Weekend Getaways

Ever looked at the calendar and realised you have missed the opportunity to turn a long weekend into a holiday away? Fret no more. We have put together the ultimate guide to making the most out of your long weekends in South Africa this 2025. In fact, you could transform 18 leave days into 46 days of holiday!

Nothing is as rejuvenating as a weekend getaway, an opportunity to get away from it all for a couple of days and recharge. Whether you’re looking for an active holiday, to go out and be in nature, such as hiking or fishing, or just want to escape and relax, there are so many options for local getaways. Want a weekend getaway with the kids for some quality family time, or to enjoy a romantic break with your loved one? Head to the beach to enjoy some sun, sea and sand, go game viewing on a mini bush getaway, or be pampered at a spa with the girls on a weekend away. Not sure where to go? We have plenty of ideas so that you can choose the ultimate weekend break.

There are so many choices for weekend getaways

Escape to the Cape to hike Table Mountain.
Head for the Drakensberg for a family getaway.
Go trout fishing in Dullstroom.
Take the kids on a getaway through the Midlands Meander.
Embark on an adventure to God’s Window.
Sample wines and fabulous food in the Cape Winelands.
Enjoy game viewing in the Kruger National Park.
Go whale watching in Hermanus.
Be pampered at the Palace of the Lost City.

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a relaxing break away from routine. Choose a self-drive holiday to make the getaway even more affordable. South Africa boasts plenty of exciting options for a weekend away, and many of them are incredibly affordable. Take your pick of weekend getaways, ranging from luxury to cheap packages, with the family, alone, with the girls, or on a camping trip with the guys. South Africa is so beautiful, and we have so many fascinating places to visit. Browse our affordable weekend getaway packages and weekend away specials for 2025 now and start exploring!

Weekend Getaways with Kids

How do I plan weekend getaways near me? Easy! Thompsons Holidays has plenty of weekend getaways with kids on offer at great prices and in many cases, children can share with their parents to make it even more affordable.

Here are some examples of fun-filled family weekend getaways:

The Drakensberg has excellent deals at family hotels and self-catering stays with hiking, horse riding, sports facilities and daily activity programs.
For those in Gauteng it is an easy drive to game farms in the west, while the Magalies Meander is full of fun surprises like hot-air ballooning and zip line canopy tours.
North East of Pretoria is the restored village of Cullinan with more activities than you manage in a day.
Sun City also has a wide variety of suitable accommodation for family weekend getaways and there is so much to keep kids active, from the Valley of Waves to Segway tours, quad bikes, putt-putt and a fun maze.
Clarens in the Free State is also a family favourite with craft markets, golf, hiking and pony rides.
Mpumalanga is home to the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route presents a number of interludes including historic Pilgrims Rest where you can still pan for Gold. The Graskop Gorge Lift takes you down into the hidden valley and there are zip lines and bungy jumps too.
The KZN south coast has superb beaches with year-round warm water, and when you have had enough sun head for the pristine Oribi Gorge with walks in the forest. The Wild Coast Sun is a destination for all ages with golf for adults and Wild Waves Water Park for the kids.
The Western Cape is tops for winter weekend getaways as you can head for the Overberg or up the west coast and stay in a self-catering cottage with a hearty fire and games around the table.
Or you can venture a little further to historic Swellendam or over the magnificent Swartberg Pass to charming Prince Albert for a classic small-town feel.
Hermanus is also ideal for family getaways, and kids will love spotting whales from the various nature paths that run along the coast.

Whether you’re looking for a fun resort-style family getaway, a self-catering hideaway in a scenic part of South Africa, or glamping in style, Thompsons can arrange anything to suit you and your kids.

Know before you go...

South Africa Public Holidays to Turn into a Long Weekend Getaway

Ever looked at the calendar and realised you have missed the opportunity to turn a long weekend into a holiday away? Fret no more. We have put together the ultimate guide to making the most out of your long weekends in South Africa this 2024. In fact, you could transform 17 leave days into 40 days of holiday!

Public Holidays: March & April

21 March: Human Rights Day
29 March: Good Friday
1 April: Family Day

Annual leave days needed: 5

Days off: 12

Where to go: Celebrate these public holidays with a local or international getaway. We recommend exploring Kruger National Park in South Africa or the tropical paradise of Mauritius.

Public Holidays: April & May

27 April: Freedom Day
1 May: Worker’s Day

Annual leave days needed: 2

Days off: 5

Where to go: Local is always lekker. KwaZulu-Natal is an ideal 5-day getaway with its diverse attractions. With a perfect blend of beach, culture, and nature, KwaZulu-Natal offers a well-rounded escape.

Public Holidays: June – Long Weekend Alert!

Sunday, 16 June: Youth Day, with the holiday given on 17 June

Where to go: Explore the charming town of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands. Alternatively, the Garden Route to the coastal town of Knysna is a great option. If it's waves you’re after, Sun City is iconic.

Public Holidays: August Long Weekend Alert!

Friday, 9 August: National Women’s Day

Where to go: Treat yourself to a wonderful stay in George, Cape Town, Midlands and more with our carefully curated spa getaways.

Public Holiday: September Long Weekend Alert!

Tuesday, 24 September: Heritage Day

Annual leave days needed: 1

Days off: 4

Where to go: From the stunning Drakensberg mountains to the breathtaking Victoria Falls, the bustling Sun City, and the charming Umhlanga shores, there are so many incredible spots for a long weekend getaway, and they're all just a short trip away!

Public Holidays: December

Monday, 16 December: Day of Reconciliation: Long Weekend Alert!
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Thursday, 26 December: Day of Goodwill

Annual leave days needed: 9

Days off: 17

Where to go: If you're dreaming of an island escape, maximise your leave by heading to Rodrigues. For an unforgettable adventure, journey to the Kruger National Park, a true bucket list destination. Or bring your family together for a memorable retreat in Plettenberg Bay. Whether you're planning a local getaway or an international trip, we have the perfect travel package tailored to your needs.

Read our blog for even more ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your annual leave in 2024!

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