South Africa is already a reasonably affordable place to visit, especially with the South African Rand being weaker than the United States Dollar. However, if you’re unfamiliar with how to travel there while spending as little money as possible, you might end up paying more than you actually need to. It never hurts to research any new country you intend to visit, so besides learning about culture, traditions, and safety tips, you might also consider these money-saving measures below.
Stay At Campgrounds
There’s no denying that having a roof over your head can be luxurious after a long day of exploring, but staying at campgrounds can often be cheaper. You can purchase an affordable vehicle, visit an iKamper dealer in South Africa to buy a rooftop tent, and explore some of the best campgrounds in the country.
Botsalano Game Reserve is normally under $20 per stand, and you can spend much of your free time in this area watching buffalo, giraffes, and gemsbok in their natural environment. However, if you want to save even more money, you could visit the Beaverlac natural heritage site for under $6 per person. Here, you’ll be able to cool off under the waterfalls, view beautiful rock paintings, and meet new people at neighbouring campsites.
Pack Your Own Food
Essential ingredients like bread, milk, and fruit are reasonably inexpensive in South Africa, with a loaf of bread costing an average of $0.85. While it’s always rewarding to experience local cuisine in restaurants, you can save money on your travels by preparing some of your own meals. Sandwiches, fruit, and snacks can sustain you during your day trips, and you might decide to indulge in restaurant cuisine once you return to your accommodation. You might even be able to save money by eating large breakfasts to avoid the need for multiple snack stops.
Drive Yourself
South Africa has many standout attractions located several hours apart, making seeing everything you want to see quite a challenging task if you’re relying on public transport. Rather than being at the mercy of a bus schedule, consider renting a car or even buying one that you can resell when your travel adventures end.
Renting or buying a vehicle allows you to visit any attraction you please without worrying about timeframes, missing buses, or cutting visits short based on when you can access transportation to your next location. However, if you still prefer to rely on public transportation, there are a few different options, such as the commuter rail system, high-speed rail, and commuter buses.
Find Free Activities
It’s always worth saving hard to afford exciting activities in South Africa like safari tours and shark cave diving. However, there are also many free and low-cost activities to take advantage of. If you purchase a Wild Card for under $45, you can access over 80 parks and reserves around Southern Africa for free, including five World Heritage Sites. You might also like exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, visiting Knysna Heads geologic formations, or hiking up Lion’s Head to take in the views.
Traveling around South Africa doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you establish a travel plan before you leave. Any of these travel tips above might allow you to keep more money in your back pocket while still enjoying a vacation to remember.
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