CheapToCapeTown.com has released its annual “Cheapest Time To Travel” report for South Africans. It reveals which destinations are most in-demand at this time of the year, and those that are cheapest to travel to. Locals can explore their continent for the best deals, and experience a much needed holiday at an affordable price.
Recently, travel to many countries has become more affordable for South Africans. Some places have dropped in cost by as much as 75%. Below are 5 destinations which are relatively inexpensive compared to other countries in the region. From the lowveld in South Africa to the vast dunes of Namibia, these are someplace locals can explore for a smaller budget.
An island holiday in the Maldives
During the pandemic, people are willing to pay more for what they value. When it comes to travel, CheapToCapeTown.com has seen a huge increase in searches for flights to the Maldives. This has far outstripped pre-pandemic levels and is now exceeding those levels. What was once a ‘value for money’ holiday is now a haven of luxury.
The beautiful island of Maldives has long been a favorite vacation spot for the wealthy and now, with the opening up of the hotels, it is more accessible to the masses. Some of the exciting things to do include visiting the beaches, snorkeling, and browsing the local marketplaces.
Exploring sea and sand in Namibia
Namibia is one of the best countries in Southern Africa to visit during the winter, and it’s now even more affordable to travel there. The average price of flights to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, has dropped by 27% in the past year alone, and is now at its lowest point since 2014 (R3 721,00.. There’s something exciting for everyone, no matter what your interests are. Surfers will love the waves in Swakopmund, while those who like a more adventurous holiday can try sandboarding, 4×4 or quad bike tours, or go on fishing, boating and coastal tours.
Visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
If you haven’t planned a trip to Africa, or even if you have, you should consider going to Victoria Falls. Flights to VN can be secured for as little as R3 677 on average, making it one third more affordable than in 2019. As data from CheapToCapeTown.com shows, South Africans are taking advantage of this opportunity with flight searches being up 39%.
Getting up close with wildlife in Uganda
This country in Eastern Africa is growing in popularity for its tourist activities and receives almost twice more searches than pre-pandemic. Previously, flying to Uganda would set you back a pretty penny, but since 2019 the flight costs have come down by around 16%. This means it’s possible to travel from South Africa to Uganda for as little as R4 925,00 on average.
Uganda is known for its lush natural landscape and vast wildlife. This would be the perfect trip for someone interested in being up close and personal with nature. The country’s largest national park, Murchison Falls, is over 1 500 square miles, and located in the northwestern part of Uganda. There are a plethora of animals to sightsee here on
A quick break at a local game reserve
If you’re looking for the best deals on international travel, then consider visiting a local game reserve. You can get very affordable tickets to Nelspruit, and with a bit of patience and forward planning you can save as much as 27% when you fly. However, as more South Africans are taking domestic trips, trips to Nelspruit are also on the rise and searches for those flights are 131% higher than they were two years ago.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to go on your safari. Whether you want an intimate private reserve with just a handful of lodges, or a luxurious lodge experience in the middle of a national park, there’s sure to be a game reserve that will meet your needs. And with affordable flights available from Cape Town to Johannesburg (only 1 hour 30 minutes flight) you can make a short stay holiday possible. Travelers to South Africa should make sure to check the local travel rules and regulations related to COVID-19 prior to leaving for the c