Just need to get away from it all? You don’t need to go far to get into a holiday state of mind. Local getaways are plentiful and range from adventurous to relaxing. Just a two-hour flight from Johannesburg, Cape Town is a wonderful destination for an extended weekend. The V&A Waterfront is a favourite spot for visitors who would like to spend the day wandering through its designer boutiques, craft markets and restaurants, while enjoying a view of the harbour. Many nature lovers head to Table Mountain National Park, where, on a clear day, you can see 200 kilometers of open sea, and find rare species of animals, including the famous rock rabbit – the Dassie. Hike or take the cable car to the top of the mountain for a spectacular look at the skyline of Cape Town.

 

If it’s mountains you seek, the Drakensberg is a must-visit. The peaks here are the highest in Southern Africa and present many opportunities for exploration and hiking. The caves dotted throughout the mountains have the largest collection of bushmen rock paintings in the world, dating back at least 40,000 years. Other highlights include a ski resort (Tiffindell) and Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfalls on Earth. To see more of South Africa’s rugged beauty and wildlife, spend your holiday at a game lodge. We are fortunate to have some of the world’s very best at our doorstep. Beautiful sunsets, morning game drives and lingering by a campfire are pursuits that nurture the soul. The Garden Route is another option for a local getaway. Perfect for a driving holiday, it encompasses stunningly beautiful stretches of coastline, indigenous forests, honey-coloured beaches, and charming towns, plus popular attractions like the Cango Caves and Oudtshoon, home to many ostrich farms.

 

If you’d like to travel further afield, consider a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls, a long-time favourite among South Africans. Or visit Mozambique or Namibia, renowned for its friendly people and budget-friendly resorts, shopping and dining.

 

Research has confirmed that men and women tend to live longer, sleep better and experience less stress when they take frequent holidays. Sadly, 36 percent of employees say they don’t plan to use all their paid holiday leave.