If you’ve been putting off that family break or romantic escape because of budget concerns, you’re not alone. The good news? A self-catering holiday in the South African bush can be one of the most cost-effective and rewarding ways to get away.
Let’s walk through how to plan a memorable bush trip that works for your wallet. From choosing accommodation that helps you save on meals, to exploring free or low-cost activities like nature trails, on-site kids’ entertainment and self-guided wildlife experiences – we’ll show you how to make every rand count. It’s all about choosing the kind of holiday that gives you more of what matters: time together, space to breathe and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Look for Extra Savings Without Sacrificing on Experience
A bush holiday doesn’t have to be basic. With the right accommodation and area, you can experience a high-quality holiday and plenty of perks without the premium price tag.
Here’s how to get the most value out of your stay:
- Choose self-catering accommodation: Bring your own groceries and prepare meals that suit your budget and lifestyle
- Perks included: Check for accommodation that has the possibility of entertainment and access included or at an affordable rate
- Book in advance: When you book in advance, you get to save for your holiday, but you can also pay for non-competitive rates and comfortably choose from a wider range of holiday options.
- Plan around specials: Keep an eye out for family package holiday deals and occasion deals that often appear around public holidays.
- Holiday in off-peak periods: Peak periods usually mean higher rates for everything – choose off-peak seasons for your holiday to have a calmer holiday for less.
- Use the free amenities: Look out for places that have pools, nature walks, jungle gyms and entertainment areas which are free to use.
At selected Beekman Holiday resorts, guests can enjoy even more value by opting for an Access Pass. This pass gives everyone staying in your self-catering accommodation unlimited access to a range of onsite facilities while you’re on holiday. When you book directly on Beekman Holidays, the Access Pass is automatically included at no extra charge, making it even easier to plan days filled with fun, without needing to leave the resort.
Bush Adventures That Fit Your Budget-Friendly Family Holiday
By making a few clever choices, your family holiday can unlock all the magic of the outdoors – from wildlife sightings to active days and peaceful moments in nature – without overspending. The secret is choosing family holiday accommodation with the right activities and facilities included or available at a low cost.
For Wildlife and Animal Lovers
Animal-focused experiences are often the heart of a bushveld family holiday. Skip the costly private game reserve day trips and choose destinations where wildlife is part of everyday life.
Waterberg Game Park offers access to scenic trails where wildlife sightings can happen around every bend on this 450-hectare game farm. You’ll also find Eventieria Wildlife Park nearby, where families can enjoy affordable encounters with a variety of animals.
Bask in the untouched beauty of the wilderness at The Kingdom Resort, a few minutes from Pilanesberg National Park. Experience the bushveld like never before, with onsite game drives and quad biking game drives for unique and thrilling animal sightings. You can also take the free Sun City Shuttle to the Predator World Big Cat Experience.
Both Waterberg Game Park and The Kingdom Resort offer the Rare Game Experience, giving you and your family the chance to see rare wildlife without even leaving the resort grounds.
For Active Families
Kids don’t need expensive entertainment when they have space to move, things to climb and places to explore. Choosing holiday accommodation with a wide range of physical activities and interactive play, many of which are included in your stay, means your children can stay active all day while you avoid the cost of separate excursions.
Dikhololo offers Access Passes that unlock an array of indoor and outdoor games, including The Waterfront Oasis, multi-court and board games, to name a few. With the Hazyview Cabanas Access Pass, you can get an adrenaline rush at the waterslide or drum up some family competition at Putt ‘n Play, Tennis and Table Tennis. Max’s Fun Club, available at selected resorts, keeps little ones engaged with offline and online adventures that change daily.
For the thrill-seekers in the family, activities like LEAP Adventures are available at Hazyview, The Kingdom Resort, Dikhololo and Monomotapa Village. You can also explore exciting extras like the Long Tom Toboggan or Serendipity Eco Trails within an hour of Monomotapa Village.
For Scenic Escapes and Relaxation
Sometimes a family holiday is less about doing everything and more about doing nothing. A resort where you can slow down, enjoy a picnic, or watch the stars in silence can bring just as much joy as an action-packed itinerary.
At Monomotapa Village, scenic trails offer game-spotting opportunities and a tranquil lookout point for families to explore together. There is also a golf course for those who want a relaxed escape with a bushveld backdrop.
Waterberg Game Park invites you to slow down with family-friendly walking paths and sweeping views, while The Kingdom Resort offers an outdoor cinema and Boma area for easy evening entertainment at no extra cost. Selected Beekman Holiday resorts also feature a Body Bliss Day Spa, perfect for couples or families on a budget. Junior treatments are available for kids, or you can book your own session while they head off to Max’s Fun Club (at selected resorts). Keep an eye out for some amazing package deals that include Body Bliss Day Spa treatments when you book with us.
Book Your Affordable Bush Lodge with a Premium Feel
At Beekman Holidays, we believe that unforgettable family holidays are always attainable. With thoughtfully designed self-catering accommodation, family-friendly resort experiences and scenic locations across South Africa’s most beautiful natural areas, your dream getaway is within reach.
From wildlife encounters and mountain trails to on-site play zones and spa days, you’ll find something for every member of the family and ways to save while doing it. Choose a Beekman Holiday resort that offers Access Passes to unlock even more value, giving you access to more for less.
Ready to make it happen?
Browse our bush destinations and discover a self-catering family holiday that delivers space, comfort and unforgettable memories.
As an added bonus, when you book online at Beekman Holidays, you automatically receive 5% off your stay!