There’s nothing like some time off, whether it’s a holiday, a day off, or just your weekend. However, there’s only so much money you can spend on activities and only so much time you can spend relaxing at home…
Let’s face it. South Africa is a veritable piggy bank, stuffed with amazing things to do and places to go. The good news? You don’t have to spend a cent on these activities. Just take a look at what you can get up to on a budget across South Africa.
Plenty to do in… Mpumalanga
There are so many places to go and things to do in Mpumalanga, but we’ve narrowed it down to these 4.
You can visit Kaapse-hoop and see the wild horses, swim under the waterfall, visit the old cemetery, picnic in the pear orchards, and even do a midnight tour to see if you can spot the ghost of Kaapse-hoop. Or you can release your inner history buff and wander through the old gold-mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest. But, if you prefer the wonders of nature, head over to Lisbon Falls and marvel at the highest waterfall in the area.
Plenty to do in… Gauteng
How about grabbing a bunch of carrots and head out to Joburg’s East Rand to feed the tame bunnies (and donkeys, cows, and goats) at the Bunny Park. Feeling like a spot of culture? Then enjoy the live music at Aware Record Store, check out the works of William Kentridge and Kendell Geers at the Goodman Gallery, or explore Africa’s past at Museum Africa in Newtown. But if you need some sunlight and want to go outdoors, take a stroll through Kloofendal or Klipriviersberg nature reserves, or surround yourself with flowers at the Multiflora Flower Market.
Plenty to do in… the Western Cape
It was a hard job trying to choose the best freebies in the Western Cape, but someone’s gotta get it done…
For nature lovers, learn about the stars at the Astronomical Observatory, or explore the Garden Route and follow the trails along the coastal bush, and watch the seals, dolphins, and whales playing in the ocean.
If it’s something more tasty that you’re after, then browse and nibble at the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay or enjoy free tastings at vineyards, like Steenberg Vineyards.
After a more educational experience? Take a self-guided walk through the Company’s Garden, have a picnic, feed the squirrels, and don’t miss the oldest cultivated pear tree in SA, planted in 1652. We also suggest that you pop into the South African National Gallery to appreciate the collections of African, British, French, Dutch, and Flemish art.
Plenty to do in… the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape gives you so many options. You could send a letter from South Africa’s oldest official letterbox that stands on St Andrew’s College corner in Grahamstown, visit a lighthouse in Port St. Johns, or get lost in the country’s biggest labyrinth in Hogsback.
You could also take in the art at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, which includes South African, British and oriental art. And if you want a more outdoorsy experience, then spend the day at Van Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve, bird-watching, biking, walking trails, and end it off with a home-packed picnic.
Plenty to do in… KZN
There’s plenty of free stuff to do in KwaZulu-Natal, like meandering through the Midlands and taking in the natural and historical attractions, strolling along the cobbled pathways, oriental gardens and traditional koi ponds of Durban’s Japanese Garden on Tinsley Road, or birdwatching at Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary which boasts over 150 birds.
You can also walk the Golden Mile, the famous stretch from Vetchies Pier in the South to the Suncoast Casino in the North or even book online slots and play your favourite game at the casino, and if the weather isn’t playing ball, head indoors and view 1 of the 5 most complete skeletons of the extinct dodo and a 2,300 year old Egyptian mummy at the Durban Natural Science Museum.
Plenty to do in… the Free State
The Free State is just waiting to be explored and with these freebies you can do just that! You can go game viewing in Franklin Game Reserve, be among the few to experience 100s of exotic orchids at The Orchid House in Bloemfontein, or go grave-hunting in Fauresmith where you’ll find the 3 Murderer’s Graves, who were publicly executed in the 1800s. You might need a drink to steady your nerves at the end, so head on over to the Clarens Brewery, where you can sip on handcrafted beer and cider at Clarens Brewery.
It’s nonsense that money should hold you back from experiencing what our country has to offer! That’s why we went the extra kilometre to find out what you can do and where you can go… And it won’t cost you a cent, aside from the cent it costs to get there.
We’ve also made sure that you can cover your possessions and cars while you’re out and about. From our portable possessions cover which includes R1 cover for certain items, to our car insurance that gets cheaper every month along with the depreciating value of your car… Our premiums are super cheap and we treat you like royalty every step of the way.
