The Easter holidays will sneak up on you before you know it, so it is a good idea to start planning your vacation a little ahead of time. Space are filling fast for April and May 2015. Don’t be one of those poor souls who leave bookings to the last minute only to find that prices have increased, or even worse, there’s no room at the inn. There are so many options to choose from – both locally and outside South African borders. These six fun Easter holiday packages should get your planning juices flowing.
1. A weekend in Wilderness
The coast along South Africa’s Garden Route reminds me how lucky we are to be living in here. It’s one of the most scenic regions in the country and sets the scene for this four-day self-drive package. Your base at the Wilderness Hotel will give you the chance to take short day excursions so you can squeeze in as much or as little as you want. Hire canoes and paddle your way along the tranquil lagoons at Wilderness National Park, paraglide above Wilderness Beach, take a cruise out to the Knysna Heads or hike in the breathtaking Tsitsikamma National Park. Your holiday doesn’t have to break the bank and a local self-drive package is an affordable way to go.
Price: R1 925 per person sharing. Car hire will be an additional R1 870 per car (B Class).
Includes: Three nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, car hire option, Cango Caves tour and Ostrich Farm experience.
2. Trek the Fish River Canyon (with mules)
Here’s hiking with a twist. You won’t have to carry any heavy gear, just a day pack, as your mule will be taking the load off and carrying all the excess baggage. Hike the northern reaches of the spectacular Fish River Canyon in Namibia on this five-day trail where your experienced guide will unravel the wonders of the geology, fauna and flora that you pass along the way. On arrival at camp you’ll have a chance to unwind. Staff will prepare your meals over an open fire before you retire to your tent or sleep under the stars – you get to decide.
Price: R6 500 per person sharing
Includes: All meals, limited beverages, guide, mule driver, supply team and accommodation.
3. Luxury on the Zambezi
Stay at one of the most luxurious retreats on the Zambezi River for three nights, and get to experience the surrounding Livingstone area. Built in the canopy of majestic ebony trees, your luxury tree house has its own private deck with views over the Zambezi. At Sussi and Chuma you’ll get five-star treatment: eat lunch el fresco style on a small island one day, or watch elephants munch on leaves from below your room the next. With two daily activities included in the price you can pick and choose what you want to do. Your appointed guide will take you paddling on the Zambezi, teach you to cast a line for tiger fish or even take you on foot in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Price: R13 474 per person sharing
Includes: Return flights from Joburg, airport taxes, 3 nights’ accommodation, all meals, water and all soft drinks and inclusive activities.
4. Self-drive Reunion Island
You can drive around Reunion in a day, but you wouldn’t want to. Twice the size of Mauritius, Reunion is extremely diverse for such a small island with heaps of activities that will allow you to explore and discover (read: Reunion Island in 11 snapshots). Every day will be a new adventure and you’ll get to choose what activities you want to do. Go kite-surfing along the white beaches on the west coast of the island or drive inland to Hell Bourg, and dine on Creole cuisine in this beautiful French village. South Africans don’t need a visa to visit Reunion island and it only takes four hours to fly there.
Price: R17 000 per person sharing
Includes: Return flights from Joburg, car hire with unlimited mileage, accommodation (bed and breakfast) and tour itinerary.
5. See Gorillas in Uganda
This may have been on your bucket-list for a long time and 2015 is the year to finally tick it off. The April Easter holidays are the perfect opportunity to book a seven-day gorilla safari in Uganda where you’ll not only get to trek through gorilla terrain and see these majestic beasts, but also much more: photograph chimps in Murchison Falls, cruise by boat on Lake Bunyoni, visit a local pygmy village and take a guided bird walk to spot endemic species. Choose between a camping or accommodated group safari.
Also read: ten tips for going gorilla-trekking
Price: R17 600 per person sharing (camping) or R20 295 per person sharing (accommodated). You can pick up a flight for around R6 000 return which you’ll need to add to the price.
Includes: Gorilla permits, accommodation, meals, guides, transport and activities.
6. Italy by train
La dolce vita or ‘the sweet life’ awaits you on this 10-day thrilling train adventure through Italy. You’ll start in Rome where you’ll have a chance to ‘do as the Romans do’ and visit spots like the majestic Colosseum where gladiators and warriors found glory or hang out at the Piazza Madonna with a pizza and beer. You’ll get to soak in the Tuscan countryside of rolling vineyards and cute villages as you wind your way towards Florence. From here you’ll get to explore the surrounding wine farms (and of course their wines), gorge on local ciabatta and cheeses or even Renaissance art for that matter. End your train journey in romantic Venice with a punt in a gondola or be serenaded by the sounds of Vivaldi.
Price: R18 450 per person sharing
Includes: Return flights from Joburg, train fare, accommodation in 3-star hotels and breakfast daily.
If you are looking for an adventure, beach, family, fly-in or tailor-made holiday package visit www.getaway.co.za/travel or drop an email to [email protected] with your request. Please be sure to include as much detail as possible as well as your contact details.
