5 Weekend Getaways in South Africa Under R2000

kay, Mzansi. Let’s have a serious family meeting.

We are all working hard. The hustle is real. The emails never stop, the WhatsApp groups are pinging non-stop, and load shedding (or the threat of it) is always lurking in the back of our minds. You are tired. You need a break.

But then you open your banking app, and your savings account gives you that “bombastic side-eye.”

We often think that travel is reserved for the wealthy—those people jetting off to Mauritius or sipping bubbly in a R10,000-a-night lodge in the Kruger. But that is a lie. Weekend getaways in South Africa under R2000 are not only possible; they are often more fun, more authentic, and more memorable than the luxury trips.

As Thando, your City Insider, I have made it my mission to find the “Soft Life” on a “Hard Budget.” I’ve scoured the country, slept in backpackers, camped under the stars, and negotiated group rates to bring you this list.

We are going to explore how to escape the concrete jungle for a mere R2000 (per person). Pack your bags, grab your cooler box, and let’s go on a Sho’t Left.

The Golden Rules of Budget Travel in 2026

Before we drop the pins on the map, we need to talk strategy. To keep your weekend getaways in South Africa under R2000, you need to be smart. You can’t just book the first thing you see on Booking.com.

1. The “Group Chat” Economics

Solo travel is expensive. When you travel with three friends, you split the fuel four ways. You split the accommodation (a 4-sleeper cottage is cheaper per head than a hotel room). You split the braai meat.

• The Rule: Squad up. The more, the merrier, and the cheaper.

2. Self-Catering is Non-Negotiable

Eating out three times a day will blow your R2000 budget before Saturday lunch.

• The Strategy: Pack a “skhaf tin.” Pre-cook a pasta salad or a bobotie for Friday night. Bring eggs and bacon for breakfast. Braai on Saturday. Only buy drinks and maybe one lunch out.

3. Destination Proximity

Fuel is the budget killer. If you are in Joburg, driving to Cape Town for a weekend is financial suicide. Choose a spot within a 3-hour radius.

If you are struggling to manage your daily expenses to save up for these trips, read my guide on The Art of Living Well in South Africa: Balancing Comfort, Culture, and Cost. It’s the blueprint for freeing up cash for travel.

1. The Drakensberg (KZN): Amphitheatre & Hiking

For the adventurous souls, “The Berg” is spiritual. It is vast, green, and incredibly affordable if you avoid the fancy hotels.

Where to Stay: Amphitheatre Backpackers

Located in the Northern Drakensberg, this place is legendary. It’s not just a hostel; it’s a vibe. They have budget options ranging from camping to dorms and private rooms.

• The Cost: You can find dorm beds or camping spots for as low as R250–R350 per night.
• The Vibe: Communal fires, a jacuzzi, and travelers from all over the world.

What to Do (For Free)

• Hiking: You are at the foot of the Tugela Falls (second highest in the world). Hiking costs nothing but sweat. The views are world-class.
• Swimming: Natural rock pools. No entry fee required.

The Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Pro Tip: Visit in late summer (March/April) when everything is green, but the severe thunderstorms have calmed down.

2. Magaliesberg (Gauteng/North West): The Quick Escape

If you are in Joburg or Pretoria and want one of the best weekend getaways in South Africa under R2000, Magaliesberg is your answer. It is less than an hour away, saving you massive amounts on petrol.

Where to Stay: Mountain Sanctuary Park

This is a privately owned nature reserve. It is pristine, quiet, and safe. They offer camping and rustic log cabins.

• The Cost: Camping starts around R200 pppn. Log cabins can be shared for roughly R400-R500 pppn.

What to Do

• The Crystal Pools: This is the main attraction. A short hike leads you to natural rock pools with water so clear you can drink it (don’t, but you could).
• Mountain Biking: Bring your own bike and hit the trails.
• Braai: Their braai facilities are top-tier.

Why It’s a Winner

It feels like you are in deep nature, but you can be back in Sandton in 50 minutes if there is an emergency. It is the ultimate low-stress, low-cost disconnect.

Check out the official Mountain Sanctuary Park website for current rates.

3. Paternoster (Western Cape): The West Coast Chill

For my Capetonians, the West Coast is your playground. Paternoster is famous for its white-washed fisherman cottages and crayfish, but it can be pricey. Here is how to do it on a budget.

Where to Stay: Sea Shack

Located inside the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Sea Shack offers “glamping” in tiny wooden cabins right on the water’s edge.

• The Cost: Approx R400–R500 per person per night (sharing).
• The Vibe: Off-the-grid. Solar power. Gas showers. It’s rustic, but waking up to the sound of waves crashing 10 meters from your bed is luxury.

