Affordable family activities to do around South Africa to avoid overspending this December.

South Africa is home to many attractions and entertainment venues with endless ways to have fun this festive season, however we know vacations can be pricey so why not make the most of a STAYcation, and visit some beautiful local spots to help you avoid overspending when enjoying your festive season.

Affordable things to do in each province:

• Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape has some of the best nature spots in the country. If you are an avid hiker, you could visit The Waterfall Trail, or if you enjoy the beach, you could visit the picturesque Nahoon beach. If you prefer the bush and would love to see some wildlife, you could visit the Kragga Kamma Game Farm. The entrance fee begins at R450.

• Free State

The Free State is home to the Free State National Garden, this garden has some of South Africa’s best flora, you could make the most of your day and take the family for a picnic, there is a minimal entrance fee, for more information: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/free-state/visitor-information/information/. If you’re interested in outer space, you could also visit the Naval Hill Planetarium, for as little as R20 per person for group bookings.

• Gauteng

Gauteng boasts wonderful city life with natural attractions on the outskirts of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Visit the Apartheid Museum or Gold Reef City for some family fun located in Johannesburg. Another great place to visit with many places to keep you and the family entertained is Monte Casino, with a bird park and movies based in one spot.

• KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal has something special. Whether you enjoy the city, the beach, or the countryside, you will find it all in this province. Some of the best attractions are uShaka Marine World, The Valley of 1000 Hills, and the Golden Mile. While some activities require a entrance fee such as uShaka Marine World, you could enjoy a more affordable day at the local beaches with packed lunches to keep the family fuelled for a day of fun in the sun!

• Limpopo

Limpopo, has some of the best fauna and flora in the country with the world’s largest Baobab tree found here. Keep the whole family entertained outdoors with the hot springs, Warmbad Zoo based in Bela Bela, or you can visit the Debengeni Waterfall. For more educational adventure for the family visit Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre for a tour for a as little as R500 per adult.

• Mpumalanga

Escape to the beautiful province of Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga means “the place where the sun rises” and no wonder as it boasts the most beautiful landscape and should be at the top of your list if you love nature and wildlife. We suggest visiting the breath taking Blyde River Canyon with a R30 entrance fee, if you love spotting some animals visit the Kruger National Park, or Lone Creek Falls with a small walking distance of 100m from the car so suitable for all family members.

• Northern Cape

The Northern Cape, home to vast landscapes and rich history, has some popular attractions. Visit the well-known Big Hole in Kimberly, or SA’s largest telescope at SA Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), or if you prefer to on the green you could visit the Sishen Golf Club located at the edge of the Kalahari desert.

• North West

This province is home to beautiful wildlife while still offering bustling city life. If you visit the North West, we suggest you visit Hartbeespoort Dam, the Pilansberg National Park, or the super fun Valley of Waves – Sun City, however entrance fees can be pricey for the whole family.

• Western Cape

The Western Cape is home to the beautiful city of Cape Town and other attractions like The Garden Route. If you plan to visit the Western Cape this festive season, we suggest visiting Table Mountain or the more affordable option hike Lions head! You could enjoy a full day out at the Kirstenbosch Gardens for as little as R55 per adult.

While we understand keeping the family entertained but still trying to enjoy your much needed break can be tricky when trying not to overspend: Here are a few tips:

1. You could save money by carpooling with friends or family if you plan to drive to your destination. Petrol has become expensive, so saving on this expense can allow you to have more cash or to pay off any existing debts.
2. If you are flying to your destination, it would be better to fly on a weekday. Flights are usually cheaper during the week than on weekends.
3. To attract more people, many attractions will have package deals or specials over the festive season. Keep an eye on the social media and websites of places you may want to visit to take advantage of any package deals or specials.
4. Pack your own food if you’re out for the day. Eating take-away’s or at a restaurant can be a spoil, but can become very pricey.
5. If you plan to eat out, look for food specials. Many restaurants have food specials on specific days and happy hours available. This helps you enjoy the eating out spoil but also saves as much as possible.

Don’t let this festive season break your budget while exploring our country. Make sure to do your research and take advantage of any specials while enjoying your holiday to save as much as you can.

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