Being a student often means mastering the art of stretching your budget while still wanting to enjoy life to the fullest. Luckily, Johannesburg is packed with exciting activities that won’t leave your wallet in tears. Whether you’re looking for some downtime, cultural experiences, or just a good spot to hang out with friends, here’s your guide to exploring the City of Gold on a student-friendly budget.
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Best Budget-Friendly Activities at Waterfall City
Waterfall City in Johannesburg is a lively spot with lots of cheap fun for students. The Giant Ferris Wheel is a highlight, towering high with 26 gondolas. It offers breathtaking views of the city, perfect for seeing the urban scene from above.
Getting on the Ferris Wheel is easy on the wallet, with a single ride costing R20. For more, a full-day pass is R250. It lets you ride the Ferris Wheel and other small rides all day.
The Giant Ferris Wheel Experience
The Giant Ferris Wheel at Waterfall City is a top pick for students wanting a fun, affordable ride. Its height and views make for a memorable experience without spending a lot.
Entertainment Options Under R100
- Small rides: R20 per ticket
- Ferris Wheel: 3 tickets per ride
- Full Day Pass: R250 per person
Best Times to Visit for Student Discounts
Students should visit Waterfall City on Tuesday to Thursday, from 9:30am to 4pm. These times offer the best deals and discounts, perfect for those watching their budget.
Activity | Price |
Small Rides | R20 per ticket |
Ferris Wheel | 3 tickets per ride |
Full Day Pass | R250 per person |
Adventure and Nature at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
For students looking to escape the city’s noise, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens are a peaceful retreat. Located in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, this 300-hectare reserve is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy the outdoors.
The gardens boast a stunning waterfall and well-kept landscapes, home to a variety of plants. Entrance fees are affordable, with adults paying R80 in the off-peak season (April-August) and R100 in the peak season (September-March). Students get a discount, paying R45 off-peak and R50 peak.
The gardens are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. This gives students plenty of time to enjoy the natural beauty and calm. Whether you’re looking for a quiet walk, a study spot, or just a break, the gardens are magical.
- Explore the graceful waterfall and lush landscapes
- Enjoy discounted student rates for admission
- Discover the diverse botanical wonders of the gardens
- Relax and unwind in the tranquil natural setting
- Engage in outdoor recreation and student activities
Why not take a break from the city’s noise and explore the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens? It’s a great place for students to have a fun, affordable adventure and connect with nature.
Budget-Friendly Science and Discovery at Sci-Bono
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg is a place where students can dive into maths, science, and technology. It welcomes over 650,000 visitors every year. They focus on making learning fun with hands-on exhibits and educational programmes.
Sci-Bono has almost 400 interactive displays. It’s a top spot for school trips, offering a cheap and engaging science centre experience.
- Affordable entrance fees – R60 for adults, R40 for children (3-18 years), with student discounts available
- Engaging interactive learning exhibits and live science experiments
- Educational programmes and holiday activities catering to STEM education
- On-site café offering budget-friendly meal options
- Accessible by various modes of transport, including public transit
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is open from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 4:30pm. It’s a great and budget-friendly science spot for students and families. To avoid big crowds, visit during weekdays. Plan to spend at least 3 hours to see everything.
Attraction | Admission | Student Discount |
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre | R60 for adults, R40 for children (3-18 years) | Yes, discounted rates available |
Exciting Things to Do in Johannesburg's Parks
Johannesburg has many urban parks and green spaces. They offer free activities and outdoor fun for students. You can find beautiful gardens and quiet spots to study, all without spending a lot.
Top Free Garden Spaces
Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are top picks. They are lush and perfect for picnics, relaxing, or studying. Plus, they have free Wi-Fi. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is famous for its waterfall and eagles, great for nature lovers.
Student-Friendly Picnic Spots
- Northcliff Ride Eco Park: This peaceful park in Northcliff features a serene lake, perfect for a budget-friendly picnic or leisurely stroll.
- Emmarentia Dam: Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, Emmarentia Dam offers expansive lawns and shaded areas ideal for student gatherings and outdoor activities.
