Travel is back in a big way, with borders opening up and restrictions being lifted, people are more keen to travel than ever before. Of course, with rising costs of fuel and budgets tightening, overseas travel isn’t always the easiest option for many. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a holiday. ‘Staycations’ are on the rise and many South Africans are travelling within our beautiful country’s borders. Whether that means hopping on a plane to fly across the country or visiting a holiday spot within driving distance, there’s plenty for holidaymakers to enjoy locally in South Africa.
PriceCheck tip: Stock up on travel essentials before heading out on your trip!
Before you head out on your big trip, planning is key. Whether it is researching the best destinations for your holiday, investing in new luggage, stocking up on travel accessories, or upgrading to a new camera to capture all the memories of your time away. It’s never too early to start planning what you need for your getaway, so while you’re figuring out where you will be staying and what you will be getting up to on holiday, don’t forget to stock up on these travel essentials.
Now that you’re kitted out, here are our picks for 5 staycation accommodation and experience gems in South Africa.
PriceCheck tip: Always take some decent torches and power banks when travelling in order to keep your devices charged and light even during loadshedding. Check out the best loadshedding solutions on PriceCheck, including lamps, rechargeable products, and UPSs.
Park Inn by Radisson Newlands: Cape Town
When you’re thinking of places to stay in Cape Town, you may be tempted to head to hotels in the inner-city or at the Waterfront, but hotels in those areas can be extremely costly and put you further away from exploring beautiful spots like the Constantia wine region, Kalk Bay, and Kirstenbosch Gardens. Booking your stay in a central location like the suburb of Newlands will give you easy access to Cape Town’s southern suburbs, the South Peninsula, and is still just a quick 10-minute drive to the inner-city and the V&A Waterfront if you feel like exploring that side of Cape Town.
Nestled in a hidden nook in Newlands, Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town, Newlands boasts comfortable accommodation and an acclaimed menu. The contemporary hotel is ideal for young professionals and ‘bleisure’ (business leisure) travellers looking for a simplified travel experience, as well as Cape Town residents looking for a place to get away from it all for a night or even just a few hours.
Bookings: 021 822 6500 | www.parkinn.com.
Kruger Shalati – The Train Lodge
Dubbed an express entryway to freedom, guests will be drawn into an elevated personal sanctuary aboard a first-of-its-kind Kruger Shalati train as a gateway to Kruger National Park. Stationed on the highway of the historic Selati Bridge above the Sabie River, take in the breath-taking beauty of the natural splendours that is reminiscent of African excellence.
Bookings: 013 591 6000 | reservations@krugershalati.com.
PriceCheck tip: Find the best deals on luggage and bags on PriceCheck, including listings from Thule, Samsonite, and other leading brands.
TiPi Bush Camp: Port Elizabeth
The Eastern Cape is another ideal spot for a bush getaway. Camp in comfort among the tranquillity of the African bush with this self-catering option based on the American Indian TiPi style tents. Each TiPi at Tipi Bush Camp is secluded with its own beautiful panoramic views over a valley teeming the game.
Enjoy the tranquillity of the African bush on your own terms and agenda, camping in comfort. Situated within a malaria-free area in the Eastern Cape, TiPi bush camp prides itself on being an environmentally friendly, eco-tourist destination and offers a unique setting in the Addo Afrique estate game reserve, bordering the Addo Elephant National Park.
Bookings: Rob – Cell: 082 821 9944/ Belinda – Cell: 083 951 0008 | info@tipibushcamp.com
PriceCheck tip: To capture your magical holiday moments, it’s always good to have a handy camera that isn’t your smartphone. Check out the best photography and camera deals on PriceCheck.
Franschhoek Wine Tram: Western Cape
If you’re living in or visiting the Western Cape then you simply must make a plan to visit the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Discover the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley with this hop-on, hop-off wine experience. There are eight hop-on hop-off tours giving passengers a variety of wines, views and experiences to enjoy!
The hop-on hop-off tram is undoubtedly the best way to explore the Franschhoek Valley. For this super fun experience, a combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops, allowing them to hop off at places they want to visit for a wine tasting, cellar tour, lunch, or just a stroll through the vineyards. When they are ready, they simply need to hop back on a tram to continue the tour.
Contact: 021 300 0338 / info@winetram.co.za
Lindt Chocolatier Workshop: Cape Town
Whether it’s a virtual online workshop or studio workshop, patrons get to enjoy a masterclass for any of the chocolate classics such as truffles and cupcakes or macarons and fondant. An absolute treat for the sweet tooth, with winter specials comprising of the Lindt Chocolate Soufflé.
Bookings: 021 831 0360 | cptstudio@lindt.com.