With incredible local holiday packages and deals up for grabs in this region, take full advantage and plan your getaway well in advance… like NOW!!
Here is a quick look at the rest of the year’s long weekends and public holidays, so you can make the most of leave days and school holidays by venturing up (or down) the Garden Route for a well-deserved break!
JUNE
Wednesday, 16 June – Youth Day
Youth Day is taking place mid-week this year, giving you the chance to request leave on Thursday, the 17th and Friday, the 18th for a 5-day long weekend.
TOP ACTIVITY: Long walks and indoor spoils
Winter is a wonderful time of year on the Garden Route. Usually mild and windless, you can enjoy walks on the beach; fantastic hiking trails in Wilderness, Knysna, Tsitsikamma and along the Robberg Peninsula; adventurous excursions like ziplining or sandboarding (Dragon Dune anyone?); or wine tasting along the region’s award-winning wine route.
Of course, there’ll be a few stormy days – perfect for cosy lie-ins, fireplaces, high teas and indoor spoils. Book a stay at The Manor House at Fancourt and wile away rainy days in their private library, enjoy couples’ spa treatments, or tea and cake in a quiet nook. Throw in evening canapes and a winter stay on the Garden Route doesn’t get more romantic than this!
AUGUST
Monday, 9 August – National Women’s Day
Celebrate the special ladies in your life – or yourself – this Women’s Day on the Garden Route. Since the public holiday falls on a Monday, you can request Tuesday, the 10th of August off (and possibly the 11th, too) and savour a well-deserved long weekend.
TOP ACTIVITY: Wine tasting in Plettenberg Bay
How about some indulgent wine tasting in the Plettenberg Bay wine region? While it is indeed one of the youngest wine regions in South Africa, it still promises a diverse selection of wonderful wine, and lots of breath-taking scenery, including the towering Tsitsikamma Mountains. Be sure to sample a glass of Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) – the region’s specialty.
SEPTEMBER
Friday, 24 September – Heritage Day
Take Monday, the 27th of September off from work in addition to Heritage Day on Friday, the 24th and you’ll have a 4-day long weekend at your disposal when spring is in full swing.
TOP ACTIVITY: Strawberry picking at Redberry Farm
Strawberry picking is a fantastic, family-friendly springtime endeavour. Purchase a container at the farm stall and take your time strolling through the flourishing fields in search of red, ripe, ready-to-eat berries to tuck into back at your accommodation. The farm is also home to a quaint tea garden, a pizzeria, deli, and a coffee bar. You’ll have the chance to sample a selection of wines and craft beer inside the Houtbosch tasting room, too.
DECEMBER
Thursday, 16 December – Day of Reconciliation
Take a break just before Christmas comes and put in for leave on Friday, the 17th to make a long weekend of the Day of Reconciliation.
TOP ACTIVITY: Christmas Markets and carols by candlelight
Summer’s long lazy days and warm evenings lend themselves to Christmas gift markets, famer’s markets, craft beer, local food and festivities! Spend some on the Garden Route and put the Outeniqua Farmer’s Market, Milkwood Evening Market and Carols by Candlelight in the very special Garden Route Botanical Garden at the top of your list!
