With household budgets under pressure, travellers can still explore South Africa without breaking the bank. Hidden waterfalls, local food experiences, and scenic road trips offer opportunities to discover the country on a budget. An unforgettable holiday can begin with a road trip to a neighbouring town, a recommendation on social media, or a meal made with locally-sourced ingredients.
According to Mashoto Mokgethi, Head of Domestic Tourism at South African Tourism, only 11% of South Africans plan their holidays properly. Mokgethi emphasised the need for travellers to budget, research, and book ahead rather than leave arrangements until the last minute. This approach can help South Africans make the most of their time away.
Personal finance expert Mapalo Makhu advises travellers to understand their numbers and make travel a deliberate part of their household budget. By setting a savings target and working towards it over several months, travellers can make their holiday more affordable. Makhu suggests being intentional about saving for holidays, rather than waiting until there is enough spare money.
Content creator and traveller Fari Sanyika-'Gophari' says social media has become an important part of how people discover destinations. Platforms like TikTok allow travellers to see what a place looks like, read other visitors' experiences, and ask questions about locations, costs, and accessibility before setting off.
Sanyika-'Gophari' shared a hidden waterfall in Limpopo where visitors paid just R15 for entry, which sparked interest from followers. Her own travels have shown her the appeal of exploring closer to home, taking road trips to lesser-known attractions and discovering places she might otherwise have overlooked.
Food tourism offers another way to explore South Africa, bringing visitors closer to the ingredients, traditions, and people that give different destinations their character. Chef Ayanda Seseli demonstrated how local and indigenous ingredients, fermentation, and cultured foods can tell stories about heritage and place.
Travellers can build an entire outing around a food experience, exploring nearby attractions or supporting local businesses along the way. A visit to a food producer can lead to discovering local crafts, cultural activities, accommodation providers, and other attractions in the surrounding area, creating opportunities for smaller businesses to benefit from visitors.
Key points
- Planning ahead and understanding household finances are crucial for making holidays affordable.
- Social media platforms can help travellers discover hidden gems and local experiences.
- Food tourism offers a unique way to explore South Africa and support local businesses.
