Last week, Cape Town was rated as one of the most ‘affordable city break destinations for 2023,’ leaving a lot of South Africans a little upset that the city is so cheap for tourists and not for them.
If you are looking for a beautiful destination that’s kind on the wallet and on the eyes, maybe leave the city to the travellers and visit these gorgeous places instead.
READ: Cape Town rated as one of the world’s most affordable cities to visit
1. Kleinmond
If you’re looking for mountains and beautiful oceans but can’t afford a visit to Cape Town, Kleinmond is an excellent option. The Kogelberg Mountains offer incredible hiking opportunities, many of which are free. You can spot whales from the promenade, kayaking on the lagoon, birding, or drive out to Betty’s Bay to see the penguins.
2. Ballito
Ballito is one of the only regions where you can watch schools of bottle-nosed dolphins swim along the KwaZulu Natal coastline. While away your days lazing on the golden beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, or enjoying a meal at one of the beachside restaurants.
READ: 10 Top Hidden Gems in Ballito
3. Paternoster
Another great and affordable option is the Western Cape’s Paternoster, a fishing village where twitchers will love trying to spot some of the nearly 200 bird species. Stay on the shore to look for dolphins and whales, or try your hand at sea kayaking.
4. Midlands
The beautiful rolling hills of the Midlands are a perfect holiday destination. Whether you want to sit by a peaceful dam sipping the local wine or meander along the Midlands Meander, trying out different coffee shops and restaurants, the Midlands caters to every holiday-maker’s needs.
READ: 3 Wine estates to visit in KwaZulu Natal
5. Dullstroom
Picture: dullstroom_on_horseback
Dullstroom is an anglers’ paradise, with sparkly fishing rivers and fishing reserves. The town has breweries, whisky bars, artisanal stores, cute coffee shops, and unique restaurants. The locals are friendly, the delectable food, the lush forests, and colourful meadows are a feast for the eyes, and the prices are affordable.
6. Robertson
Picture: Christi Nortier
Robertson is located on Route 62, the world’s largest wine route. Robertson offers stunning rose blossoms in the spring, rich vineyards where you can enjoy wine tasting and wine cellar visits, horse riding, and glorious hiking trails through the Langeberg Mountains.
7. The Waterberg
The Waterberg is one of Africa’s most significant biosphere reserves, a malaria-free zone, and hot springs. The Waterberg offers an authentic South African holiday in a more affordable region, with Big Five game farms where you can spend your days searching for awesome wildlife sightings.
8. Parys
The small holiday town of Parys is located on the banks of the Vall River within a 300-kilometre meteor crater. You can visit art galleries, antique shops, distilleries, breweries, and restaurants or try out some exciting water sports.
9. Hartebeespoort
E9RH7H View of the Hartebeespoort dam in South Africa
Hartebeespoorts, or ‘Harties,’ in the North West is frequented by holiday-goers. The town offers plentiful activities, beautiful landscapes, and leisure opportunities. You can take a hot air balloon ride over the Magaliesberg, white water rafting on the Crocodile River, or take Instagram-worthy pictures in the Upside-Down House.
READ: Top 10 must-experience activities in Hartbeespoort
10. Kaapsehoop
Picture: Melanie van Zyl.
The town of Kaapsehoop gives off mystical vibes with the mist that rolls down the mountains and through the forests. Not to mention the wild horses that no one knows the true origin of. Walk one of the hiking trails, eat a hearty meal at one of the quaint restaurants, or enjoy a picnic beneath the pear trees.
Pictures: Getaway Gallery
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ALSO READ: Spend 48 hours exploring Kaapschehoop, Mpumalanga
