THE year 2023 has been tough and the ripple effect of the Covid-19 pandemic can still be felt today. Finances are not adding up with the ever increasing inflation rate and cost of living.
This year’s festive season is a welcomed break from the daily routine of making ends meet. We know a vacation might be out of the question with those stokvel funds looking to plug the leaking holes in the budget.
With that in mind, we have curated a list of places and activities you can do without leaving Gauteng that will ease your mind and refresh the spirit ahead of the new year.
Here are some of the things you can get up to in Joburg on a budget:
1. Soweto Towers wall climbing – R60pp
Keen for a little thrill in the country's biggest kasi? Visit the iconic Soweto Towers to spike you adrenaline by climbing 25m up the tower.
The cooling towers which make up part of the township's skyline were part of the decommissioned coal-fired Orlando Power Station and were since turned into an entertainment centre.
They also feature a shisanyama restaurant, Chaf Pozi, at the base of the towers.
Other activities include paint balling, quad biking and bungee jumping off the top of the towers – this will cost you a little extra.
2. Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge – R80pp
The Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge is the gem hidden on the outskirts of Joburg and the perfect hideout from the hustle and bustle of the city of gold.
The conservation is just off Beyers Naude Drive in Muldersdrift.
The reserve boasts about its featured activities and has listed that: “with over 50 kilometres of mountain biking and running trails, we are able to guarantee a secure and special experience for every level of athlete, and with varied terrain from forests to mountains, as well as being home to over 20 species of wild animals, including rhino”.
Mountain biking, trail running and hiking will cost you R80pp – including the R50 conservation fee.
If you’re a water lover, swimming and paddling on the lake will also cost you R80pp, while fly fishing is R100.
You can enjoy a meal and some cocktails at the Current Restaurant that overlooks the lake and features a sandy shore for you to sink your feet into. It also has a more traditional restaurant near the pool that could also be hired out for functions.
3. Wine tasting at Indaba Hotel – R150
Whether you're looking to have a romantic experience with your bae or catch up with friends, wine tasting in the centre of Joburg might be just the thing.
Yes, you can skip the airport rush and costly plane tickets to head to the Cape vineyards as the Indaba Hotel Spa & Conference Centre in Fourways brings you the wine farm experience.
Their rustic decorated Tasting Room offers curated wine-tasting that takes you on a journey of how your favourite wines were created, and reveal the best-kept secrets about wine pairing.
They also host various events throughout the year that include sip-and-paint evenings, classic wine pairings and generous tasting boards, sensory tastings and knowledge-filled blending experiences.
You can also uncover the history and differences of gin at R90pp.
4. Pine Resort – R140pp from 8 years and R80pp under 7 years
With the summer heatwaves passing through most parts of the country, what better way to cool down than under a pool of water.
Plan for a picnic or braai at the resorts facilities, and they have plenty of shaded umbrellas to keep you from the scorching sun.
The resort features several slides for the adrenaline junkie and even toddler pools for the little ones.
*It would be best to book your slot way in advance as tickets get sold out quickly and can only be purchased at Webtickets and PnP.
5. Cradle Berry Farm – R80 per adult R50 per child
Looking for a fun outing with the kids or a romantic picnic for two? Then the Cradle Berry Farm might be one place to add to the festive bucket list.
Situated on the foothills of Muldersdrift, the farm is a picturesque spot for brunch and weddings.
And as December closes off the strawberry season, you can rush down to pick a few of those luscious berries for your Christmas lunch table.
You can eat as much as you can and if you want to take it home, they will charge R100 per kg.
Bonus: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve – Free
If the wallet is feeling a little thin and the kids have way too much energy, you may take them for a walk or hike at this nature reserve in the south of Joburg.
It might also be a great way to kick-start those weight loss resolutions.
The reserve features nine trails on more than 1 700 acres of land.
It is also rated as a birding hotspot with more than 200 bird species and has larger game such as zebra, red hartebeest, and black wildebeest roaming freely.