- Johannesburg Botanical Gardens: With its diverse flora and tranquil atmosphere, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is a prime location for students to enjoy a picnic or simply unwind.
Affordable Entertainment at RollEgoli Skating Rink
Get your skates ready for an affordable and thrilling time at RollEgoli Roller Rink in Bryanston, Johannesburg. This lively venue is perfect for students to enjoy roller skating. It’s a classic student activity that offers affordable entertainment and lots of fun for group outings.
The entry fee at RollEgoli is just R110 per person. Skate rental is an extra R50.
Entry Fee | Skate Rental |
R110 | R50 |
Whether you’re an experienced skater or a beginner, RollEgoli Roller Rink is great for affordable entertainment and group outings in Johannesburg. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, lots of amenities, and prices that won’t empty your wallet. It’s a fantastic choice for student activities that are easy on the budget.
Market Adventures and Street Food Experiences
Johannesburg’s food scene is vibrant and perfect for students on a budget. You can find everything from bustling food markets to exciting street food adventures. There’s a wide range of affordable dining options to try.
Popular Student Markets
The Neighbourgoods Market is a favourite in the city. It attracts students and locals with its variety of stalls. This market offers tasty, affordable food and also features local artisans and musicians.
Weekend Market Specials
Many food markets in Johannesburg have great weekend deals. Look out for 2-for-1 meals, student discounts, and cheap drinks. These specials make your market visits even better.
Budget Street Food Tours
Johannesburg offers a lot of affordable dining options for food lovers. Whether you’re into market experiences or street food, there’s something for everyone. Start your culinary journey and find the city’s top food markets and street food spots.
- Discover the city’s street food with a guided tour. You can try local favourites like bunny chow and Asian dishes without spending much.
- Check out food trucks like the Lotus Food Truck. They serve amazing pork ramen and hoisin-coated pork ribs.
- Experience the city’s food culture at street food festivals. It’s a unique way to enjoy Johannesburg’s diverse food scene.
Nature Walks and Hiking at Kloofendal Reserve
Kloofendal Nature Reserve is in the heart of Johannesburg. It’s a great place for students to see the city’s natural beauty. This 128-hectare reserve is full of indigenous plants, wildlife, and scenic trails. It’s just 8 kilometers from Soweto.
The Friends of Kloofendal, a group of volunteers, lead guided walks and hikes. These cost just R50 per person. You can learn about conservation and plant identification while enjoying the outdoors.
Kloofendal has trails for all hikers. You might see duiker, mountain reedbuck, and black-backed jackal. The reserve is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day. It also hosts concerts, film screenings, and more for students.
Kloofendal Nature Reserve is perfect for a peaceful day out or an educational trip. It’s a hidden gem in Johannesburg. Come and explore the city’s natural wonders and connect with nature.
Student Discounts at Johannesburg Zoo
For those who love wildlife and are watching their budget, Johannesburg Zoo has good news. It offers discounted rates for students. This vast zoo covers 54.7 hectares and is home to over 320 species, with about 2,000 animals.
Adults pay R126 to enter, but students get in for just R74* on weekdays. The zoo welcomes visitors from 8:30am to 5:30pm every day. You can enter until 4:00pm, giving you plenty of time to see the animals.
Johannesburg Zoo also has ferry tours for you and your friends. Depending on how big your group is, you can enjoy a serene ferry ride for just R152.
Activity | Regular Price | Student Price* |
Zoo Entry | R126 | R74 |
Ferry Tour | Starting at R152 (15-20 people) | N/A |
Price
2D Movies
3D Movies
Normal
R81
R91
Budget Tuesday
R46
R56
Get Funding in South Africa with Fundi
With all these fun things to do in Johannesburg, we’re sure you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed for the next academic year. However, starting the next academic year can be stressful if you don’t have the funds to pay for the costs that come with being a student.
If you’re worried about acquiring funding for your next academic year, then allow Fundi to help! Fundi gives you the funding you need to pay off all your tuition fees, accommodation, technical devices and more!
Keen to find out if you qualify for a Fundi study loan? Then be sure to try out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your educational journey today.
