Play your cards right and you could capitalise on some extra-long weekends in 2021! Keep reading to discover how, along with a quick round-up of the top 10 local getaways that South Africans just can’t get enough of.
With some of our favourite public holidays of the year already under our belt, there is still plenty to look forward to. South Africa, mark your calendars:
JUNE
Youth Day lingers mid-week this year on Wednesday, 16 June. Ask your boss for Thursday, 17 June and Friday, 18 June off and you’ll benefit from a relaxing 5-day long weekend once again.
AUGUST
We celebrate all of the incredible women in our lives on Monday, 9 August. Make the most of this all-important public holiday by treating yourself, or your mother, wife, or girlfriend, to a 5-day holiday. Do so by applying for leave on Friday, 6 August and Tuesday, 10 August.
SEPTEMBER
Enjoy the coming of spring in true South African style on Heritage Day on Friday, 24 September. Take Monday, 27 September off for yet another long weekend and the possibility of a local getaway.
DECEMBER
Get into the Christmas spirit a week early by taking Friday, 17 December off to capitalise on the Day of Reconciliation on Thursday, 16 December.
Finally, make the most of Christmas and New Years’ by putting in leave from Tuesday, 28 December – Friday, 31 December.
Worried about potentially losing out on your money if COVID throws a spanner in the works? Fear not.
“We’ve woven in a moneyback guarantee when it comes to all local holiday accommodation bookings to provide our clients with peace of mind,” says Sue Garrett, GM of Marketing and Product at the Flight Centre Travel Group. “Clients can cancel up to 24 hours before check-in and get a full refund – no questions asked.”
SA’s Top 10 Favourite Getaways
- Magaliesburg
Think the most refreshing mountain air, quiet surroundings, spectacular South African sunrises, and undisturbed nature. There’s also plenty of enthralling activities to look forward to in Magaliesburg, from hot air ballooning and fly fishing to canopy tours and bush walks. The best part? Magaliesburg provides the opportunity to escape the traffic and busy city without having to drive long distances. It’s situated just an hour’s drive outside of Johannesburg.
- Bela Bela
Let your stress melt away with long, soothing soaks in the bubbling mineral hot springs throughout Bela Bela, also known as ‘Warmbaths’. This small, charming town in Limpopo is a must for South Africans in search of a holiday focused on wellness. Along with taking full advantage of the hot springs, tourists can also plan endorphin-inducing hikes, as well as relaxing game drives in one of the local nature reserves.
- Franschhoek
Are you dreaming of mouth-watering wine tastings with beautiful, flourishing vineyards as the backdrop? Then Franschhoek is the place to be. Celebrated for its French heritage, which is easily recognisable in the town’s architecture, gastronomic experiences, and award-winning vintages, it’s the perfect destination for a deluxe holiday that oozes luxury and sophistication.
- Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is famed for its sunny, tree-lined boulevards, its art museums, its contemporary restaurants, and its beautiful beaches. It’s also often referred to as the ‘bottlenose dolphin capital of the world’. Be sure to organise a private boat cruise if you’re hoping to get up close and personal with these friendly sea creatures during your time away.
- Knysna
Knysna is one of the most popular towns on South Africa’s celebrated Garden Route. Travellers can’t get enough of the creative markets, water sports, indigenous forests, and delicious oysters – the town’s signature dish. It’s also home to a variety of must-sees, including the Knysna Heads, the Knysna Elephant Park, and the Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve.
“If you’re looking to get away from any of the hustle and bustle, without scrimping on any of your luxuries, why not consider a glamping getaway,” recommends Garrett. “Forget the blow-up mattresses you may remember from childhood. While tented camps for safari breaks are the most popular locally, you can enjoy glamping near Knysna too. Plettenberg Bay Glamping at Africamps at Ingwe and Africamps at Oakhurst in Wilderness are truly idyllic and are part of our revamped Flight Centre glamping product range!”
- Hermanus
If you’re keen to catch sight of massive whales cruising through the waves, Hermanus is undoubtedly the ultimate holiday destination for you. Whale season generally takes place every year between July and December, and some of the coastal walking trails allow you to get as close as five metres to these incredible creatures. Hermanus is also known for its luxurious restaurants and, unsurprisingly, its scrumptious seafood.
- Pilanesberg
Both nature-lovers and thrill-seekers will enjoy a getaway in Pilanesberg. The Greater Pilanesberg – the transition zone between the dusty Kalahari Desert and the lush Lowveld – is a particular tourist favourite. Here, you can observe the resident wildlife at the Pilanesberg National Park, settle down to a picnic with the family, or get that heart pumping with a scenic hike.
- Sun City
Sun City has it all: glitz, glamour, plenty of fun in the sun, casinos, lavish accommodation, and world-class restaurants – everything that you could want from a hard-earned vacation. It’s got just as much to offer the kids as it does the adults, including the Valley of the Waves, a sprawling water park where everyone can float around in the tranquil Lazy River or spike their adrenaline by shooting down some of the many twisting, high-speed waterslides.
- Durban
Durban is most South Africans’ go-to for a laid-back beach holiday where rest and relaxation is the name of the game. It’s where you’ll find lots of glistening beaches, warm, welcoming waters and, of course, uShaka Marine World. This marine theme park and aquarium is located on Durban’s infamous ‘Golden Mile’ and boasts the title of the ‘largest marine theme park in Africa’.
1.Cape Town
Arguably the most beautiful place in all of South Africa, Cape Town is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with fresh mountain air, 5-star cuisine, endless opportunities for retail therapy, and some of the best-known attractions in the country. Think Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and Lion’s Head, to name but a few.
Feeling inspired to get away? Start planning now and put 2021’s upcoming long weekends to good use. You deserve the breather!
