Wednesday, October 18, 2023

DIY Safari Bliss: Unraveling Cape Town for Less than ₱150,000 from Manila







After four years stuck at home, I found an unbeatable deal: a roundtrip ticket from Manila to Cape Town for just P35,000 via Singapore Airlines. South Africa, my dream destination, felt like the perfect escape.

I used to think Africa required Small Laude's budget, but Cape Town proved me wrong. It's surprisingly affordable, from restaurants to delightful experiences like my 180-peso wine and cheese tasting at Fairview Wine and Cheese.



Perfect for families, Cape Town's warmth makes it ideal for bonding. Plus, it's budget-friendly without compromising on the fun.

Cape Town's a haven for budget-friendly adventures, from meals to cool wine tastings. Fairview Wine and Cheese was just the beginning.

In my top 3 of 30 countries, Cape Town offers more than wildlife—it's culture, food, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Cape Town is more than a destination; it's where budget meets adventure. Pack your bags for an affordable escape. It's like Australia, but with safari magic. Ready for the journey? 🌍✈️🦓

Insider Tips:

1.Skip the Safari in Kruger National Park; there are equally amazing ones just a 2-hour drive from Cape Town.

2. Don't want to drive on the "other" side of the road? Rent a private chauffeur via the Viator app for $200 a day. It's a game-changer, trust me.

3. Private safari lodges won't break the bank; they come with full board, including meals and game drives. Plus, consider visiting two lodges for diverse safari experiences.

4. Cape Town's food scene won't empty your pockets; it's cheap and oh-so-delicious. And hey, it's a cashless city—plastic is your best friend.

5. Good news for Manila to Cape Town travelers: no need for a yellow fever vaccine.

Itinerary (Cost in PHP):

  • African Visa Single Entry via VFS: 2,000
  • 50GB Internet for Pocket Wifi: 2,500

Day 1: Depart from Manila

  • Departure: 35,000

Day 2: Arrive Cape Town

  • Hotel for 4 days (P30,000 for 2): 15,000
  • Dinner in Cape Town Waterfront: 1,500
  • Sunset Cruise with Champagne: 900
  • Groceries and Snacks: 5,500

Day 3: Cape Town City Tour

  • Private Chauffer: 5,500
  • Table Mountain Cable Car: 1,200
  • Kirstenbosh Botanical Garden: 300
  • Mocca Museum, Bo-Kaap, etc.

Day 4: Cape Peninsula Tour

  • Private Chauffer: 5,500
  • Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope, etc.

Day 5: Cape Town Winelands Tour

  • Wine and Steak Lunch at Fat Butcher: 2,000
  • Drakenstein Lion Park :350
  • Wine and Cheese Tasting: 300

Day 6-7: African Safari at Aquila Game Reserve

  • Transfer to Aquila: 3,500
  • Aquila Game Reserve (Full Board P30,000 for 2 Pax): 15,000
  • Game Drive,
  • ATV Quad Bike Safari: 700

Day 8-9: African Safari at Buffels Drift Game Lodge

  • Transfer to Buffels Drift: 8,500
  • Buffels Drift Game Lodge (P32,000 with 2 Game Drive for 2): 16,000

Day 10: Buffels Drift to Cape Town

  • Private Transfer: 15,000

Day 11: Check in at Best Western Cape Town

  • With free breakfast and Free Airport Transfer: 5,000
  • Cape Town to Manila

Total Cost: 145,981 PHP

This itinerary proves that a dream safari in Cape Town is within reach without breaking the bank. Pack your bags; the wild awaits! 🦓🌍✈️