What to Do

• Beach Walks: Walk along the Tietiesbaai coast. It’s rugged and beautiful.
• Kayaking: If you have the budget, rent a kayak. If not, just swim (if you can brave the cold water!).
• Sunset Watching: The sunsets here are legendary.

The Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

4. The Midlands Meander (KZN): Road Trip Vibes

The KZN Midlands is often associated with expensive weddings and private schools, but it is actually one of the most accessible weekend getaways in South Africa under R2000.

Where to Stay: Inversanda Farm Cottages

Look for farm stays. You get an entire cottage, usually with a fireplace, for a fraction of a hotel price. Inversanda or similar spots in the Dargle Valley offer incredible value.

• The Cost: Often around R450 pppn when booking a 4-sleeper cottage.

What to Do

• The Meander: Driving the route is free. You can stop at The Nelson Mandela Capture Site (small entry fee, totally worth it).
• Window Shopping: Browse the leather shops, candle dipping, and art galleries. Looking is free!
• Piggly Wiggly: Stop for a coffee. It’s an institution.

Why It Works

It’s cool, misty, and romantic. If you want a “winter vibe” weekend with red wine and fireplaces, this is the spot.

5. Dinokeng Game Reserve (Gauteng): The Big 5 on a Budget

Yes, you can do a Big 5 Safari on a budget. Dinokeng is the only free-roaming Big 5 reserve in Gauteng, located just north of Pretoria.

Where to Stay: Tamboti Bush Lodge (Camping) or Self-Catering

There are many campsites and affordable chalets within the reserve boundaries.

• The Cost: Camping from R250 pppn. Chalets from R600 pppn.

What to Do

• Self-Drive Safari: This is the game changer. You don’t need to pay R800 for a game drive vehicle. You can drive your own car (sedans are allowed on main roads, high clearance needed for others). You pay a conservation fee (approx R80 in 2026) and a self-drive permit.
• Game Viewing: Lions, elephants, rhinos—they are all there.

The Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

How to Eat Like a King on R500 for the Weekend

The biggest variable in your weekend getaways in South Africa under R2000 is food. Here is the Thando Menu for a budget weekend:

• Friday Dinner: “Build Your Own Burger.” Buy frozen patties, rolls, and toppings. Fun, interactive, and cheap.
• Saturday Breakfast: “Farmhouse Fry-up.” Eggs, bacon, toast, beans.
• Saturday Lunch: “Picnic.” Leftover cold meat, cheese, crackers, and fruit.
• Saturday Dinner: ” The Braai.” Boerewors (cost-effective), chicken wings, and potato salad.
• Sunday Breakfast: Rusks and coffee before hitting the road.

Pro Tip: Buy your alcohol at your local bottle store before you leave. Buying booze at a resort or tourist town usually comes with a “tourist tax” markup.

The “Sho’t Left” Mindset

South African Tourism launched the Sho’t Left campaign years ago, and it remains the best resource for locals.

The website is packed with deals specifically for South African ID holders. They have “Under R500” filters. Use them!

Traveling in your own country isn’t just about saving money; it’s about connecting with the land. When you stand on top of a mountain in the Berg or watch an elephant cross the road in Dinokeng, you realize why we live here. You realize that the “Soft Life” is actually about access to this beauty.

Book That Trip!

R2000. That is less than a night out at some clubs in Sandton. That is less than a pair of branded sneakers.

For that same price, you can buy memories. You can buy fresh air. You can buy a reset for your mental health.

Don’t let the Instagram algorithm fool you into thinking you need to fly to Dubai to be happy. The magic is right here. Grab your mates, pool your cash, and hit the road.

Which of these weekend getaways in South Africa under R2000 are you booking first? Let me know in the comments!

FAQ: Budget Weekend Getaways

Q: Is R2000 really enough for a whole weekend?

A: Yes, if you are disciplined. This budget assumes you are sharing fuel and accommodation costs with at least one other person (preferably 3). If you go solo, the fuel and accommodation costs will eat your budget.

Q: Are backpackers safe in South Africa?

A: Generally, yes. The Backpacking South Africa (BSA) accreditation is a good sign. Places like Amphitheatre Backpackers or Wild Spirit (Garden Route) are institutions with high security and great vibes.

Q: How do I find “Resident Rates”?

A: Always call the lodge directly. Do not book via international aggregators. Call them and say, “I am a local, do you have any SA Resident specials for this weekend?” You will be surprised how often they say yes.

Q: What is the cheapest way to book accommodation?

A: Airbnb is good, but often has high cleaning fees for short stays. Look at sites like LekkeSlaap (great for local options) or camp. Camping is the ultimate cheat code for weekend getaways in South Africa under R2000.

Q: Can I go on a safari for under R2000?

A: Yes! National Parks (SANParks) and reserves like Dinokeng allow self-drives. You avoid the expensive private game viewers and pay only conservation fees and camping/chalet costs.