Once again the 'relaxing' period known as the holidays has arrived and you're still working off your Christmas debts. "You don't need money to have fun" has become a regular reply to constant nagging. Well, it's time you backed that up with this guide to having fun on a budget.

A bit of history

The SA Air Force Museum

The SAAF Museum in Ysterplaat is an awe-inspiring exhibition of the equipment, artifacts and, of course, the planes of the South African Air Force. With aircraft such as the only flying Shackleton bomber in the world and numerous other unique displays, the SAAF Museum is well worth a visit. The best part is that there is no entrance fee, though donations are more than welcome. With branches in Cape Town, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth, there's bound to be a branch near you.
Website: www.saafmuseum.org.za. Tel: 021 508 6576, 012 351 2290, 041 505 1295M

The District Six Museum

The forced evictions during Apartheid are an important part of South Africa's history, with District Six being one of the most prominent examples. The District Six Museum, featuring many displays, is a unique experience.
Website: www.districtsix.co.za. Tel: 021 466 7200

The South African Museum

Established in 1825, the South African Museum is the second oldest scientific institute in the country. With exhibitions featuring 250-million-year-old fossils, African dinosaurs and meteorites, this museum is well worth the R15 entrance fee for adults and R5 entrance fee for students. Those fascinated by the universe are in luck as the planetarium is right next door. With school holiday shows such as Davy Dragon's Guide to the Night Sky, as well as basic guides to star-gazing, there is something for everyone. Entrance fees for the planetarium or R20 for adults and R6 for children.
Website: www.iziko.org.za. Tel: Museum 021 481 3800, Planetarium 021 481 3900

The great outdoors

Visit a botanical garden

Take advantage of South Africa's unique surroundings and visit a botanical garden — take a picnic basket along! Whether it is bird-watching in KZN or enjoying a hike at Kirstenbosch, there are always interesting sights to see and activities to do.
Website: www.sanbi.org

Ride a mountain bike

With hundreds of trails across the country, there's never a shortage of mountain biking routes to discover in South Africa. From the dirt roads of Paarl to the varying terrain of Ladismith, there's enough variety to challenge even the toughest of riders.
Website: www.linx.co.za.

Pack lunch and go to the beach

It's tough to beat fish and chips at the beach and even tougher to beat a game of cricket or soccer. So pack the wickets and cricket bat and don't forget the sunblock! Any beach along our fine coast will do.

Discover nature

Boulders Beach

Located in Simon's Town, Boulders Beach has fast gained a reputation as one of the best sites to view penguins, with over 2500 penguins. At R15 for adults and R5 for kids, there is no easier and cheaper way to see these animals up close, as well as to swim with them.
Websites: www.aboutcapetown.com, www.simonstown.com.

Animal and Reptile Park

Situated in Gauteng, this animal sanctuary is home to a variety of mammals and reptiles, with primates, cats and snakes aplenty. A R50 entrance fee for adults and R25 fee for children under 12 nets you a one-hour guided tour.
Tel: 011 957 2773

Crocworld

With over 10 000 crocodiles, Crocworld in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, is a huge park worth visiting. In addition to the crocodiles, there is also a botanical garden filled with birds and a restaurant. The entrance fee is R40 for adults and R25 for children.
Website: www.crocworld.co.za. Tel: 039 976 1103

Times may be tough and the economy may be down in the dumps, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun. So pack the cooler-box and get a move on!