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[travelingcheapskates]

Roughing it to Pamper

Every woman deserves a bit of pamper from time to time, this day was all about us and spoiling our bodies. Reservations confirmed, bags packed, camera’s charged, router on and we were set to experience the pamper of Jozini. 

our schedule: 

12pm full body massage therapy 3pm boat cruise 7pm dinner. All excited and goal orientated I ignored to fill up the tank, because it wasn’t on the schedule maybe.. lol.  The car was running on RESERV TANK LOW. we eventually ran out of petrol in the middle of the road, it was sooo exciting hahahahahah, i’ve never experienced that before, luckily the petrol station was 500m away so we pushed the car to the side and proceeded to get petrol. 

Off we went to our pamper destination for a well deserved break away from the kids and spouses. On our way we realized we didn’t pack our swim wear and we stopped in the busy small town of Jozini infested with Chinese traders. It is orange and Avocado season because all the vendor have a pile of oranges and Avos on their table. We got some basic swim wear at the Chinese shop and off we went. As we drove we wondered why aren’t we reaching our destination but didn’t dwell on it as we passed the pay day traffic. We then discovered we missed our turn after crossing the bridge and seeing an amazing view of a building on a hill which happened to be our destination, we stopped by the bridge greeted some locals and took snaps for the Gram.

On arrival we were met at the gate by security who scanned my drivers license and car disk, security sure is tight, which is good because when on vacation you can’t be thinking about checking if the doors are locked. It does make me wonder if we even lock our door. 

We rescheduled our Massage to 5pm and our boat cruise to 3pm and dinner at 7pm. Dinner is the only scheduled item we reached on time a girls gotta eat. On the cruise we nibbles on some snacks and wine, enjoying the wonder of Jozini Dam, we met a few interesting people in the cruise living their best lives. This was a brilliant start to our cruise relaxation mode it prepped us beautifully for our massage.

Our spa was beautifully located on a leafy space where you get to take in the the beautiful scenery as the massage therapist prepare for the massage. It was my first stone therapy massage I absolutely loved the calming and healing feel of the heat extracted from the stones on my back ahhhhh... take me back, and massage was absolutely wonderful. 

I’m big eater so I absolutely enjoy buffets, their selection of meals are well balanced not a lot of options for vegetarians but you’ll get the basics. After  our great nights rest in our Cosy room, we woke up to breathtaking views we checked out and off we went for breakfast, the lighting in the morning was great it reminds you that you’re on vacation, smile. After breakfast we took dip in the infinity pool, my goodness another first... I felt like I was in Maldives I enjoyed bringing out my beach body. We couldn’t leave the pamper spot without getting our nails done, we treated our hands and feet and off we went to the Tourism Indaba in Durban. 

#Travelyourbackyard #travellingcheapskates #southafricanbudgettraveller #youthtravel #authentictravel #jozinitigerlodge #dokzn

[travelingcheapskates]

Lesotho Snow

Finally, your very first passport ever has been officially issued, but your budget is not yet there. Your snow swag is on point and travel slay game is your mission. 2019 is your year to try something new, it’s the year of the yay, complete with a vision board and all, you follow all the popular travel bloggers, regularly heart their snaps and you are ready for your adventure.



Allow me to share some travel hacks with you and my near death experience on my first passport stamp quest. Believe it or not, this could save your life in the spirit of getting you that much looked forward to first stamp.



                                                   Street poster 

The year is 2012, towards the end of June, the mission is to see the snow and build a snowman and ski like the people in the movies. Lesotho was the chosen spot, my two travel mates and I had done very little planning if any at all, it was literally a spontaneous ‘why not’ moment after work when we started talking about the Lesotho snow and we said let’s go, we’ll figure things out when we get there. The only thing we had done right and in advance was booking accommodation online and receiving details of our transfers vehicle beforehand.



