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I’m staying in Mzansi this Festive Season! Small town
charmers that rival global hotspots

This festive season, forget about passports and long-distance flights. Budget Insurance has
your back with unbeatable Car Insurance for road trips to destinations across South Africa.

I’m staying in Mzansi this Festive
Season! Small town charmers that
rival global hotspots

This festive season, forget about passports and long-distance flights. Budget Insurance has your back with unbeatable Car Insurance for road trips and lovely staycation spots in SA.

Forget about passports and long-distance flights because Budget Insurance has your back with unforgettable road trips and beautiful staycation spots in South Africa. In a world filled with pricey, exotic travel destinations, people forget that South Africa boasts a wealth of charming small towns that often fly under the radar. These hidden gems offer a unique blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, all without the hefty price tag that comes with international travel.

So, you won't have to miss out on the experiences of overseas trips, but you can save some moola while enjoying our local gems. So, what are you waiting for? Ensure you’re sorted with Comprehensive Car Insurance, pack your bags (or don’t), and prepare to rediscover South Africa #ShotLeftLocal

Budget Insurance analysed over 100 small-town destinations across four areas: volume of Instagram and TikTok hashtags, monthly global and local Google searches, and average accommodation prices. The scores were averaged to create a final index, highlighting the most popular spots for your next South African adventure. Here’s the top-10 countdown:

Ballito: South Africa's Coastal Adventure Retrea | Score 87.9/100

Ballito: South Africa's Coastal
dventure Retrea|: Score 87.9/100

Similar international towns: Byron Bay and Maui Beach

Ballito, which tops the list with more than 300,000 hashtags, is a beloved beach town on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant surfing and surfski culture.

Its laid-back atmosphere attracts families and adventure seekers alike. In many ways, Ballito mirrors the essence of Byron Bay in Australia, where beautiful beaches and a thriving watersport culture dominate the landscape. It’s also similar to Hawaii’s gorgeous Maui, with its lush tropical landscapes, stunning coastal views and marine life.

Similar international towns: Byron Bay and Maui Beach.

Ballito, which tops the list with more than 300,000 hashtags, is a beloved beach town on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant surfing and surf-ski culture.

Oudtshoorn: A Cultural and Natural Oasis in the Desert Landscape | Score 75.9/100

Oudtshoorn: A Cultural and
Natural Oasis in the Desert
Landscape|: Score 75.9/100

Similar international towns: Alice Springs and Sedona, Arizona.

Oudtshoorn, nestled in the semi-arid Karoo region, generates more than 40,000 monthly Google searches and is famous for its unique wildlife experiences, like ostrich farms and the Cango Caves.

This town resembles Alice Springs in Australia, where rugged landscapes and indigenous culture define the experience. Both towns happen to serve as gateways to natural attractions, providing visitors with a taste of local heritage amidst breathtaking scenery. Likewise, Sedona's dramatic red rock formations evoke the same sense of awe as Oudtshoorn’s open spaces.

Similar international towns: Alice Springs and Sedona, Arizona.

Oudtshoorn, nestled in the semi-arid Karoo region, generates more than 40,000 monthly Google searches and is famous for its unique wildlife experiences, like ostrich farms and the

Cango Caves.

Paternoster: Tranquil Coastal Serenity | Score 74.1/100

Paternoster: Tranquil Coastal
Serenity|: Score 74.1/100

Similar international towns: Oia Santorini and Reine

Paternoster must be doing something right because it has an impressive 135,000 monthly Google searches.

The charming fishing village on the West Coast that exudes serenity and beauty. Paternoster garners 135,000 monthly Google searches for its serene beauty. Like Oia, it offers stunning seaside views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for visitors seeking tranquillity. Reine, a fishing village in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, also boasts breathtaking landscapes and colourful cottages. While Paternoster enjoys warm, Mediterranean-like weather, both towns share a quiet fishing heritage, maritime culture, and a picturesque setting that appeals to nature lovers.

Similar international towns: Oia Santorini and Reine.

Paternoster must be doing something right because it has an impressive 135,000 monthly Google searches.

