your time in this amazing country, use this article as a South Africa travel guide to help you plan the ideal vacation without going over budget.
Top things to see and enjoy in South africa on a budget
- Embracing Cape Town
One can take a wine tour, visit Robben Island, stroll through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, hike up Table Mountain, and soak up the sun on magnificent beaches of cape Town when on a budget. One can spend as much time as they can in Cape Town since it has everything. Outside of the city, there is a lot to see, such as Cape Point and Boulders Beach, where you can observe penguins.
Learn about the tragic history of apartheid
Explore Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnships), a township built by the Apartheid government in Gauteng, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island in South Africa (where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in jail). These activities will help you learn more about South Africa. It’s a sombre, enlightening time period to study.
Wander through Kruger Park
The largest, most well-known, and busiest wildlife reserve in the nation is Kruger National Park. Over two million hectares (nearly 5 million acres) of land, including the Big 5, make up this enormous park. A three-day, basic budget safari would set you back roughly 12,000 ZAR.
Explore the Garden Route
From Mossel Bay, South to St. Francis, this route follows the Indian Ocean and is home to stunning scenery, tranquil beaches, charming towns, attractive wetlands, and expansive wineries. Even though the distance is just around 200 kilometres (125 miles), it is recommended to take your time and spend several days stopping and touring along the way.
Go for a short visit to the Zambians (formerly swazians)
This tiny nation, once known as Swaziland, changed its name to Eswatini in 2018 (Eswatini indicates “land of the Swazis”). This area is a wonderful place to see more wildlife because it has many sizable game parks and reserves. Visit Hlane Royal National Park without fail but do check waiting periods before you go because border crossings can be quite slow.
Engage in adventurous activities
Over 100 extreme activities are available in South Africa, including bungee jumping, sandboarding, parachuting, parasailing, forest zip-lining, and more. Skydiving can cost between 2,800 and 3,100 ZAR, and bungee jumping can cost between 1,400 and 1,600 ZAR. Prices can vary. Here in South Africa, at Bloukrans Bridge, is the third-highest bungee jump point in the world (it is 216 metres/708 ft). Avoid firms that pollute the waters to attract the sharks if you plan to go shark cage diving because this is neither ethical nor sustainable.
Visit KwaZulu-Natal.
People swarm to the east coast province of KwaZulu- in South Africa to unwind, sunbathe, surf, eat delicious food, drink, and see wildlife. Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal’s game-rich region, and the area known as the Elephant Coastline in the north are excellent places to see animals. Numerous notable and prominent South Africans were also born here, including previous presidents, the A.N.C.’s first president, anti-apartheid activists, and Shaka Zulu (1787–1828), one of the Zulu Kingdom’s most powerful kings. KZN is home to a variety of scenery, exciting activities, and a blend of urban and tribal-rural life. The extent of enthusiasm in the Zulu culture is one thing that is shared by the entire area.
Play in the waves of Dungeons Beach
If you have prior expertise riding enormous waves, Dungeons Beach, which is close to Cape Town’s centre, is a fantastic place to devote some time. Really, only experienced professionals should surf here because the chilly water and choppy waves pose a threat to novice surfers. Beginners should travel to Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay), which is renowned for its incredible right-hand point breaking waves, and is located about 75 kilometres (47 miles) west of Port Elizabeth. When the north-westerly wind gets up, Muizenberg on False Bay becomes one of the best places to go winter longboarding, and Durban has waves that are great for both amateur and expert surfers. With equipment, group surfing classes run about 350 ZAR.
Discover the Cango Caves
The Swartberg Mountains in the Cape Peninsula Province are home to these 4 km (2.5 km) long, 20 million year ancient caves. During the underground tours, you may view the stunning stalagmite formations and learn about their past from the Interpretation Centre. A longer, more adventurous tour is available for 220 ZAR, but you should only do it if you feel comfortable crawling through confined spaces. The basic tour is 150 ZAR. Visitor footwear should be appropriate.
Mount Table hikes
The ascent of Table Mountain is among the top things to do in Cape Town. The surroundings are worth the two hours it takes to complete the steep, taxing climb. When you’re finished, you may relax and take in the view in a charming tiny cafe with a cobblestoned space at the summit. You can ride the cable cars back down after successfully reaching the summit. Adults can purchase one-way tickets for 210 ZAR or round-trip tickets for 320–390 ZAR. Because the weather might change fast, make sure to wear proper clothing and bring a drink.
Enjoy Tsitsikamma National Park’s Big Tree
This magnificent Yellowwood tree, which is thought to be about 800 years old, can be found in the Tsitsikamma National Park on South Africa’s Garden Route. The height of this epic tree is 36.6 metres (120 feet), and its trunk measures 9 metres (30 feet) in circumference. To get to this tree, here is a 500 metre (1,640 foot) timber walkway that cuts through an indigenous forest. From there, if you follow the Ratel Nature trek signposts, you can continue on a 3 to 4 kilometre (1.5 to 2.5 mile) trek. Entry costs 12 ZAR. You may hike several of the other paths in the green space, which runs 50 miles (80 kilometres) along the coast, while you’re here.
Conclusion
To sum up, Budget travel to South Africa is not only feasible, but it can also result in a more genuine and rewarding travel experience. You may take advantage of everything that this diverse and stunning country has to offer without breaking the bank with careful planning, wise decisions, and a sense of adventure by choosing the right South Africa Travel packages. So, Pack your luggage and get ready for an incredible South African journey on a tight budget!