                                      Botha-Bothe Taxi Rank

As soon as we arrived in Lesotho, Botha Bothe, we demanded to visit the Afri Ski Resort, so the lodge transfer driver tries to discourage us against this crazy idea and reasons with us about why it’s not safe to go up the mountain without a 4x4 vehicle in the middle of the snow. However, don’t forget that our mission was to build a snowman like we see others do on TV, so we beg and plead with the driver until he gives in and agrees to take us. 

                                      Mountain to Afri Ski

We drove up to the hill but never reached our destination, as the mountain connecting Afri Ski was as slippery as glass. Our SUV vehicle could not handle those conditions, forcing us to turn and roll down. As we tried to drive down the slope, our vehicle kept sliding, causing the driver to lose control of the car which started speeding at about 80km per minute, a visual i could compare to Cape Town’s Chapman’s Peak. 

                                Snowy mountain road

The driver remained calm as we were already panicking, and ordered us to pray in whatever we believed in, warning that we were about to roll off the cliff, wrapped in fear, we closed our eyes, began praying and screaming while the driver focused on steering the vehicle to safety and a miraculous break.
The moral of the story; Always plan ahead and believe it when the locals give warnings. 




                                     Botha-Bothe City Center

Lesotho snow travel hacks:

1. Plan 6-months ahead.

2. Preferably book your accommodation inside the Afri Ski Resort or Book accommodation which offers Afri Ski shuttles, and is not too far, there are experienced drivers with proper vehicles available to make your adventure pleasant.

4. Check the weather for your travel dates 

5. Book a  place with a cozy sitting area, because you might have to be indoors most days.

6. Should you opt to stay at Afri Ski, book tickets  in advance and make sure you inquire about refunds or cancellation policies, in the event that the weather prohibits planned mountain activities.

Philile Nzimande

IG: @mamakazululami

[travelingcheapskates]

Philile in Doha

DID YOU KNOW?

Philile Nzimande the one half of Travellingcheapskates currently resides in Doha, this is what she had to say about her stay.

                                    Souq waqif

1. SUPER SAFE, I can walk in the streets at 2am 2. It’s a melting pot of cultures, I’ve met soooo many people from countries I can’t even pronounce. 3. I love the food because it’s a land filled with experts, there’s a wide selection of cuisines.

                         Moroccan tea, souq waqif

                                  Al Cornish Restaurant

3 Learnings from Doha

1. A smile will get you far  :) 2. Inshalllah , meaning God willing is a way of life,  in other words, it will happen when God wills it to, when Will that be, God knows. They make African time look good. 3. Another great learning is ambition, this country is as big as Johannesburg and will host one of the biggest World Cup in the world. No matter how small, young, underprivileged, poor. It all starts with an ambitious mind and you can do or be anything you want to so long as you are willing to put in the work. 

                             Sealine Dessert Beach

I also learned that some white South Africans carry their white South African racism and privilege around the world. It’s a shame a but also proof of how much work we need to do and turn this around- South Africa cannot be a racist haven. This experience has also encouraged my Travellingcheapskates journey, re-emphasising the role travel can play and I look forward to my return and doing more in this regard.

[travelingcheapskates]

#TravelYourBackyard

As the old saying goes; start where you are and do what you can- the monthly #TravelYourBackyard series are just about that. A vision to tease locals to an adventure experience in their own cities from hiking Hennops, cycling Soweto or even walking Jozi Maboneng. 'If we have not ticked it, it is on our list"- says Philile Nzimande, Travellingcheapskates co-owner. 

Nontobeko Sibisi @ Hennops 

The Black Female owned entity has been collaborating with other Black-owned enterprises such as Curiocity in Maboneng, Lebo Soweto Backpackers, and Soweto Outdoor Adventures in Orlando Towers- Soweto.

Sphephelo Khomo & Melody Nkosi on the Urban Hike with Curiocity

Philile says the mission is to escalate this half-day experience outside Gauteng into major cities such as Durban and Cape Town. The boldly named enterprise promises to keep their day experiences within Cyril economy friendly bracket and urges adventure enterprises to collaborate with them.

