The most costly activities in South Africa include the exclusive safaris, wildlife watching, and other such adventure based activities but the good news Is that South Africa offers more than all this.
1. Plan Ahead
You obviously have to plan ahead before visiting South Africa as to what tours you want to do and what your daily expense should actually be. A little advice from people who’ve already been to South Africa helps a lot. If you rely on deciding what to do when you reach there, you are sure to get off the track of your budget. It’s all a psychological thing.
2. Camping Accommodation
Camping is a good thing to do in South Africa when you’re on a budget. It won’t cost you more than $5-$10 a day and it’s adventurous plus there are many foreigners who prefer more to camp rather than stay in a hotel. You’ll even find hostel sites for campers and backpackers at budget prices, this is what really makes South Africa different than other tourist spots.
3. Cooking Your Own Food
It’s best to cook food yourself or share meals with locals in South Africa, you’ll make new friends and you’ll get to know more about the country. The hostels where you camp at have built in kitchen facilities where you can cook and live life the caveman’s way. You need plastic accessories, milk, eggs and all the basic food stuff you would usually eat. Local food is however not that expensive and is quite tasty too.
4. Carrying a Water Filter
Carry a water filter with you to save money on bottled water. South Africa is a hot place and you need to keep yourself hydrated at all times.
5. Transporting by Bus
Tourist special buses in South Africa called Baz bus are the way to commute from one tourist attraction to another. It’ll cost you $175 and are very comfortable and better than other options.
6. Hire A Car for Tours
Decide what safari tours you want to take on your trip. Don’t take more than 2-3 tours or else you’ll lose your budget. Hire a car for a Safari tour in South Africa. It’ll cost you around $30. Hire one car for many days so that you can bargain a bit with the driver.
7. Travelling in a Low Season
You should visit South Africa in its low season which is from May to September. You’ll find out that prices are 30-40% cheaper in these months plus it’s a good time to see safaris as all animals are out and about. It is winter in Cape Town in these months but if you come from cold countries, it wouldn’t bother you much, just pack your winter jackets with you.
So you see, it isn’t that difficult to spend holidays in South Africa on a budget. You’ll actually enjoy it and camping, bon fires, and barbeques will become a memory of your trip.
Have you been to South Africa? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits: Elephant by exfordy