Backpacking through South Africa on a tight budget — totally doable

Did South Africa on a shoestring for 16 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Cape Town centre and ate mostly at local spots — bunny chow from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant.

Robben Island has an entry fee but worth every penny. extraordinary biodiversity was a free discovery that ended up being one of my favourite moments of the trip. Budget travellers: South Africa is worth your time and money, just avoid the tourist-priced restaurants.