As a country, we are truly blessed to call the scenic routes, stunning landscapes, and diverse attractions literally around every nook and province in South Africa ‘home.’ If you think about it, South Africa is a road-tripper’s dream, so why not take advantage of the festive season to explore parts of the country you don’t normally visit. This way, you can really take the time to view the incredible vistas that pop out at every turn and sample the incredible pies from every padstal along the way. 

To help you plan your festive road trips and keep your costs in check, we have gathered a few budget-friendly stops and hidden gems that you can add to your itinerary. 

The Panorama Route (Mpumalanga) 

This route boasts natural wonders like God’s Window, the Lowveld Botanical Garden, the Blyde River Canyon, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. From a cursory look online, we have found that most attractions are free or require minimal entrance fees. For instance, God’s Window will cost you R35. Similarly, Bourke Luck’s Potholes also charges a R35 entrance fee. 

Some facts: The route starts at Nelspruit, connecting several cultural and natural points of interest as it stretches along the escarpment in Mpumalanga, ending at the Swadini Forever Resort – which boasts boat trips, microlight flights and more. 

Clarens (Free State) 

Known as the “Jewel of the Free State,” Clarens offers affordable art galleries, hiking trails, and cozy guesthouses. What you’ll also find is a tranquil town that seems to have this uncanny village-like ambience, not to mention the mild climate and rich history that started in 1912. 

Stop over and take in this picturesque spot, award-winning fare, and breathe in the art. 

Midlands Meander (KwaZulu-Natal) 

If you want to get to know KZN beyond the Durban beach front, then the Midlands Meander is for you. The Meander includes a collection of tourist routes that allow you to explore quaint villages, craft shops, and local eateries. If you aren’t keen on sitting down to feast, then pack a picnic and enjoy scenic spots for free. 

Wild Coast (Eastern Cape) 

This section of the Eastern Cape stretches along the province’s northern coastline. With its unspoiled beaches, the Wild Coast offers an affordable escape. There are a wide variety of accommodation options ranging in price, from the more budget-friendly hostels or campgrounds to the slightly pricier boutique hotels.  

It’s a peaceful drive, littered with opportunities to hike, fish, and explore nature with a sense of wonder. 

Riebeek Valley (Western Cape) 

Riebeek Valley is renowned for its olive and wine production and is home to Riebeek-Kasteel – one of the oldest towns in South Africa. It is an absolutely charming valley, where you can book affordable tastings, shop at local markets, and take in the stunning scenery without breaking the bank. 

Budget Tips For Festive Road trips 

Aside from choosing accommodation and activities that are on the more affordable side, there are additional steps you can take in order to avoid overspending as you drive merrily along. 

A few tips to stay in budget: 

• Pack snacks and meals to avoid expensive roadside stops. 

• Check for discounts at attractions or use loyalty points for accommodation. 

• Use fuel calculators, like our Trip Fuel Cost Calculator and our Fuel Consumption Calculator to plan your festive road trips and budget accordingly. 

• Use fuel apps to find the cheapest petrol stations along your route. 

• Travel in a group to split costs for fuel and accommodation. 

Feeling informed?  

We trust that this information will spark interest in exploring everything that South Africa still has to offer. As you plan your festive road trips, keep in mind that AA Inform is here to assist you with a range of tools designed to help you use your fuel wisely and budget effectively.