Combo meal at McDonalds | USD 4.43 |
Internet (6 Mbps, unlimited data) | USD 92.60 |
1 Pair of Nike shoes | USD 79.24 |
Rice (white) | USD 1.63 |
Coke bottle | USD 0.96 |
1 Pair of Jeans | USD 55.93 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city centre | USD 1 107.02 |
Apples (1kg) | USD 2.00 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of centre | USD 839.00 |
If you came to South Africa to experience great Safari tours on a budget, then you should definitely go to Embalenhle, a city in the province of Mpumalanga. But don’t expect this area to be a plain of hot desert. The landscape here is interestingly varied, with sub-tropical feel in some parts and some really cool regions. The closest airport here is less than 10 kilometers so it is not that difficult to book cheap flights to Embalenhle.
Embalenhle is more of a residential and commercial town. There are a lot of far-flung villages here, if you are into immersing in the local South African culture. If you want to see mines where people from a long time ago labored in to find diamonds and other gemstones, this town has it as well. The Cosmos Route, the road in between this town and nearby Secunda is also an amazing sight to see. These are lined with white, pink and purple cosmos, a flower which originated from Mexico. Naturally, the best time to see this is during the summer. Of course, this wouldn't be South Africa if it didn't have the vast tracts of land which are protected as game reserves and parks.
Perhaps, it’s the nice weather in this part of Mpumalanga which attracted a lot of hoteliers and resort owners. There are a lot of really good hotels in Embalenhle such as the Evander Villas and Peermont Graceland Country Club, which has its own casino. But if you really want to save money yet have a comfortable and convenient accommodation plus free delicious meals, go for guest houses and lodges instead. Places like this cost only $30 a night or even less. With so many hotels, dining out won’t be a problem. Even shopping here is fun with several flea markets offering local fare and wares.
You can reserve cheap flights to Embalenhle since the closest is only in nearby Secunda. There are so many buses which travel in and out of this town in different hours. But if you want to stop and smell those cosmos by the road, get a rental. It would be more comfortable and convenient for you and your family.