Your 2025 Guide to Budget-Friendly Beach Holidays
South Africa’s Most Affordable Coastal Towns
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and accessible coastline. From warm-water beaches to charming fishing villages, historic harbour towns and family-friendly holiday hubs, the country offers exceptional value for travellers looking for a seaside escape without the high price tag of international destinations.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic weekend, or a relaxed solo adventure, these are the most affordable coastal towns in South Africa — with the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast standing out as one of the best-value regions in the country.
What Makes a Coastal Town Affordable?
To determine the best affordable beach destinations in South Africa, we look at:
- Budget-friendly accommodation options
- Free or low-cost outdoor activities
- Accessible dining and takeaways
- Good road networks and transport links
- Family-friendly beaches and attractions
- Seasonal specials and local tourism support
- The overall cost of a holiday experience
Based on these factors, here is your complete guide.
1. Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Affordable, central and ideal for families
Port Shepstone is one of the most budget-friendly coastal towns in KZN. With easy access to beaches, tidal pools, restaurants, and shopping centres, it offers incredible value for travellers.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Wide range of self-catering units
- Excellent free activities (beaches, riverside walks, fishing spots)
- Close to Shelly Beach, Umtentweni and Southport
- Affordable takeaway and dining options
- gateway to South Coast activities through South Coast Explore
Best For:
Families, weekend getaways, road-trip travellers.
2. Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Affordable surf town with relaxed tropical charm
Scottburgh is a favourite among budget-conscious travellers thanks to its long beaches, warm water, tidal pools, and laid-back atmosphere.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Budget accommodation and long-standing holiday resorts
- One of the cheapest beach towns for families during peak season
- Easy day trips to dive sites, nature reserves and Crocworld
- Strong local food options and beachfront restaurants
- Great for South Coast Explore travel passes and deals
Best For:
Surfers, families, nature lovers.
3. Margate & Manaba Beach, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Holiday hub with great value for money
Margate is known for affordable holiday flats, cabanas, beachfront apartments and year-round specials. It is one of the most cost-effective destinations for week-long stays.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Highly competitive accommodation pricing
- Restaurants, takeaways and markets for every budget
- Lagoon activities and clean, family-friendly beaches
- Daily specials across waterparks, marine trips and activities
Best For:
Couples, families, regular December holidaymakers.
4. Wilderness, Western Cape
Affordable nature escape along the Garden Route
Wilderness offers natural beauty at a lower cost than its Garden Route neighbours like Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. With rivers, lakes, hikes and beaches, much of the experience is free.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Great backpacker lodges and budget chalets
- Free hiking, birding and canoeing spots
- Ideal for self-catering travellers
Best For:
Road-trippers, adventurers, backpackers.
5. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
City convenience at coastal prices
Gqeberha delivers big value with Blue Flag beaches, strong accommodation variety and a mild climate that supports year-round travel.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Wide range of budget guesthouses
- Cheap local food scene
- Family beaches with lifeguards
- Easy access to wildlife reserves
Best For:
Families, groups, long-stay visitors.
6. Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
Riverfront charm and relaxed beach living
Located between Gqeberha and East London, Port Alfred is an excellent budget destination with wide beaches and a peaceful town atmosphere.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Competitive accommodation pricing
- Low-cost water sports, lagoon activities and fishing
- Quiet town ideal for off-season travel
Best For:
Couples, seniors, affordable long weekends.
7. Mossel Bay, Western Cape
Affordable alternative to high-priced Cape towns
Mossel Bay combines great beaches, coastal walks and warm weather with lower accommodation rates than Cape Town and Hermanus.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Lower seasonal prices compared to other Western Cape hotspots
- Free walking trails, coastal viewpoints and beaches
- Budget dining and markets
Best For:
Families, history lovers, beach explorers.
8. Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Diving capital with budget accommodation and warm water
Umkomaas is known worldwide for its proximity to Aliwal Shoal — one of the best dive sites on the planet. Yet it remains surprisingly affordable.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Budget-friendly dive lodges
- Cheap ocean activities
- Good food pricing and local experiences
Best For:
Divers, adventure travellers, couples.
9. St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast
Affordable wildlife and beach town in one
St Lucia offers incredible value by combining beach access with wildlife viewing inside the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Reasonable lodge prices
- Plenty of free nature viewing
- A good selection of self-catering units
Best For:
Wildlife enthusiasts, families, couples.
10. Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Great value at the gateway to the Eastern Cape
Port Edward offers some of the most competitively priced accommodation on the entire KZN coastline. Its quiet beaches and river systems make it ideal for affordable outdoor adventures.
Why It’s Affordable:
- Low accommodation rates year-round
- Free or cheap activities: hiking, rivers, beaches, waterfalls
- Strong network of local tourism businesses
Best For:
Budget travellers, nature lovers, remote workers.
Why the KZN South Coast Leads South Africa for Affordable Beach Holidays
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast consistently ranks as one of the best-value coastal destinations in South Africa because:
- Accommodation is far more affordable than Cape Town, Ballito or the Garden Route
- The coast is full of free natural attractions: beaches, waterfalls, forests and viewpoints
- Food options suit all budgets, especially takeaways and local cafés
- Adventure activities are cheaper due to strong local competition
- Warm water beaches mean year-round swimming at no cost
- The region is family-friendly and easily accessible by car
- South Coast Explore offers a centralised platform for deals, guides and tourism planning
For both local and international travellers, the South Coast remains one of the smartest, most wallet-friendly choices in the country.
South Africa is filled with beautiful coastal towns
South Africa is filled with beautiful coastal towns, but when affordability meets quality, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast continues to stand out. With a strong tourism network, year-round warm waters, family-friendly beaches and a wide range of affordable accommodation options, it offers holiday experiences that match global destinations at a fraction of the cost.