Kentse, Mathapelo, Millicent, Lucia, Nandi, Dee, Keisha & Sphiwo @ Soweto Outdoor Adventure

[travelingcheapskates]

Clarens Baecation

2 Nights

Travel Style: luxury, art, Romance, nature

Number of Travelers: 2 people

Accommodation: Hotel  ***

Activity: Basotho Cultural Village

Location: Free State 

R 3 690. 00 PER COUPLE

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2020 

JUST IMAGINE! YOU AND BAE 

In the Beautiful Clarens which is a small town situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa and nicknamed the "Jewel of the Eastern Free State. enjoying nature and art all around, i scored my self an amazing basotho blanket in the area, imagine what you could find.

HIGHLIGHTS

Breakfast  √ 

3-star Hotel living √ 

Luxury  √

Nature   √

Peaceful   √

Basotho Cultural Village   √

[travelingcheapskates]

Durban Surf *Groupie*

2 Nights

Travel Style: , water, ocean, outdoors

Number of Travelers: 10 people

Accommodation: Backpackers

Location: Durban

R 1744. 00 PP

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2020

Welcome to the Kingdom of the Zulu’s where black people actually surf. We have extended our weekend #TravelYourBackYard experience to a weekend away. So all you Joburgers can learn how to surf all weekend long, or master your skill. Your base is right by the sea, so you will be spending alot of time by the beach.

HIGHLIGHTS

Restaurants    √

Self catering  √

 Surf lessons √

Ushaka Marine  √

Aquarium   √

water slide    √

Moses Mabhida Sky Car  √

Beach fun  √

Picture perfect  √

[travelingcheapskates]

#TravelStokvel

Travel at your own pace in your own time dept free.

How does it work?

Info@travelingcheapskates.co.za

[travelingcheapskates]

Magalies Glamping *Groupies*

2 Nights

Travel Style: bush, glamping, camping

Number of Travelers: 10 people

Accommodation: Barn house

Location: Gauteng

R 912. 00 PP

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2019

Accommodation is offered in a barn house, glamping tent and rock house cave which together can accommodate up to 10 guests. Guests have access to a splash pool surrounded by a deck with incredible views of the surrounding countryside. From here, guests can relax and enjoy the lovely surrounding garden, beautiful views and bird life. More ambitious visitors may go for a bike ride or hike, or climb the small hill on the property and watch the sun go down.

HIGHLIGHTS

Self Catering   √

Boat ride   √

Cable way  √

Staycation   √

Private time    √

Picture Perfect   √

Braai Facilities  √

Nature relaxation  √

[travelingcheapskates]

Mpumalanga  Adventure  *Groupies*

2 Nights

Travel Style: Nature, Adventure, friendship goals

Number of Travelers: 10 people

Accommodation: Farm house

Location: Mpumalanga

R 2640. 00 PP

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2020

Mpumalanga, the bush of the sunrise, when its not misty you’ll get the best sunrise and sunsets out here. We have trialed some of the best and worst places in this region to dust out the fluff so you don’t have too.Try out some amazing water and inland sport from a well run proudly black-owned company with an amazing social impact. Why don’t you try the adventure sports and see what happens…

HIGHLIGHTS

Self catering  √

Nature  √

Quad Bike  or Zip-line √

Picture Perfect  √

Adventure fun  √

Nature wonders  √

[travelingcheapskates]

Cape Town Baecation

Travel Style: luxury, art, Romance, nature

Number of Travelers: 2 people

Accommodation: Hotel  Lodge*** BLACK OWNED

Activity: 2 day CPT tour

Location: Cape Town Central

2 Nights

from R 3 612. 00 PER COUPLE

JULY – NOVEMBER 2020

Welcome to the Mother City, commonly known as Cape Town, the second most populous urban area in South Africa after Johannesburg. Cape Town boasts some of the world’s renowned landmarks; Robbin Island and Table Mountain, bo-kaap soon to be on the list, and great beaches and wine farms. Stay 2 nights in THE ONLY BLACK OWN ESTABLISHMENT IN CENTRAL CPT.

