Super Staycations – The Best Of SA On a Budget

Forget Morocco, the Maldives and even Monaco – Mzansi is where it’s at these holidays!

Increasingly heralded as one of the best travel destinations on the globe, South Africa offers not just tourists but us locals too a treasure trove of spots to make any staycation really memorable.

With so many beautiful destinations in one country, there’s plenty of spaces to relax, surrounded by beauty, without blowing your budget…

Start by swapping

If you own your own property, you could consider a house swap or short-term renting out your home to fund your stay elsewhere. House swap sites and short-term rentals have come a long way in recent years – with sites and services like houseswap.co.za, home exchange and air bnb available to all.

Now to decide where to go… here are our top ten hot spots.

Instead of choosing the most popular international destinations, we’ve looked for places that are a little less crowded and yet equally amazing in their own right.

So in no particular order, put your seatbelts on and let’s go!

1. The Orange River

On the lush banks of the Orange River, the opportunities for enjoying nature are endless.

Whether you opt for fun and raucous river rafting trips, or choose to relish the Orange River Wine Route rather (known as the Green Kalahari because of its lushness in the midst of the arid surrounds), we’re sure you’ll come back sun-kissed and smiling.

2. KZN South Coast

KZN’s North Coast has enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past few decades. But it’s her sleepy South Coast sister that still holds an unparalleled magic for many a holiday-goer.

With its string of small villages, golden beaches and warm sea, the South Coast is one of our favourite year-round holiday destinations. Whether you’re looking for world-class diving opportunities (think the Aliwal Shoal), or a fun-filled family adventure (think the Wild Coast Sun), the South Coast may be sleepy, but she’s a sleeping beauty.

3. Hartebeesport

Nestled within the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains just 45 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hartbeespoort Dam is a welcome respite from city life.

Its dam covers a momentous 1620 hectares, creating a myriad of outdoor and watersport activities to enjoy. Aside from sailing, jet skiing, para-sailing, waterskiing and sunset cruises along the dam, there are scenic walks and challenging hikes to explore, an aerial cableway and excellent bird watching opportunities too.

4. The West Coast

Renowned for its endless stretches of powder white beaches and quaint fishing villages, the West Coast remains a South African jewel with a vast array of accommodation options and fun holiday activities to choose from. From Paternoster’s idyllic white-washed cottages to camp sites at the pristine West Coast National Park, there’s something for everyone.

5. Wilderness & Sedgefield

Along the famed Garden Route, nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, these spots boast long golden beaches, rivers and lagoons, and all the small-town charm you need to really unwind.

With the bustling towns of George, Knysna and Plett still close by — there’s plenty of adventure and daytrips on your doorstep too.

6. St Lucia

St Lucia is made up of three main lake systems and eight different interlinking ecosystems—creating the largest estuarine system in Africa. In short, there’s no place like it.

A haven for wildlife – it’s home to 526 different species of birds alone and the largest population of hippos too. But that’s not all it’s home to: never-ending beaches, breathtaking hiking trails, kayak trips, coastal forests, coral reefs and some of the country’s best game reserves are all located here.

7. Fish Hoek

While Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard will be swarming with tourists over the festive season, the Fish Hoek Valley and neighbouring Glen Cairn will remain relatively quieter. And with Kalk Bay, Cape Point, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach all close by, there’ll be little reason to venture far.

8. The Karoo

If you’re looking for some serious downtime and rest, the Karoo might be the ideal spot for you. Despite its vast barren landscape, it’s actually teeming with life and adventure.

From Ostrich rides in Oudtshoorn, to the 20-million year-old Cango Caves, this is a holiday destination quite unlike any other. If you fancy a road trip, Route 62 stretches between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, and further up the east coast to Port Elizabeth. It’s also known as the Mountain Route – meandering through some of the country’s most spectacular mountain passes.

9. Drakensberg

Located just two hours from Durban and four hours from Gauteng, South Africa’s highest mountain range, the Drakensberg, was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Hiking, rock climbing and fly-fishing are the most popular pastimes here, although simply sitting and gazing at the spectacular peaks surrounding you is a perfectly acceptable pastime too. One of South Africa’s most magnificent mountain passes (Sani Pass) is also found here – offering spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains as it climbs upwards.

10. Nelspruit

With its sub-tropical climate and abundant sunshine, Nelspruit provides the perfect springboard from which to explore the wonders of Mpumalanga. Beautiful nature and hiking trails abound, as do fishing and bird-watching opportunities and day trips to the Kruger National Park.

Staying Home?

If you’re not able (or keen) to leave your home this holiday, you can still make wonderful memories as a family.

Taking a walk in nature, taking the plunge and swimming together at a local community pool, making pancakes, unplugging from all devices for a day, building a family fort in the living room… it’s the time spend together that your kids will remember most, not the destinations reached.

Wherever you go this holiday season – travel safe, cherish each day, and remember to celebrate the ones you’re with.

Mums, are you going away these holidays or are you staying home?

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