It’s hard to believe that we’re already in August… Where on earth is the year going? Actually, where on earth are you going? There are a few public holidays coming up and at least 1 school vacation. And, with a whole 4 months until the December break, there’s plenty of time to plan a little jaunt away.
Mini-breaks have become a bit of a South African tradition… And for good reason! How many of us think nothing of taking a half day’s leave on a Friday, driving somewhere conveniently close to home (but still far enough to feel foreign) and enjoy 2 days away so that we can be back in time to start work again on Monday? Most of us, right? That’s because a mini-break is a great way to spend quality time with your dearly beloved, whether that’s family, friends or even both! It could even be the solution to your need for a solo retreat.
To help you get away without coughing up the entire contents of your wallet, here’s a list of affordable hidden gems from around the country.
Around Gauteng
Where: Cullinan
This charming getaway harks back to a simpler time and is home to the world’s largest diamond discovery… It’s also less than 2 hours away from Jozi, so you won’t be in the car for too long.
Where: Hartbeespoort
It’s an hour away from Jozi and offers plenty of water sports-based activities, opportunities to chill with a view, and a few animal sanctuaries (we’re talking monkeys, elephants, and cheetahs). That’s a triple win.
Where: Magaliesburg
Another destination that’s just 1 hour from Jozi. Yes, Magaliesburg is small, but there is a wide range of activities and accommodation to suit almost any budget, so give it a Google to find something that you like.
Around Mpumalanga
Where: Dullstroom
Here you’ll find trout fishing, homemade delicacies, and enchanting art, as well as 1 of the largest international whisky collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
Around the Western Cape
Where: Elands and Lambert’s Bay
Just 2 hours from Cape Town you’ll find a sprawling, unspoiled beaches and beautiful natural landscapes. This is a treat for a quiet weekend away and an especially amazing getaway for surfers.
Where: Hemel en Aarde Valley
Explore the historic ruins in the area and take in the picturesque valley with its rows of vineyards, pine, and eucalyptus. This 1 is a true treat for the senses.
Where: McGregor
The manicured gardens, old-fashioned cottages and irrigation channels make this little village looks like a fairytale come true… You’ll find artists and potters galore, as well as many delicious artisanal food producers. McGregor’s offers a splendid feast for the eyes and the tummy!
Where: Paarl
Paarl is 1 hour from Cape Town and boasts a culture-rich heritage, so you’ll enjoy a beautiful and educational getaway with plenty of culinary sights and flavours. And, if you want a little more adventure, visit the Drakenstein Lion Park.
Around KZN
Where: Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana
Take a trip back into history by visiting the once-bloody battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, where the British troops first got served by the great Zulu warriors. We highly recommend spending a bit more on the guided tours for the whole story.
Where: Sodwana Bay
Prefer to relax a bit more? Then head to Sodwana Bay, which is 3 hours from Durban. Pristine beaches, fishing boats, swimming, and snorkelling and diving… It’s all incredible.
Start your mini-break fund today
There are lots of ways to spend very little on a mini-break, like shopping around for cheaper accommodation, booking self-catering lodging and bringing your food, or choosing housing close to the action so that you can walk everywhere… You can also cut down on your monthly expenses and stick these savings away for such a time as this.
For example, you can check out car insurance that decreases every month in line with the depreciating value of your car. That’s a monthly saving that adds up over the year and can go straight into your mini-break fund. There’s also the added bonus of covering your car so that you don’t run the risk of getting into an accident and having to pay for everything out of your own pocket (and obliterating your mini-break savings)!