Bronkhorstspruit: A Spiritual Hub of Zen | Score 73.6/100

Bronkhorstspruit:A Spiritual
Hub of Zen|: Score 73.6/100

Similar international towns: Lumbini and Kamakura.

Bronkhorstspruit is home to the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple, the largest in Africa, which attracts those searching for spirituality and tranquillity.

This town boasts the most local monthly Google searches at 60,000 and shares similarities with Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha. Both serve as peaceful hubs for spiritual tourism. Japan’s stunning Kamakura offers coastal charm and a rich Buddhist heritage. Both towns invite visitors to explore their tranquil environments while immersing themselves in cultural traditions.

Similar international towns: Lumbini and Kamakura.

Bronkhorstspruit is home to the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple, the largest in Africa, which attracts those searching for spirituality and tranquillity.

Hartbeespoort: Adventure and Culture on the Water | Score 71.4/100

Hartbeespoort: Adventure and
Culture on the Water|:
Score 71.4/100

Similar international towns: Lake Como and Annecy.

Hartbeespoort is a picturesque town nestled between a dam and the Magaliesberg Mountains, making it a haven for watersports and outdoor activities.

It has more than 8,000 Tiktok posts, and, like Lake Como in Italy, Hartbeespoort features breathtaking views and a lakeside lifestyle, attracting visitors who appreciate adventure and relaxation. Annecy, in France, is a charming little town in the French Alps that boasts a similar picturesque setting, emphasising the beauty of lakefront living.

Similar international towns: Lake Como and Annecy.

Hartbeespoort is a picturesque town nestled between a dam and the Magaliesberg Mountains, making it a haven for watersports and outdoor activities.

Switch to Budget and you could pay from just R6 a day*

*Non-comprehensive cover. Risk profile dependent and subject to annual reviews. T’s&C’s apply.

Switch to Budget and you could pay from just R6 a day*

*Non-comprehensive cover. Risk profile dependent and subject to annual reviews. T’s&C’s apply.

Now that we’ve covered staycations, let’s explore the best road trips South Africa offers. If you're feeling the call of the open road, these iconic routes will have you exploring everything from mountainous landscapes to coastal views. We evaluated destinations using a unique data index, incorporating social media trends, and Google searches. Here are the top 10 South African road trips to fuel your wanderlust.

Garden Route: Western Cape | Score 84/100

Garden Route: Western Cape |:
Score 84/100

The Garden Route, stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, is the ultimate South African road trip.

It boasts serene beaches, lush forests, and charming small towns like Knysna. With 9,900 local searches monthly, it’s a bucket list, must-do for road trip enthusiasts.

Sani Pass: KwaZulu-Natal | Score 66/100

Sani Pass: KwaZulu-Natal|:
Score 66/100

Looking for adventure? Then look no further than the southern Drakensberg’s rugged Sani Pass.

Looking for adventure? Then look no further than the southern Drakensberg’s rugged Sani Pass. This thrilling mountainous drive with jaw-dropping views along the way boasts 153,300 TikTok posts—proof that this unique experience is being shared globally.

West Coast: Western Cape | Score 51/100

West Coast: Western Cape|:
Score 51/100

The West Coast Road Trip is well-known for its natural eruption of gorgeous wildflower blooms along its pristine coastline.

It’s perfect for nature lovers. With 201,000 monthly global searches, it's one of the top three roadtrip destinations.

Midlands Meander: KwaZulu-Natal | Score 46/100

Midlands Meander: KwaZulu-
Natal|: Score 46/100

A relaxed, picturesque journey through the Midlands Meander offers lush landscapes, artisanal eateries, quaint villages, and unique craft markets.

Nestled amidst rolling hills, the Midlands Meander is a tranquil escape. Discover charming villages, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, and explore local crafts. This scenic route is a firm favorite on Instagram, with over 626,000 hashtags.

Wild Coast: Eastern Cape | Score 27/100

Wild Coast: Eastern Cape|:
Score 27/100

If you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten track and want to log some 4x4 mileage, then the rugged beauty of the Wild Coast offers an unmatched adventure.

This lesser-known gem is perfect for bundu-bashing adventurers seeking unspoiled natural beauty and quiet, uncrowded beaches. It boasts more than 6,000 monthly Google searches in South Africa alone.

