Easter Weekend Getaways in South Africa
Easter month is around the corner, and with it comes the promise of chocolate Easter eggs, hot-cross buns and public holidays. We've picked the best Easter weekend getaway destinations for you to choose from.
Cape Town
This city can offer couples, families or solo travellers great Easter getaways with a range of options when it comes to Easter accommodation, you can browse so of our options here
A Beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park and has so much to offer! Here are just a few things to mention if you are looking at escaping the hustle and bustle
Table Mountain National Park defines the city. The flat-topped mountain is the headline act, but there are many other equally gorgeous natural landscapes within the park’s extensive boundaries. Cultivated areas, such as the historic Company’s Garden, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Green Point Urban Park, also make exploring the city a pleasure.
You can also the explore outdoors and become one of the locals by learning to surf; go hiking or mountain biking; tandem paraglide off Lion’s Head; abseil off the top of Table Mountain – just a few of the many activities on offer.
This is one of the things that made the city a World Design Capital in 2014. From the brightly painted facades of the Bo-Kaap and the bathing chalets of Muizenberg, to the Afro-chic decor of its restaurants and bars and the striking street art and innovation of the East City and Woodstock, this is one great-looking metropolis.
Cape Town is proudly a multicultural city. Given South Africa’s troubled history, such harmony has been hard-won and remains fragile, there are many stories that can be told in this diverse city! From the Afrikaner descendants of the original Dutch colonists and the majority coloured community to the descendants of European Jewish immigrants and more recent Xhosa (isiXhosa) migrants from the Eastern Cape.
The majestic Table mountain amongst many other mountains and all the delights of the Cape Peninsula is a challenge, but within an hour you can travel from one landscape and visit an array of charming little towns as you drive along the beautiful coastline, villages and bucolic estates of Winelands destinations, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. There is a prime whale-watching location called Hermanus (definitely a MUST SEE) Furthermore are the delights of the Garden Route unfold, with more inspiring scenery to be viewed on thrilling drives down the coast and over mountain passes.
Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is an ideal place for a Easter getaway!
If you are looking for an adventurous, outdoor getaway this Easter then The Drakensberg has many options for you, furthermore it is easy to get there, its approximately 2.5 hours to Harrismith and turn right - and the scenery begins, with a beautiful drive past the Sterkfontein Dam
The Amphitheater
The Amphitheater is within the Royal Natal Park, which is well run and easy to get to. Mont-Aux-Sources, South Africa's highest peak at just over 3 254 metres (11 000 ft), is part of the same complex. In summer it’s verdantly green with spectacular thunderclouds gathering late in the afternoon, while in winter it’s often under snow, and the grasses make the landscape yellow under clear blue skies. It’s worth checking out in both seasons.
Hike to see the world’s 2nd highest waterfall
The Royal Natal Park to the Tugela Falls, which plunges over 948 metres (3,100 ft) from the Amphitheatre's clifftops. The hike is 3 hours up to the point where you look up at the falls and 2 then hours down, along pathways lined with ferns and wild flowers, passing through patches of yellowwood forest. It's really not too strenuous, but take plenty of water as much of the way you're hiking above the river.
Cascades
Pack lunch & take an easy stroll from the car park in the Royal Natal Park to this series of cascading falls, with trees around for shade and comfy rock formations to lounge around on in the sun. The water’s perfect for drinking and there are several pools for swimming.
Adventure activities
All Out Adventures has an amazing collection of equipment in a clearing in a forest offering cable tours, paintball, quad biking, bungee bounce, zip line, king swing and flying trapeze - if you're into this mad stuff, you'll be entertained for hours.
Last but not least,
Running & MTB trails
The area has a 100km network of mapped and marked trails for running or riding, at different levels of difficulty.
Durban
A perfect spot to go to for some great Easter weekend getaway specials!
There are so many amazing things to do in Durban and it perfect for a local weekend Easter getaway.
You can see the sunrise on the Golden Mile
The spectacular stretch of beach known as The Golden Mile is the ideal spot to catch the sunrise. If you’re not an early riser, the beach provides lots of opportunities to chill out with the locals, soak up some sun, or sit back and sip a cocktail.
For a more active day, rent a bike and cruise along the waterfront all the way from the Blue Lagoon to Ushaka or sharpen your bargaining skills with the local market vendors.
Have a go at the “Worlds Tallest Swing”
Embark on an Adventure Walk to the top Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium and take in the spectacular 360-degree views of the city. If you can’t handle the trek, the stadium’s SkyCar will get you there the easier way.
Ride the waves
Durban might be better known for its spectacular surfing but you’ll find lots of perfect spots for kiteboarding, too.
Explore the local Markets
There’s nothing like a traditional market to immerse you in the local culture and Durban’s impressive Victoria Street Market will do just that.
Durban is home to the largest Indian population outside of India so don’t be surprised to find colourful barrels of Indian spices and bundles of fragrant incense sold by men in kurtas and women in Saris.
The market provides plenty of traditional African wwwucts to pique your interest too. While the lower floor of the market is dedicated to fruits, veggies, fish and meat, the upper floor is a great place to stock up on souvenirs and locally made jewellery and clothing.
Take a Drive
The Sani Pass, a World Heritage Site rising 2874 metres above sea level, is just a short drive from Durban. The 33 km gravel road climbs the mountain in a series of sharp switchbacks, hugging to the cliff walls of the Drakensberg escarpment a drive.
Kruger National Park
“The Kruger” as South Africans know it, is one of the most world-renowned national parks to spot wildlife. It is the quintessential park to have a wildlife safari in South Africa.
The renowned Kruger National Park is the ultimate safari destination for families or couples seeking a truly remarkable and memorable holiday in South Africa and it is great for a short Easter weekend getaway!
Kruger National Park’s wide variety of fascinating wildlife includes both large and small animals, predators and prey. The park is home to the famous Big Five, as well as hyena, wild dog, jackal, giraffe, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra, a variety of antelope and so much more. All of the lodges within the park offer exciting morning and evening game drives, where guests can enjoy close-up views of these amazing African animals.
Smaller animals and an abundance of birdlife can be seen on guided bush walks, including honey badgers, rock dassies, thick-tailed bushbabies and tree squirrels. With a great variety of big game living in the area, Kruger National Park is one of the premier game-viewing destinations in the world.