They say the best things in life are free, and we agree. Great views, fresh air and invigorating ambles – there’s no shortage of these in South Africa. The best part, you can make that day-long or weekend getaway happen for next-to-nothing. With our shortlist of affordable adventures, now there’s every reason to have all that fun you’ve been promising to have, and explore all those places you’ve been promising to explore.


Pack a Picnic
You’ve seen one shopping centre, you’ve seen ‘em all. Skip the restaurants and the window shopping, and instead, take your morning to the park or the beach. Pack a picnic, bring the bat and ball and don’t forget your camera! Your body will thank you for the fresh outdoor air, and the wide-open spaces to explore. And of course, what’s not to love about lounging around on a picnic blanket and tucking in to a colourful spread of snacks?


LLANDUDNO BEACH - CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE
Image by : Cord Von Limburg - Flickr
Llandudno Beach is one of South Africa’s most picturesque, picnic-perfect spots. It’s secluded position between the boulders means that it is protected from the winds, and is a romantic spot to watch the sunset.


JOHANNESBURG BOTANICAL GARDENS – EMMARENTIA, GAUTENG
Image by : Paul Saad - Flickr
Just 6km from the CBD, Emmarentia Dam and its surrounding gardens make for a reinvigorating space for both locals and visitors. Serene gardens and greenery, pathways for a relaxing amble, shady nooks and benches make this sprawling park a popular respite from the pace of the city.


Go for a Hike
Not only is a good hike a great way to explore the spectacular outdoors, it’s also a blood-pumping workout too. And South Africa is teeming with challenging and scenic routes – so just take your pick. The best part? Beyond burning a few calories en route, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views at the end of every climb.

SKELETON GORGE - TABLE MOUNTAIN, WESTERN CAPE
Image by : Damien du Toit - Flickr
Skeleton Gorge is considered Table Mountain’s most picturesque hiking route. The first half of the hike is limited to forested gorges, the second half occurs across most of Table Mountain’s floral zones, and is the perfect vantage point of panoramic views of Cape Town.


GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK – FREE STATE
Image by : Terry Carew
Golden Gate is an ideal escape for visitors across South Africa, considering it is a mere 3 hours from Durban, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. The various breath-taking Golden Gate routes all take hikers around or up the orange sandstone cliffs, take them down into forested ravines and sprawling savannahs.


Go Camping
Whether it’s just for one night, or whether you set up camp in your back garden, it’s all about an exciting change of scenery. Cook up a potjie, braai a few marshmallows, stay up late and leave your phone off. Nothing beats the great outdoors, even if it’s just your good ol’ garden. Keen to see more without breaking the bank? Here are a few camping spot faves across SA:

COBHAM – DRAKENSBERG, KWAZULU-NATAL
Image by : knipslog.de - Flickr
Surrounded by the Drakensberg Maloti Mountains, Cobham’s level and grass-covered campsite is surrounded by 360-degree awe-inspiring views. Take a quick walk to the river for a dip, spend your days hiking, or venture up the mountains for an overnight stay in a cave.


BRUINTJIESKRAAL – BAVIAANSKLOOF, EASTERN CAPE
Image by : Nick Marais Reyneke - Flickr
Situated on the banks of the wide Groot River, Bruintjieskraal offers many swimming and fishing opportunities, as well as nearby scenic walks. Each campsite has its own cold water shower and toilet, and each campsite has plenty of privacy as they’re all well-spaced along the river.


Wherever your next adventure takes you, gear up for your getaway with Maxed Terrain. From camping essentials to everything travel, our gear is good to go and perfectly priced too.