Hitting the Road with Confidence

To ensure drivers can hit the road and take in the excitement of SA’s greatest small towns, Brina Biggs, Head of Marketing at Budget Insurance shares her top tips ahead of your next big adventure.

Tip 1: Plan your route but stay flexible

Exploring South Africa by car allows you to stop wherever the road takes you. Flexibility is key, whether it's a scenic coastal drive or a detour through mountain passes. Remember to keep your GPS handy, and plan fuel stops for longer trips.

Tip 2: Brush up on the traffic laws and road signs

Did you know driving with your hazard lights on is illegal unless you're stationary? On national roads, the numbers on small pillars can be used as landmarks in case you ever need assistance and are unsure of where you are. Brush up on the local driving laws for your safety. This ensures a more enjoyable and worry-free road trip.

Tip 3: Road safety first

While the open road invites adventure, responsible driving is essential. Always wear your seatbelt, don’t use your phone while driving, and stick to the recommended speed limits. Keeping a safe following distance and being mindful of road conditions will keep you safe and let you enjoy the freedom of the journey.

Tip 4: Take time to savour the experience

South Africa’s landscapes are diverse and beautiful, from winding coastal roads to dramatic mountain passes. Enjoy the moment, slow down, and take in the scenery, or pull over at a designated lookout point and enjoy the view. You will make lifelong memories.

Tip 5: Be prepared for the unexpected

Whether it’s wildlife crossing the road or a sudden weather change, driving in South Africa requires alertness. Always be ready to stop for animals, even if it means pulling over completely. Keeping your vehicle in good condition ensures a smooth and safe adventure wherever you go. So, make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and serviced regularly.

To ensure drivers can hit the road and take in the excitement of SA’s greatest small towns, Brina Biggs, Head of Marketing at Budget Insurance shares her top tips ahead of your next big adventure.

Tip 1: Plan your route but stay flexible

Tip 2: Brush up on the traffic laws and road signs

Did you know driving with your hazard lights on is illegal unless you're stationary? On national roads, the numbers on small pillars

can be used as landmarks in case you ever need assistance and are unsure of where you are. Brush up on the local driving laws for your safety. This ensures a more enjoyable and worry-free road trip.

Tip 3: Road safety first

Tip 4: Take time to savour the experience

Tip 5: Be prepared for the unexpected

Save 10% on car insurance when you buy online*

*Comprehensive car cover only. Risk profile dependent and subject to annual reviews. Ts&Cs apply.

Save 10% on car insurance when you buy online*

*Comprehensive car cover only. Risk profile dependent and subject to annual reviews. Ts&Cs apply.

Get ready for the ultimate small-town staycation or roadtrip

Whether you're chasing adventure, relaxation, or a slice of history, South Africa’s small towns and scenic roadtrips offer something for every Good South African throughout the year. Unsure of what to listen to? Check out our list of the best songs to listen to while driving. With Budget Insurance by your side, you can hit the road with peace of mind with our Comprehensive Car Insurance and rediscover the beauty right in our own backyard. So, gear up for an unforgettable journey and experience with no passport required!

Sources & methodology

This dataset ranks over 100 holiday locations and road trips across South Africa, based on how good they are for a budget staycation. To do this, four different factors were used. Once the data for the factors were collected, the factors were then normalised, to provide each factor with a score of between 0 and 100. The locations were then ranked from highest to lowest, based on their total scores.

The factors used are as follows:

1. The number of times a destination has been tagged on Instagram
2. Identifying the average number of times each destination has been searched for online
3. The number of times a destination has been tagged on TikTok
4. Average accommodation price per night* - The average cost per night of 3* accommodation for two adults during December

The factors were indexed as follows:

- Volume of Instagram hashtags - High values get a high score.
- Number of Google searches - High values get a high score.
- Volume of TikTok posts - High values get a high score.
- Average accommodation cost* - Low values get a high score.

*Where accommodation options were not in the immediate location, we chose accommodation within a 10-mile radius. This metric was used only for destinations.

All data is correct as of October 2024.

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SA’s Small
Town Charm