Whether you’re looking to enjoy the sand and sun or would rather explore one of the many corners of our diverse and beautiful country, take advantage of our Public Holidays 2016′ recommendations on places to visit this year. So where will you visit next?
Where to go on holiday in January
Friday 1 January 2016 – New Years Day
Gansbaai
Take the opportunity to go shark-cage diving and while you’re there, travel for just over an hour to visit the Southern most tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas.
Ballito
Visit the small holiday town of Ballito in Kaw-Zulu Natal. Choose from any one of their great beaches and go surfing, fishing or just explore rock pools.
Where to go on holiday in February
Cape Town
Everyone knows there’s no better place than Cape Town in the summer. Take advantage of those late sunsets and romantic picnic spots for Valentine’s Day along the Atlantic seaboard all the way from Camps Bay to Chapman’s Peak.
Grootbos
With February being the month of love, couples on the lookout for balmy summer nights, a sprinkle of seclusion, a dash of luxury will find all of this plus a romantic nook in amidst a field of fynbos.
Where to go on holiday in March
Mon 21 March 2016 – Human Rights Day
Friday 25 March 2016 – Good Friday
Monday 28 March 2016 – Family Day
Knysna
Spend the long Easter weekend along the Garden Route. By now most festive season visitors have left, leaving you to browse the markets, enjoy quiet boat trips on the Knysna lagoon without having to sit in the year-end holiday traffic.
Tsitsikamma
Take your tent or caravan and camp in Tsitsikamma. You’ll find hikes, beaches, zip-lining and forest walks in this picturesque coastal spot.
Where to go on holiday in April
Wed 27 April 2016 – Freedom Day
Paternoster, West Coast
Enjoy the very last days of summer and Freedom Day up the West Coast. Stay in one of the iconic whitewashed houses of Paternoster or camp in the A-Frame tents of The Beach Camp. Walk straight into the refreshing ocean and stargaze around the campfire by night.
Midlands Meander
Wander through the Midlands Meander with the family stopping off for Hot Ballooning, pony rides, mountain biking on family trails and even paintball.
Where to go on holiday in May
Sunday 1 May 2016 – Workers Day
Monday 2 May 2016 – “Public Holiday”
Botrivier
Before the real chill appears, put your feet up on Worker’s Day in the cosiness of Kol Kol Mountain Lodge. Sit beside the fireplace or keep warm in your very own warm rock pool.
Surfing in Jeffrey’s Bay
Surfing season has begun in this small town and it boasts one of the world’s best left-hand breaks. Even if you’re not a surfer, you can enjoy watching the pros ripping up Supertubes in an annual International surf competition.
Where to go on holiday in June
Thursday 16 June 2016 – Youth Day
Kruger National Park
Now that winter is in full swing, May to September ushers in the dry winter months in the Kruger National Park-the perfect time to view the animals. Choose between budget accommodation or luxury lodges in or near the park and hop on game drives viewing extraordinary wild animals.
Addo Elephant Park
Even though the nights and early mornings are cold, game viewing at Addo is bound to be superb in June. Spend Youth Day in the bush,pack warm clothing and enjoy the fresh air along with sightings of the Big Five and more.
Where to go on holiday in July
Durban
Rent a boat or kayak to witness the sardine run where billions of sardine travel along South Africa’s East Coast. If you’re lucky you’ll catch hundreds of dolphins trailing the sardine run.
Tiffendell ski resort
Take the kids to South Africa’s highest alpine region and take to the slopes in skis or a snowboard. Guaranteed snow even if Mother Nature doesn’t deliver. If skiing is not your thing try tobogganing or build a snowman.
Where to go on holiday in August
Tuesday 9 August 2016 – National Women’s Day
West Coast National Park
Celebrate the woman in your life on Women’s Day by taking her to bask in the splendour of spring in the West Coast National Park. Flower season between August and September yields explosion of bright blooms.
Tulbagh
It will probably still be cold enough to enjoy some quiet time around the fireplace with snow-capped mountains in view or perhaps the wildflower of Spring would have already appeared. Either way Tulbagh is a solid bet.
Where to go on holiday in September
Sat 24 September 2016 – Heritage Day
Namaqua Region
September is the last month to catch the spectacle of over 4000 flower species at full bloom. Stay at any one of the magnificent nature reserves and enjoy guided tours, mountain biking or rafting down the Orange River.
Hogsback
Spend Heritage day in Hogsback, one of the greenest places in South Africa. Enjoy the age-old forests, hikes, plethora of waterfalls and adventure activities such as abseiling and mountain biking. Stay at Away with the Fairies Backpackers and bath on a hill with the best view.
Where to go on holiday in October
Magaliesburg
Nature and animal lovers will relish visiting this mountain range which stretches across Gauteng and North West. Monkeys, klipspringers, porcupine and even leopards ( seldom seen during the day) call this area home. Enjoy everything from waterfalls, hikes, horse riding and abseiling.
Graff Reinet
Watch the sunset over the Valley of Desolation and explore the town’s rich heritage.
Where to go on holiday in November
Coffee Bay
Pack your surfboard and swimming costume and head to one of the quieter places along the Wild Coast. Stretch your legs on coastal walks and visit Hole in the Wall.
Chintsa
Camp on the hill of Buccaneers Backpackers overlooking the spot where the river meets the ocean. Go horse-riding on the beach or kayak down the peaceful, winding river.
Where to go on holiday in December
Friday 16 December 2016 – Day of Reconciliation
Sunday 25 December 2016 – Christmas Day
Monday 26 December 2016 – Day Of Goodwill
Bulungula
When most of the country heads down to Cape Town for Christmas, head in the opposite direction to the remote huts of Bulungula. Float down the river, enjoy home-made meals and watch the sunrise from the beach with no one else in sight.
Breede River
Celebrate New Year’s Eve beside the Breede River. Go fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, whale or bird watching and bring in the new year outdoors.
Picks from Lauren Manuel McShane.
