Affordable Post-Bushfire Festival Road Trip: Eswatini to Johannesburg & Maputo

Day 1: Bushfire Festival Day 1

Eswatini on May 30, 2025

All day

Attend Bushfire Festival

Enjoy the artistic and cultural performances, workshops, and exhibitions covered by your festival pass.
Included in festival ticket, Full day
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Day 2: Bushfire Festival Day 2

Eswatini on May 31, 2025

All day

Explore more of the Bushfire Festival

Join workshops, art installations, and live shows as included in your ticket.
Included in festival ticket, Full day
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Day 3: Bushfire Festival Day 3

Eswatini on June 1, 2025

All day

Final day of Bushfire Festival

Attend closing performances and enjoy food stalls included with your festival package.
Included in festival ticket, Full day
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Day 4: Travel & Sun City

Drive to Sun City, South Africa on June 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at lodge

A simple, included breakfast with toast, tea, and fruit to start your day.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Sun City

Drive about 5 hours (330 km) to Sun City, crossing the border. Prepare snacks and water to minimize stops.
Fuel & tolls approx. ZAR600, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sun City Calypso's Food Court

Affordable quick-service options like burgers, pizza, and local dishes in the food court.
ZAR100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Self-guided walk around Sun City

Explore free areas of the resort or relax by the hotel pool; skip pricey attractions like Valley of Waves to save money.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Mozart Café

Casual dining with reasonably priced pizzas and pasta dishes inside Sun City resort.
ZAR150, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Budget Johannesburg Tour

Johannesburg, South Africa on June 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mugg & Bean

Popular South African café chain with filling, affordable breakfasts and coffee.
ZAR80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Apartheid Museum

Engage with compelling history for a moderate fee; the museum opens at 9AM.
ZAR110, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Neighbourgoods Market (Saturday only)

If on a Saturday, affordable street food with diverse options in Maboneng Precinct.
ZAR120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Walk through Maboneng Precinct

Explore public art installations and free galleries in this trendy community.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Vilakazi Street Food Stalls

Affordable and authentic local eats like bunny chow or grilled meats in Soweto.
ZAR80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Affordable Safari

Pilanesberg National Park on June 4, 2025

6:30AM

Light breakfast at hotel

Grab a simple breakfast included in your accommodation before heading out.
Included, 30 minutes

7:30AM

Self-drive Game Safari at Pilanesberg

Opt for a self-drive safari with your own vehicle to save costs while exploring the park (open 6AM-6PM).
Park entry ZAR170 per person, 4 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch from local supermarket

Bring packed sandwiches and snacks bought beforehand to enjoy a picnic inside the park.
ZAR50 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Sun City Hotel

Spend your afternoon enjoying free hotel amenities or swimming to relax.
Free, Rest of day

7:00PM

Dinner at Sun City food court or nearby affordable restaurants

Choose budget-friendly dining venues offering local and international options.
ZAR120, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Explore Soweto on a Budget

Johannesburg, South Africa on June 5, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Soweto family café

Enjoy tasty and economical breakfast options at a local mom-and-pop spot like Vuyo Café.
ZAR70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Self-guided tour of Soweto

Visit landmarks like Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Museum independently to save on guide fees; museums open 8AM-5PM.
Hector Pieterson Museum entry ZAR35, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at popular local eatery

Choose affordable local meals such as stews and pap at Soweto’s casual restaurants.
ZAR70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Johannesburg

Relax or take an optional walking tour around affordable attractions near your hotel.
Free, Rest of day

7:00PM

Dinner at local pizza or braai joints

Casual dining with options like grilled meats or pizza at wallet-friendly prices.
ZAR90, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Cultural Spots & Nature

Johannesburg, South Africa on June 6, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab affordable baked goods and coffee from a corner bakery.
ZAR50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful and free entry to the gardens, a great spot for a stroll and photos.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pick ‘n Pay food court

Budget-friendly options with sandwiches, salads, and fast food inside a shopping center.
ZAR80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore free public art and markets

Visit local markets and cultural spaces with no entry fees to shop souvenirs and crafts.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at local tavern or small eatery

Sample classic South African comfort food in laid-back, cost-effective places.
ZAR110, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Light Day & Shopping

Johannesburg, South Africa on June 7, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Woolworths Café

Affordable and healthy café options inside a popular grocery store chain.
ZAR70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shopping at local markets

Visit budget markets like Rosebank for handicrafts and souvenirs without high-end prices.
Free entry, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at food stalls in the market

Tasty inexpensive bites like samosas, bunny chow, or grilled corn from street vendors.
ZAR60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax time at accommodation

Prepare for your departure by resting or casual local exploring nearby.
Free, Afternoon

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Hussar Grill (budget options)

Enjoy affordable steak meals and set menus with good value for a group.
ZAR250, 2 hours
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Day 10: Return to Maputo

Drive Johannesburg to Maputo on June 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at accommodation

Simple included breakfast before departure.
Included, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Drive to Maputo

Drive about 7 hours to Maputo, Mozambique with stops to stretch and cross at Komatipoort border; pack snacks to save money on the road.
Fuel & tolls approx. ZAR800, 7 hours

3:30PM

Check-in and rest in Maputo

Relax at accommodation after the journey.
Varies, Evening free

6:30PM

Dinner at Café Sol

Affordable Mozambican fusion cuisine with local seafood and vegetarian options in a friendly atmosphere.
MZN2000, 1.5 hours
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