Let’s face it. This winter has been harsh and if you’re like me, I’m ready to strip off the layers, thaw out and get some rays on my underexposed skin. Thankfully, summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about your next holiday. We have 10 incredible travel packages that will get you in the holiday mood and out from under the duvet. Take your pick.
1. Budget in the bush
The bush is calling your name this summer. Leave the rush hour traffic and paper shuffling behind and head for the call of the wild. I’m sure you deserve a bonus at the end of the year but should that go pear-shaped, don’t fret. This trip won’t break the bank. The rustic accommodation at Marc’s Camp in the Great Kruger National Park is ideal for a family bush break.
Cost: From R1 120 a person (based on 4 pax), which includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, one game drive in an open vehicle, a bush walk and a R300 fuel voucher
Contact: Send an email enquiry here
2. Active outdoor Cape escape
If you consider yourself an outdoorsy, sporty type then a 7-day adventure tour in the Eastern Cape highlands is the remedy. You’ll have a chance to hike, bike, horse-ride, 4×4 and paddle your way through some stunning mountain terrain.
Cost: From R3 995 a person (based on 4 pax), which includes 5 nights in a guest farm, 1 night camping, all meals, 5 guided activities, all equipment for rafting and horse riding
Contact: Tel 079-536-3996, send an email enquiry here, www.wildmountainadventures.co.za
3. Overlanding the Garden Route
Summer is one of the best times to visit the Garden Route in South Africa. If you’ve never seen this part of our country before, you’ll be blown-away by the beauty of Tsitsikamma and Addo Elephant National Park. Get to taste wine in the Cape and tour the impressive Cango Caves on this 9-day tour.
Cost: From R5 200 a person sharing which includes 6 nights camping, all transport, meals, specified activities, guides and most park fees
Click here for more on the Garden Route package
4. Navigate Namibia
Discover the magical Sossusvlei dunes, the sun-scorched salt-pans of Etosha National Park and the adventurous town of Swakopmund on an 8-day self-drive tour through Namibia that will start and end in Windhoek. There is a lot to discover en route and plenty of activities to do along the way.
Cost: From R6 300 a person sharing for 7 nights including accommodation, breakfast, car rental and meet and greet
Contact: Send an email enquiry here
5. Island hop Thailand
For a culture infusion paired with idyllic surroundings, Thailand is a definite must for a summer break. On this 9-day tour you’ll experience the buzz of Bangkok city, admire gold-gilded temples and take an overnight train to Krabi and Phi-Phi Islands for beach sunbathing and snorkeling. Sail around the jagged cliffs of Phang-Nga Bay and sip cocktails on the beaches of Phuket.
Cost: From R7 565 a person sharing which includes 6 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night in a hotel and 1 night in a sleeper train, all day-to-day itinerary activities, 2 lunches, all transport.
Click here for more on the Thailand beaches package
6. Cruise the Indian Ocean
This has to be one of the most affordable and relaxing ways to spend a holiday. Simply pack a bag, round up a group of friends or family members and get comfortable on deck. Take in the wide-open ocean and fresh air while enjoying the numerous onboard activities. The 4-night Mozambique cruise from Durban will take you to Portuguese Island and up to Barra Lodge.
Cost: From R5 920 a person sharing (cabin with windows) for 4 nights including onboard service.
Contact: Tel 021-555-3005, send an email enquiry here, www.msccruises.co.za
For a quick and easy way to book a memorable cruise anywhere in the world, visit Getaway Cruises
7. Spice it up in Zanzibar
With a history that has seen traders, sailors, rulers and explorers visiting its shores, Zanzibar is an enchanting place to spend a holiday. Your trip will be incomplete without visting the ancient city of Stone Town, tasting the incredible spices on a spice tour and snorkeling the pristine coral reefs at Mnemba Island.
Cost: From R11 000 a person sharing which includes return airfares from Johannesburg, 7 nights accommodation at the Zanzibari (breakfast and dinner included), free safari to Saadani National Park and transfers.
Click here for more on the 8-day Zanzibari package
8. Chobe in photos
Combine your trip to Botswana with this must-do 4-day photography workshop on the Chobe River. Learn new tips and tricks from an expert wildlife photographer whilst practicing your skills from a custom-made boat and Unimog. Get up close to playful elephants, capture the wide-yawn of a hippo displaying or freeze the motion of a flying fish eagle. Camping and accommodated options are available.
Cost: From R5 300 a person sharing which includes 3 nights camping, free use of cameras and lenses, 6 game activities, free SD memory card, park fees, refreshments
Click here for more on the self-drive Chobe package
9. Break to Buenos Aires
Experience the ‘Paris of the South’, Buenos Aires in Argentina and feel the heartbeat of the city in Tango and flavor Argentinian wines and cuisine on this eight-day trip.
Cost: From R14 930 a person sharing which includes international flights and airport taxes, transfers, 7 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, half-day city tour, tango show with three-course dinner and wine tasting experience.
Click here for more on the Buenos Aires package
10. Dive the Maldives
Diving the pristine archipelago of the Maldives from a luxury yacht will be the highlight in your adventure calendar for sure. You’ll receive 5-star service on board and get choice picks of the best dive spots along the way. The underwater landscape will provide an equally thrilling experience for divers with sharks, manta rays and coral fish a common sight.
Cost: From $400 (R3350) a person sharing a night which includes three dives daily, all meals, soft drinks, transfers to and from the airport and tourism taxes.
Click here for more on the Dive the Maldives package
Check out some more summer packages that will get you in the holiday mood at adventures.getaway.co.za
