Most popular road trip and small-town staycation spots in South Africa

Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal and the Garden Route in the Eastern and Western Cape have been labelled as the top small-town staycation and road trip locations in South Africa.

This is according to Budget Insurance’s new travel index, which looks at the popularity of over 100 road trip and staycation destinations across the country.

With searches for “staycation ideas” up 33% and “road trip” searches up 9% and peaking in mid-November, South Africans could be seen to be increasingly opting for local getaways.

As a result, the new index analyses over 100 road trip and staycation spots across South Africa, considering factors like Instagram and TikTok hashtag volumes, Google search trends, and average accommodation prices.

Each factor was assigned a score from 0 to 100, with higher scores for more popular destinations or lower accommodation costs. The final ranking is based on the total scores from all factors.

Budget Insurance said that this new index is to inspire South African drivers to explore even more destinations this holiday season.

Most popular small-town staycation spots

“Whether holidaymakers are chasing adventure, relaxation, or a slice of history, South Africa’s small towns and scenic staycations offer something for everyone not just during the festive season, but throughout the year too,” said Budget Insurance.

Briefly looking at the top 5, these were:

Ballito (Score: 87.9)

Ballito, a top beach town in KwaZulu-Natal, is known for its vibrant surfing culture and stunning coastal views.

With over 300,000 Instagram hashtags, it’s comparable to Byron Bay and Maui Beach, attracting families and adventure seekers alike.

Oudtshoorn (Score: 75.9)

Nestled in the Karoo, Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostrich farms and the Cango Caves, drawing over 40,000 Google searches monthly.

It resembles Alice Springs and Sedona, offering rugged landscapes and local heritage.

Paternoster (Score: 74.1)

This peaceful fishing village on the West Coast attracts 135,000 monthly Google searches for its tranquil beauty.

With seaside views and a quiet atmosphere, it’s similar to Greece’s Oia and Norway’s Reine.

Bronkhorstspruit (Score: 73.6)

Home to Africa’s largest Buddhist temple, Bronkhorstspruit is a spiritual hub with 60,000 monthly searches.

It shares similarities with Lumbini, Nepal, and Japan’s Kamakura, offering a serene environment steeped in Buddhist heritage.

Hartbeespoort (Score: 71.4)

Located between a dam and the Magaliesberg Mountains, Hartbeespoort is perfect for watersports and outdoor activities.

With more than 8,000 TikTok posts, it’s comparable to Lake Como and Annecy, attracting visitors who enjoy lakefront living.

Most Popular Road Trips

“For those feeling the call of the open road, these iconic routes will have drivers exploring everything from mountainous landscapes to coastal views,” said Budget Insurance.

Briefly looking at the top 5, these were:

Garden Route (Score: 84)

This iconic route from Mossel Bay to Storms River offers serene beaches, lush forests, and charming towns like Knysna.

With 9,900 local searches monthly, it’s a must-do for road trip lovers.

Sani Pass (Score: 66)

This thrilling drive through the Drakensberg mountains has jaw-dropping views and 153,300 TikTok posts, making it a globally shared adventure.

West Coast (Score: 51)

Famous for wildflower blooms and coastal beauty, the West Coast road trip is a top destination with 201,000 monthly global searches.

Midlands Meander (Score: 46)

A scenic journey through lush landscapes and quaint villages, the Midlands Meander is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy local crafts and farm-to-table dining.

Wild Coast (Score: 27)

For adventurous travellers, the Wild Coast offers rugged beauty and uncrowded beaches, attracting 6,000 monthly Google searches in South Africa alone.

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