Budget-Friendly South Africa Road Trip: Pretoria to Cape Town via Unique Cultural and Natural Highlights

Day 1: Pretoria Highlights

Pretoria, South Africa on May 6, 2025

2:00PM

Visit Voortrekker Monument

Explore this iconic monument that commemorates the Voortrekkers’ journey, offering panoramic views of Pretoria and insight into South African history.
ZAR25, 1h30m

4:00PM

Explore Pretoria Botanical Gardens

Stroll through serene gardens featuring indigenous plants and birdlife, perfect for a low-cost afternoon escape.
ZAR20, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Lucky Bean Coffee Roastery

Enjoy affordable hearty sandwiches and excellent coffee at this popular local cafe, open until 8pm, ideal for a casual meal.
ZAR60, 1h
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Day 2: Pretoria to Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein, South Africa on May 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Rhapsody's

Start the day with a budget-friendly breakfast offering a variety of options including eggs and toast, open from 7am.
ZAR50, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Bloemfontein

Set off on a 4-hour drive south on the N1, enjoying the changing landscape of the Free State province.
Fuel Approx ZAR400, 4h

1:30PM

Lunch at Anta Boga

Dine on local dishes and light meals in a pleasant garden setting, open till 4pm, perfect after the long drive.
ZAR70, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Naval Hill and Franklin Game Reserve

Explore this unique urban game reserve with small wildlife and excellent views over Bloemfontein.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Nelsons Restaurant

Affordable South African cuisine with local specialties served in a relaxed environment, open until 9pm.
ZAR80, 1h
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Day 3: Bloemfontein to Kimberley

Kimberley, South Africa on May 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Office Cafe

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast with locally roasted coffee and simple fare, open from 7am.
ZAR45, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Kimberley

Head west on the N1 for approximately 3 hours towards Kimberley, experiencing the semi-arid landscape and Karoo region.
Fuel Approx ZAR300, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Sinclair's 1836

Taste hearty pub food in this historic setting close to the Big Hole museum, open until 3pm.
ZAR70, 1h

2:00PM

Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum

Explore this famous open-pit diamond mine and learn about mining heritage in an affordable and fascinating attraction, open till 4:30pm.
ZAR50, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at The Kingdom Restaurant

Enjoy tasty local dishes at budget prices in a welcoming atmosphere, open till 9pm.
ZAR75, 1h
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Day 4: Kimberley to Upington

Upington, South Africa on May 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Station Café

Grab an affordable breakfast near the Kimberley station, open from 7am.
ZAR40, 30m

7:45AM

Drive to Upington

Embark on a 5-hour drive west, passing through landscapes transitioning to the Northern Cape’s arid beauty.
Fuel Approx ZAR450, 5h

1:00PM

Lunch at Fireplace Grill

Enjoy grilled specials and affordable meals at this popular Upington eatery, open till 3pm.
ZAR80, 1h

3:30PM

Augrabies Falls National Park Visit

Explore the magnificent Augrabies Falls and its surrounding hiking trails within the park, entry fee applies, open until sunset.
ZAR100, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Seasonal Taste Restaurant

Sample affordable, local dishes focusing on seasonal produce, ideal for finishing the day, open till 9pm.
ZAR75, 1h
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Day 5: Upington to Namaqualand

Springbok, South Africa on May 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hermann's Coffee

Fuel up with inexpensive coffee and pastries before the drive, open from 7am.
ZAR35, 30m

8:00AM

Drive to Springbok

A scenic 3-hour drive west reaching the heart of Namaqualand, famous for its seasonal wildflowers.
Fuel Approx ZAR250, 3h

11:30AM

Visit Namaqua National Park (main entrance)

Discover spring wildflower displays and desert biodiversity. Entry fee applies; park open from 7am to 6pm.
ZAR70, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at The Hole in the Wall Restaurant

Enjoy inexpensive local dishes and country-style meals in Springbok, open till 3pm.
ZAR60, 1h

3:00PM

Explore Springbok town museum

Learn about the cultural history of the Namaqualand area with a free or low-cost visit, open till 5pm.
ZAR20, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at The Polo Grill

Relax and enjoy affordable grilled meals in a casual atmosphere, open until 9pm.
ZAR75, 1h
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Day 6: Namaqualand to West Coast

Langebaan, South Africa on May 11, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pienaar Coffee Shop

Simple and budget-conscious breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, open from 7am.
ZAR40, 45m

8:30AM

Drive to Langebaan

Journey southwards for about 4 hours to Langebaan on the West Coast, enjoying coastal and veld landscapes.
Fuel Approx ZAR350, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch at Geelbek Restaurant (West Coast National Park)

Affordable seafood and local dishes inside the park, open till 3pm.
ZAR90, 1h

2:30PM

West Coast National Park Visit

Explore coastal landscapes and birdwatching opportunities; entrance fee applies, open until sunset.
ZAR80, 3h

6:30PM

Dinner at Mynt Restaurant

Dine on affordable local fare with sea views, open until 9pm.
ZAR85, 1h
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Day 7: Langebaan to Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tides Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a budget-friendly early breakfast with an ocean view, open from 7am.
ZAR50, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Cape Town

Finish the trip with a 1.5-hour drive south along the stunning coastal route to Cape Town.
Fuel Approx ZAR150, 1h30m

11:00AM

Visit Company's Garden

Explore Cape Town’s historic garden offering free access and beautiful surroundings in the city centre.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Eastern Food Bazaar

Sample delicious budget-friendly international street food in a vibrant atmosphere, open till 3pm.
ZAR60, 1h

2:00PM

Walk around Bo-Kaap

Discover the colourful houses and rich cultural heritage of this iconic Cape Town neighbourhood.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Table Mountain Cableway (optional)

Take the cable car up Table Mountain for spectacular views; ticket prices vary, check weather and opening times (8am-7pm).
ZAR440, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Kalky's Fish & Chips

Enjoy affordable fresh seafood in a casual harbour-side setting, open until 9pm.
ZAR70, 1h
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