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Maximise Your 2026 Leave Days: The Ultimate Long Weekend & Holiday Guide

With Flight Centre’s 2026 Holiday Calendar Guide, you can make every long weekend count. And whether you’re dreaming of warm beaches, vibrant cities, wildlife, or cultural hotspots, we’ve included destination inspiration to help you pick the perfect break.

2.4min read

Published 23 November 2025

Bianca Grealey

Digital Campaign & Partnerships Lead

There’s something magical about starting a new year knowing exactly how many long weekends — and holidays — you can unlock with just a few smartly planned leave days. For South Africans, 2026 is packed with opportunities to stretch your time off and squeeze in everything from close-to-home escapes to visa-free island adventures.

2026 Public Holidays:

January: New Year’s Day
21 March: Human Rights Day
3 April: Good Friday
6 April: Family Day
27 April: Freedom Day
1 May: Workers' Day
16 June: Youth Day
9 August: National Women’s Day
10 August: Public holiday National Women’s Day observed (holiday on 9^th, moves to 10th)
24 September: Heritage Day
16 December: Day of Reconciliation
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Day of Goodwill
1 January 2027: New Years Day

Local Holiday Recommendations

For those short weekend getaways, look no further than a local escape. South Africa offers something special in every season — whether you’re chasing sunshine, cooler mountain air, or a quick reset close to home. Take a scenic drive or a short flight, and you’ll find the perfect getaway waiting for you.

Where to go & why:

Cape Town: Make the most of perfect beach weather and long summer evenings. Camps Bay sunsets, wine estates, and world-class restaurants make it the ultimate foodie getaway.
Garden Route: Ideal for families — think lush forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and peaceful lagoons.
Kruger National Park: Cooler mornings bring incredible wildlife sightings, while in summer you’ll spot animals cooling off at the watering holes.
Drakensberg: Clear skies, warm days, and breathtaking hikes for the adventurous souls
Dullstroom: Cosy fireplaces, charming eateries, and trout-fishing adventures — South Africa’s ultimate winter hideaway.
Midlands Meander: Artisans, craft breweries, scenic drives, and romantic stays make it perfect for a quiet reset.
Magaliesberg: Close to Johannesburg and filled with family-friendly resorts, spas, and outdoor activities.
Sun City: Pool days, spa indulgence, casinos, and family fun — all in one iconic destination.
Pilanesberg: A quick nature escape just a few hours from Joburg, packed with wildlife and fresh air.

Your Guide to No-Hassle, Visa-Free, and e-Visa Travel for South Africans

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International Holiday Recommendations

When you’re ready to head a little further, these destinations offer unbeatable experiences — and several are visa-free or visa on arrival for South Africans, making travel planning a breeze.

Where to go & why:

Mauritius (visa-free): Turquoise lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, and all-inclusive resorts — perfect for couples and families alike.
Bali (visa-free): Affordable and full of culture — from temples and waterfalls to trendy beach clubs and yoga retreats.
Greece, Italy or Turkey: A dream for island hopping once the European crowds clear out — warm weather, delicious food, and postcard-perfect views.
Dubai: Stylish, safe, and filled with attractions — from theme parks to desert safaris — with great flight connections and short travel time.
Thailand (visa-free): Warm, vibrant, and full of flavour. From bustling Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket, it’s top value for money.
Australia: Perfect for visiting friends and family or soaking up a true Southern Hemisphere summer.
Maldives: The ultimate luxury island getaway — ideal for honeymoons, milestone celebrations, or a well-earned indulgence.
Zanzibar (visa-free): Close to home you will find beautiful white sandy beaches and warm waters waiting for you to dive right in

When to Travel Where

January & February: Peak summer and perfect for local travel. Warm weather, long days, and great post-festive deals make it ideal for beach escapes, wine-country weekends, or scenic road trips.

April: The golden month for extended holidays. With Freedom Day and Workers’ Day close together, just a few leave days can unlock up to nine days off. Head to Thailand, Bali, Zanzibar or Mauritius for sunshine and sea — all visa-free for South Africans.

June: Escape the winter chill with a cozy local getaway. Think Dullstroom, the Midlands, or Magaliesberg — perfect for fireside stays, hearty meals, and great winter deals.

August: Sneak in a sunny break before spring. Plan a spa weekend at Sun City, a wine escape to Stellenbosch, or a quick family getaway in Durban.

September: Springtime means adventure! Celebrate Heritage Month your way — braai near the beach in Durban, sip craft gin in the Cape, or explore Pilanesberg. It’s also a great month for Greece, Dubai, or Thailand before the year-end rush – with a few extra leave days of course.

December: Summer, sunshine, and festive energy — the ultimate time to travel. Book early for the best rates and availability, whether you’re staying local or heading to a tropical island. December is all about relaxing, recharging, and wrapping up the year in holiday mode.

With your standard annual leave days, you can unlock over 40 days of travel in 2026. Whether you’re travelling near or far, on a shoestring or in full luxury mode — Flight Centre has the deals, expertise and travel inspiration to make every moment count. Book your next adventure with Flight Centre – the experts in travel

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