Budget weekend ideas are often hard to come by, which is why we’ve found activities for you that won’t break the bank.
Cape Town
Explore the city by bicycle
The concept of renting a bicycle is a more affordable, eco-friendly and fun way to see the city than just being a passenger in a car. It also allows you to see the city through a different light.
Up Cycles, who provide a bicycle rental service, have bicycle stations located on the Atlantic seaboard, the Sea Point Pavilion, the Promenade, the Clock Tower Square, the V&A Waterfront, and Mandela Rhodes Place.
The bicycles can be rented per hour, half day or full day, and there are also a selection of children’s bicycles and baby seats which can be rented.
Where: Cape Town area – at one of the bicycle stations.
When: Any day of the week, 08:30 to 19:00.
Cost: R50 per bicycle per hour.
Contact: For more details, contact Up Cycles on 076 135 2223.
Take the tram through the Franschhoek Valley
Weekends are meant to unwind; and there is no better way to do this than on a relaxed trip through the country.
The Franschhoek wine tram (a mixture of tram and bus) takes you on a journey through the Franschhoek Valley, where you can get off at any of the stops and visit some of the wine farms along the route for a spot of wine tasting or lunch.
With five different lines to choose from – Blue Line, Red Line, Yellow Line, Green Line and Purple Line – you’re spoiled for choice as each line follows a different route with approximately eight wine estates along the way.
Where: 32 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, 7690.
When: From 10:00 am every day.
Cost: +/- R220 per person for the tram ticket only (wine tastings and lunch not included). Transfers to and from Cape Town are also offered at an extra price.
Contact: For more details and to book tickets, visit winetram.co.za
Durban
Visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium
The 2010 Fifa World Cup is long gone (can you believe it’s been 7 years!) but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still visit the stadiums. For one, the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is still worth a visit – and you don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy it.
The stadium’s SkyCar is a two-minute ride up the arch of the stadium onto a platform where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Durban from a height of 106m.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and your budget allows it, you could always try the Big Rush Big Swing which is the tallest swing in the world.
Where: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Road (Walter Gilbert), Durban, 4001.
When: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 am to 17:00 pm.
Cost: R60 per adult; R30 per child under 12; children under 6 are free.
Contact: For more details visit mmstadium.com
Steam train ride to Inchanga
If you’re an old soul or just happen to appreciate older things, then a steam train ride is a sure way to bring on the nostalgia.
On the last Sunday of every month, a steam train departs from Kloof to Ichanga Railway Station where a craft market is set up, allowing you to buy arts and crafts, food and drink.
This is the ideal excursion for the keen photographer and a great way to see the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Where: The departure/return point is Stokers Arms in Kloof.
When: Last Sunday of every month at 08:30 am.
Cost: R220 per adult; R150 per child under 12.
Contact: For more details visit umgenisteamrailway.com
Johannesburg
Sightseeing on the Red Bus
Whether you call Johannesburg home or you’re just visiting for the weekend, how well do you actually know the city? It’s never too late to learn and the City Sightseeing buses make it that much easier for you.
With different routes to choose from and being able to hop on and off at the designated stops, this is an affordable outing for the family or a lovely idea for a “date day”, and it’s the perfect way to get to know the vast city.
Where: Start the Green Tour at The Zone @ Rosebank (stop 1), switching to the Red City Tour at Constitution Hill (stop 5).
When: The buses depart every 30 minutes starting at 09:00am.
Cost: 1-Day Ticket: R170 per adult; R90 per child aged 5 to 17.
Contact: For more details visit citysightseeing.co.za
Visit the Fourways Farmers’ Market
There’s no better way to beat the Sunday blues than to forget about them altogether. This can be easily achieved with good food, good company and a good setting – all of which can be found at the Fourways Farmers’ Market.
This market has grown tremendously in popularity and has a diverse range of people who visit the market each Sunday.
A variety of food, beverages and products can be purchased at the market, all of which can be enjoyed while listening to live music – there is, so to say, something for everyone.
Where: Corner of William Nicol and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg.
When: Open from 09:00 am to 16:00 pm.
Cost: R10pp cover charge; and the cost of food/drink purchased inside the market – bank on +/- R150-200pp.
Contact: For more details visit ffmarket.co.za
