You don’t need to spend a fortune to escape the city for a weekend. South Africa is packed with small towns, mountain retreats, coastal gems and countryside destinations where travellers can enjoy a change of scenery without turning a short break into a major expense.
Also see: 25 Amazing Weekend Getaways in South Africa You Can Enjoy for Under R5,000
From self-catering stays and camping to destinations where there are plenty of free or low-cost outdoor activities, here are some affordable weekend getaway ideas to consider.
Accommodation prices can change depending on the season, weekends, public holidays and availability, so check the latest rates before booking.
1. Clarens, Free State
If you’re looking for a scenic countryside escape, Clarens is worth considering. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Free State,’ the town sits near the Maluti Mountains and offers everything from art galleries and restaurants to hiking and outdoor adventures.
One way to keep costs down is to choose self-catering accommodation and prepare some of your own meals. Clarens tourism listings include cottages, cabins, guesthouses and other self-catering options.
There are also special offers from some accommodation providers. For example, Visit Clarens currently advertises a three-night weekend special at selected villas for R1,750 per villa per night, although the offer excludes school holidays and long weekends.
Budget tip: Split a self-catering villa with friends or family and spend the day exploring the town and surrounding scenery.
2. Parys, Free State
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Just over an hour from Johannesburg, Parys is situated on the Vaal River and offers a combination of outdoor activities, restaurants, shops and countryside relaxation.
The destination is particularly appealing for groups because you can choose between simply relaxing beside the river and taking part in activities such as canoeing, hiking, angling and other adventure experiences, according to South Africa Travel.
Budget tip: Travel with a group, book self-catering accommodation and choose a few free outdoor activities instead of filling your itinerary with paid experiences.
3. Hogsback, Eastern Cape
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For a peaceful mountain escape, Hogsback offers beautiful scenery without requiring a luxury lodge budget.
Accommodation options at Hogsback Inn currently range from hotel rooms to self-catering accommodation and camping. Pumba’s Lodge and Camping options are aimed at budget-conscious travellers, with camping listed from R150 to R450 per person per night.
Budget tip: Camping or sharing self-catering accommodation can significantly reduce the cost of your stay.
4. Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
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Dullstroom is a popular weekend escape for Gauteng residents and is less than three hours from Johannesburg, according to South African Tourism.
The town is known for its mountain and wildflower scenery and is particularly popular with people looking for a slower-paced break. South African Tourism also highlights Dullstroom as a weekend destination with an “affordable” travel offering.
Budget tip: Look beyond luxury lodges and compare guesthouses, self-catering cottages and smaller accommodation options.
5. Magaliesburg, Gauteng
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You don’t necessarily need to travel far from Johannesburg or Pretoria to feel like you’ve escaped the city.
Magaliesburg has a variety of accommodation, including self-catering establishments, chalets, B&Bs, hotels, game lodges and camping options. Its tourism information also highlights affordable self-catering and camping as options for weekend visitors.
Budget tip: Camping is one of the easiest ways to keep accommodation costs down, while a self-catering stay can help you save on restaurant bills.
6. Cape Town, Western Cape
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Also see: Weekend getaway destinations for stressed professionals
A weekend in Cape Town doesn’t have to mean an expensive hotel stay.
Cape Town Tourism has previously highlighted accommodation options costing under R1,000 per night, including hostels with dormitory, private-room and camping options. The tourism body noted that rates vary by season.
The key is to choose accommodation close to the activities you want to do and make use of the city’s many outdoor attractions.
Budget tip: Consider a hostel, guesthouse or self-catering stay, and prioritise free activities such as beach visits, walks and hikes.
7. Bloemfontein, Free State
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Bloemfontein can work well for travellers looking for a city break without the prices associated with some of South Africa’s bigger tourist destinations.
South African Tourism has previously highlighted accommodation in Bloemfontein from R300 per person sharing at Janmar Guest House, although travellers should confirm current rates before booking.
Budget tip: Compare accommodation rates and consider travelling outside peak periods.
How to make your weekend getaway even cheaper
A destination might be affordable, but your spending can quickly increase once transport, food and activities are added. A few simple choices can help keep the trip within budget:
- Travel with friends or family and split fuel and accommodation costs.
- Choose self-catering accommodation so you can prepare some meals yourself.
- Look for camping options if you’re comfortable with a more outdoorsy trip.
- Travel outside long weekends and school holidays when accommodation can be more expensive.
- Choose destinations within driving distance to save on flights.
- Plan free activities such as hiking, beach days, sightseeing and exploring local towns.
- Set a food budget before leaving and avoid relying on restaurants for every meal.
- Compare accommodation prices directly with booking platforms before paying.
- Look for specials and packages, particularly for longer stays or midweek travel.
Also see: The ultimate family adventure guide for long weekends
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