So what does this include?

- Accommodation  √

- Breakfast            √

- Activity            √

- Culture          √

- Trends        √

- History      √

- Hearty Adventure  √

[travelingcheapskates]

Mpumalanga Baecation  [2 Bodies]

2 Nights

Travel Style: Nature, Adventure, Baecation goals

Number of Travelers:  2 people

Accommodation: Lodge ****

Activity: full body massage + Quard bike

Meals: Breakfast + Dinner 

Location: Mpumalanga

R 3 429. 00 PP

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2019

Mpumalanga is amazing for those mini getaway experience for you and bae to reconnect, it's amazing what a holiday does to a relationship. you feel fresh like Mpumalanga her self. You can spend the weekend in the beautiful four-star self-catering resort situated at the top of Robber’s pass, on the historic old road to Pilgrim’s rest. The picture-perfect resort is situated in an elegant countryside.

So what does this include?

Romantic vibe  √

Peaceful surroundings  √

Breakfast  √

Dinner √

Fun Activities √

Accommodation  √

Love  √

[travelingcheapskates]

South Coast *Gem*

2 Nights

Travel Style: safari & river

Number of Travelers: 2 people 

Accommodation: Chalet

Activity: Horse ride or Game drive

Location: Kwazulu-Natal

R 3 840. 00 PER COUPLE

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2020

Get the best of both worlds, surrounded by natural vegetation and provide a peaceful and romantic escape, without breaking the bank. One of the reasons we love kzn is for these magnificent finds.

HIGHLIGHTS

Self catering √

Picnic & Braai area  √

Game Drive   √

     OR

Horse Riding √

Great views √

Romantic √

Picture Perfect   √

[travelingcheapskates]

Garden Route Road Trip                  *Baecation*

Duration: 11 days

Travel Style: nature, scenery, tranquil, road trip 

Depart from: Johannesburg 

Number of Travelers: 2 people

Accommodation: Barn house

Location:  Bloemfontein | Tsitsikama | Knysna | CPT

R 15 608. 00 PER COUPLE

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2020

Let us decolonize the Garden Route and explore all the wonders of This beautiful country. This space is majestic and recommend everyone to experience it at least once in their life time.The Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa. It stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River which is crossed along the N2 coastal highway over the Paul Sauer Bridge in the extreme western reach of the neighbouring Eastern Cape. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Tsitsikamma National Park √

Storms River  √

Knysna water front √

Kranshoek viewpoint √

Walvisbay √

Wilderness √

Outshoorn cango caves  √

wine route √

red bus tour √

 Includes             

* Accommodation  

* itinerary 

* Activity guide

Excludes

* Transport

* Meals

* Activity cost

[travelingcheapskates]

Cape Town Family Trio [3 Bodies]

2 Nights 

R 3 220. 00  PER FAMILY

JULY – NOVEMBER 2018

Welcome to the Mother City, commonly known as Cape Town, the second most populous urban area in South Africa after Johannesburg. Cape Town boasts some of the world’s renowned landmarks; Robben Island and Table Mountain. Stay 2 nights in the only Black owned Lodge in Cape Town’s City Center.

Enjoy black excellence in the heart of Cape Town, as you and your family find your center. Being a New mommy, I find it very important to travel as family to learn together and have fun together. 

Taking a well deserved breaking with baby. 

Experience Cape Town with your loved ones at your pace creating your own itinerary; hopping on and off with access to all four loops. Your pass features free walking tours, 2 day access, Free Seal and Canal or Harbour cruise, sunset cruise with not to miss stops that say you were in Cape Town like the Table Mountain, Camps Bay Beach and Wine Route. 

