Who said that Christmas on a budget had to be unimpressive? Not us! 

Christmas is a time for joy and giving, and even if you are strapped for cash you can still make somebody feel special if you know where to look for an affordable and exciting gift. Take a look at this gift guide of wonderful experiences fit for those of us on a budget this year. 

From boat cruises to scenic hikes all under the price of R 350, there truly is something for everybody looking to save money this Christmas! 

Franschhoek Hop-On Hop-Off Tram Tour - R280

Experience a customized Winelands tour with the Franschhoek hop-on hop-off tram, designed for wine enthusiasts and viticulture aficionados. The Valley offers rich history, expansive wine estates, and breathtaking views, making it an ideal day trip for quality time with loved ones.

The challenge lies in choosing from eight routes—Pink, Grey, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow—each leading to various estates. Options include unique pairings at La Bourgogne, family-friendly experiences at La Bri, sculpture gardens at Grande Provence, and blind tastings at Franschhoek Cellar.

Treat the wine and travel lover in your life this Christmas with an experience they'll love without breaking the bank!

30 Minute Cape Town Harbour Cruise – R 120

Do you have a loved one who enjoys a cruise? Perhaps they’ve never got the chance to go on one? Or maybe you just want to treat them to a new and relaxing experience. Whichever it is, surprise them with this unique 30 - minute cruise along Cape Town harbour. 

This tour is sure to make a memorable experience for anyone, with the excitement of travelling by boat past the stunning views of Table Bay and the V&A Waterfront. Your loved one will get to sit back and relax as they take in the gorgeous views and can even spot some animals. In the past, people have sighted seals, dolphins and even whales!  

Treat your loved one this Christmas to a fun and affordable cruise! 

Hazyview Tree-Top High Ropes Challenge - R 200

For those who love monkeying around in the trees, surprise them with this spectacular high-ropes adventure day near Kruger National Park. Family friendly, this one is sure to get the kids going! 

With a series of challenging and engaging obstacles setting up an exhilarating agility trail and a load of super fun ziplines to whiz around on, this unique adventure centre is the perfect place for some family fun! 

So, show your kids some love this Christmas and treat them to a fun-fuelled family adventure they will never forget at a very decent price! 

Giant Swing Adventure in Sundays River Valley – R 260 

Who wants to go flying? If you know someone who is all about adventure and trying new thrills, gift them this giant swing adventure in the glorious Sundays River Valley. 

This wonderfully unique adventure experience allows your loved one to glide through the air, collecting some serious speed as they plummet from 18 metres in the air. This one’s not for the faint hearted, so think of your daredevilish friends and family who would give this go! 

Your loved one will be certain to enjoy this fantastic experience of gliding through the air with a bird’s-eye view of the

stunning landscape, for less than R 300! 

Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Tour – R 290 

Calling all animal lovers, this one’s for you! Surprise your animal-obsessed loved one with this adorable one-of-a-kind tour around South Africa’s first ever chimpanzee sanctuary.  

In honour of chimpanzee expert, Jane Goodall, this sanctuary is positioned amidst the breath-taking 1,000 hectare Umhloti Nature Reserve. Your loved one will have the chance to see the chimpanzees in action whilst walking around the sanctuary. They’ll also be taught about why the institute exists and all things chimp by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. 

Gift your loved one the joyous experience of immersing oneself into this wonderful place, all for under R 300! 

Blyde River Canyon Scenic Boat Cruise in Hoedspruit – R 340 

For those of your loved ones that prefer to sit back and enjoy the view, treat them to this fantastic  90 minute cruise along the Blyde River Canyon. 

This exciting cruise offers such an abundance of stunning wildlife and scenery to take in, ranging from hippos and crocodiles to the Kadishi Tufu waterfall. With so much to take in, you should be sure to remind your loved one to bring along a camera. 

So, for the reasonable price of R 340, why not take your loved one on this breath-takingly beautiful cruise! 

Guided Hike of Tsitsikamma Forest – Green Route – R 290 

For the hiking enthusiasts within your family and friends, why not this adventurous and engaging guided hike of the luscious Tsitsikamma forest, located in the Garden Route National Park right on the coast.

Here, your loved one will take on an expedition of 5.09 kilometres with the company of a knowledgeable tour guide and other hikers. They’ll be shown all kinds of flora and fauna out there and will get to bond with the other keen hikers in this public group experience. 

For under R 300, give your hiking fanatic friend or family an experience they will treasure! 

Klein Karoo Sunrise Hike in Montagu – R 350 

For the early risers, how about this gorgeous sunrise hike in Montagu! Perfect for those wanting a rejuvenating wake-up call like no other. 

An experienced guide will lead your loved one and the rest of the group through the Aasvoëlkrans trail. Here, they’ll walk the hills and valleys with a great view of the sweet village of Montagu. They’ll also enjoy a coffee at the top of the trail, before coming back down to the village for breakfast. 

For an energising way to start the day, treat your loved one to the Klein Karoo Sunrise Hike in Montagu, for a decent R 350! 

Thank you for reading!

That concludes the list of gift experiences for under R 350. If you are still struggling to find something perfect for your loved one and cost-efficient for yourself, you can browse our full range of exciting gifts here.