This year, staycations are the new travel trend as more South Africans choose local vacations.
South Africa continues to see an increase in domestic leisure travel, as people find even more reasons to explore their country’s diverse beauty.
This trend is revealed in the South African Department of Tourism’s 2021/2022 Annual Performance Plan, which shows the growing popularity of staycations where people choose to visit tourist attractions that aren’t too far from home.
“Staycationing in South Africa is great because each region is different and offers a wide variety of activities, fascinating tourist attractions, and premium accommodation spots,” says Anand Yedery, Regional Head of Marketing and Sales for South Asia, Middle East and Africa for Cathay Pacific. “A staycation in the country ticks all the right boxes, whether you want to explore the natural beauty of a city like Cape Town, soak in the sun on a warm Durban beach, or enjoy Johannesburg’s tranquil parks.”
Whether you’re making plans for the Easter long weekend, Family Day, International Workers’ Day, the festive season, or even a dream honeymoon – here are some must-visit staycation spots to genuinely appreciate SA’s local beauty.
Johannesburg
Joburgers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during their Johannesburg staycation can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of natural surroundings by visiting the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens.
The garden’s popular attractions include the mesmerising Witpoortjie Waterfall, beautiful hiking trails and spacious picnic spots.
If you’re interested in seeing more of the city’s beautifully manicured gardens while staying in luxurious accommodation, then you should book into Sandton’s The Maslow Hotel. Only a few minutes from Sandton City Mall and Nelson Mandela Square, this hotel offers superior comfort and elegance guaranteed to make your staycation relaxing and memorable.
Cape Town
Capetonians are spoiled for choice when planning a staycation in the Mother City. Cape Town offers countless attractions, including the Two Oceans Aquarium, which allows visitors of all ages to experience all kinds of marine life.
Staycationers can add to their memorable experience by staying at the majestically located Twelve Apostles Hotel. You’ll be situated above the Atlantic Ocean and flanked by the magnificent Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain for a stay that’s truly like no other.
Should you prefer a combination of wild beauty and vineyards. In that case, you can stay at the Mont Angelis Retreat, which offers a selection of well-designed and spacious self-catering cottages on a breath-taking wine farm.
Durban
Durbanites have every reason to staycation in the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal, especially considering its warm ocean waters and breathtaking attractions like uShaka Marine World.
There are many accommodation options that are a short distance from the beach, allowing staycationers to soak in the sun. One such option is Oyster Box in Umhlanga. This seaside accommodation offers remarkable coastal views of the Indian Ocean and is not too far from an iconic lighthouse.
Gqeberha
There is no better way to experience a much-needed staycation in Gqeberha than to visit the famous Hobie beach. Its warm Indian Ocean water is not its only attraction; it also features sheltered rock pools with interesting inter-tidal sea life and beach volleyball and is also the site of the world’s boardsailing championships.
With accommodations such as the Boardwalk Hotel, which is only a stone’s throw from the beach, you’ll have no excuse not to spend every moment in the water during your stay.
“We realise that staycations aren’t just ideal for locals who can enjoy a more relaxing break in a familiar place; they’re also essential for the local economy. Partnering with hotels across the countries allows us to not only provide our customers with the best offers but also support local tourism,” concludes Yedery.
Cathay Pacific has partnered with countless hotels countrywide, including Stellenbosch, East London, Dullstroom, George, Durban’s Ballito, Bela Bela, and Knysna amongst the others, to offer 5% discounts exclusively on hotel accommodation.
Best of all, these great deals allow you to enjoy added extras from these fantastic hotels and a chance to earn bonus Asia Miles.
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