Experience the Aquarium, Your little one will go crazy over these little guys.(pay at the gate)

- Children under 4 FREE

- Children 4 – 13yrs  R85

- Children 14 – 17yrs R130

-  Adults  R175

Just 15km away from the city center, you will find this haven of joy.

As a child friendly destination they also offer loads of fun for the kiddies including face free painting for kids, Magic Shows, talent shows, dance shows and much more. A food court is available and all bathrooms are equipped with baby changing facilities for your convenience.

(pay at the gate)

- Full Adventurer Ticket – R179 (Over 1.3m)

- Mini Adventurer Ticket R95 (Below 1.3m)

INCLUDES:

Accommodation  √

Breakfast  √

Red bus tour  √

Family bonding  √

Family fun  √

Family memories √

[travelingcheapskates]

Mpumalanga Budget Safari Groupies [ 10 Bodies]

2 Nights

R 1 652. 00 PP

JULY – NOVEMBER 2018

So you’ve always wanted to go camping but don’t know how to put up and tent or don’t even own one. Then try out this tent accommodation in Mpumalanga, with a braai area and a pool, just minutes away from Kruger National Park. 

Game Self Drive 

This safari lovers haven is a must buck list, Bring your ID with. Kruger National Park has many day visitor areas and there are also many picnic spots and rest stops throughout the park. A detailed map is available at the entrance gates indicating the location of all these stops.

Gate fee: 

South African citizens and Residents (with ID):

R83 per adult, per day

SADC Nationals (with passport):

R166 per adult, per day

Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors):

R331 per adult, per day

Raft the Sabie River near Hazyview, for that adventure feel, of owning the water. 

INCLUDES:

Tent Accommodation  √

self catering √

Braai area  √

Game Drive  √

River rafting √

Nature  √

Happiness  √

Adventure  √

[travelingcheapskates]

Mpumalanga Safari Couples Retreat [10 Bodies]

2 Nights 

R 5 060. 00 PP

JULY – NOVEMBER 2018

We are love fanatics and believe fruitful unions, in other word OMUNYE PHEZ’ KOMUNYE. here’s something classy and sexy for you and coupled group.luxury tent accommodation, at foot of Kruger national pack.

And then we bond around the fire sharing our love stories ncooooh... 

Its a must to go on a game drive, and witness all the animals you visuals so well you think you really know them. Go experience it for your self hun, and tag me on instagram ;-)

INCLUDES:

Luxury Tent Accommodation  √

Breakfast  √

Dinner  √

Game Drive  √

Relaxation  √

Romance  √

Happiness  √

[travelingcheapskates]

Cape Town Groupies [10 bodies]

2 Nights 

R 2 772. 00 PP

JULY – NOVEMBER 2018

Welcome to the Mother City, commonly known as Cape Town, the second most populous urban area in South Africa after Johannesburg. Cape Town boasts some of the world’s renowned landmarks; Robbin Island and Table Mountain, bo-kaap soon to be on the list, and great beaches and wine farms. Stay 2 nights in a trendy, vibey, clean backpackers.

COOL THINGS TO DO

Discover Cape Town by hopping on and off various attractions using the hip bus. 

PICTURE PERFECT HOP OFF

The Bo-Kaap is an area of Cape Town, South Africa formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former township, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city center and is a historical center of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town

WHY ARE THE HOUSES COLOURFUL...? COURSE ITS A COLOURED COMMUNITY... POWER TO IDENTITY!

Keeping with the trend, check out the newly formed  colourful beach huts on Muizenberg beach. Whether they are called beach huts, beach boxes, bathing boxes or even beach houses, they are colourful and they are on the beach so we love them. SNAP THAT!

Yes this could be you, sending a digital post card to your followers. 

There are A LOT AMAZING backdrops in Cape town, once you’ve made your booking we are happy to send you more options. 

INCLUDED: 

- Accommodation  √

- Breakfast            √

- Activity            √

- Culture          √

- Trends        √

- History      √

- Hearty Adventure  √