You don’t need a big budget to travel well. These are South Africa’s favourite affordable road trips. Picture Credits: Reisespatz
By Aisha Zardad
Holiday travel doesn’t have to mean empty bank accounts, maxed-out credit cards, or months of financial recovery. In fact, some of South Africa’s most unforgettable trips aren’t the most expensive ones — they’re the journeys that combine short driving distances, affordable accommodation, and experiences that feel far bigger than the money spent.
As fuel prices remain high and household budgets tighten in 2025, more South Africans are choosing smarter road trips rather than cancelling holidays altogether. These are routes that deliver real value: fewer kilometres, minimal toll fees, flexible self-catering options, and destinations where nature — not luxury — is the main attraction.
From wildlife escapes to coastal drives and mountain hideaways, these are the five budget-friendly road trips South Africans return to year after year — because they simply make sense.
1. Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Distance: ± 400km one way
Estimated driving time: 4–5 hours
This remains South Africa’s most iconic and most affordable safari road trip.
- Fuel (return): ± R1,200 – R2,000
- Tolls: ± R200
- Accommodation: Wide range of self-catering and budget lodges
Why South Africans love it
Kruger isn’t just a destination — it’s a shared South African memory. For many families, this is where children spot their first elephant, where long car conversations turn into lifelong stories, and where the pace of everyday life finally slows down. The drive is manageable, the roads are reliable, and the reward is unmatched: unrestricted access to one of the world’s greatest wildlife reserves at your own pace. Add affordable self-catering options and the ability to split costs among friends or family, and it becomes clear why Kruger remains the most loved and most repeated road trip in the country.
2. Cape Town to the Garden Route
Distance: ± 450km one way
Estimated driving time: 5–6 hours
This coastal classic proves that scenic doesn’t have to mean expensive.
- Fuel (return): ± R1,500 – R2,300
- Accommodation: From backpacker lodges to affordable guesthouses
- Key stops: Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay
Why it works
The Garden Route works because it offers variety without excess. Within a single drive, travellers experience beaches, forests, lagoons, and charming coastal towns — all without the high costs associated with international travel or long-haul domestic flights. The route allows travellers to stop where they want, stay as long as they like, and adjust plans without penalty. Free natural attractions, affordable food options, and a wide range of accommodation make it a flexible holiday that adapts to your budget, not the other way around.
3. Durban to the Drakensberg
Distance: ± 250km one way
Estimated driving time: 3–4 hours
For Durban residents, this is one of the best-value escapes in the country.
- Fuel (return): ± R800 – R1,300
- Tolls: Minimal
- Accommodation: Affordable lodges and chalets
Why people keep coming back
The Drakensberg has a quiet pull that keeps calling people back. There’s something grounding about trading city heat and noise for open skies, crisp mountain air, and mornings that begin in silence. For Durban travellers, the short drive makes it easy to return again and again, whether for a weekend reset or a longer escape. Hiking trails, river swims, and fireside evenings create a sense of connection — to nature, to family, and to oneself — without the pressure to spend. It’s restorative, reliable, and refreshingly simple.
4. Johannesburg to Clarens
Distance: ± 320km one way
Estimated driving time: 3–4 hours
A short, manageable drive with big small-town charm.
- Fuel (return): ± R1,000 – R1,600
- Tolls: Low
- Experience: Restaurants, art galleries, hiking, and craft beer
Why it’s popular
Clarens has mastered the art of the easy getaway. It feels far enough from Johannesburg to mark a real escape, yet close enough to avoid travel fatigue. Visitors are drawn to its relaxed pace, walkable village centre, and blend of comfort and charm. Whether it’s browsing local art, enjoying good food, or heading into the mountains for a hike, Clarens offers the kind of low-effort enjoyment that keeps people coming back. It’s a destination that feels indulgent without being expensive — a rare balance that fuels its popularity.
5. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Addo Elephant National Park
Distance: ± 70km one way
Estimated driving time: 1 hour
This is one of South Africa’s most affordable wildlife road trips.
- Fuel (return): Under R300
- Accommodation: Affordable nearby options or day-trip visits
- Wildlife: Elephants, buffalo, antelope, and more
Why it’s unbeatable
Few travel experiences deliver as much impact for so little cost. Within an hour of the city, travellers can find themselves surrounded by elephants moving freely through their natural habitat — no long drives, no expensive transfers, no luxury safari prices. Addo proves that world-class wildlife experiences don’t need to be exclusive or expensive. Its accessibility makes it ideal for families, day visitors, and first-time safari-goers, while its scale and biodiversity ensure every visit feels special. For value, convenience, and sheer awe, it’s almost impossible to beat.
Final Verdict
Budget-friendly road trips aren’t about sacrificing quality — they’re about choosing destinations that deliver the most value. These five journeys prove that memorable holidays don’t depend on how far you travel, but how wisely you plan.
In 2025, the smartest trips aren’t the longest ones — they’re the ones that leave you refreshed without draining your wallet.
