If there’s one travel hack every savvy traveller should master, it’s this: making public holidays work for you! With a bit of forward planning, a single day of leave can turn into a long, relaxing glamping escape complete with morning coffee on the deck, nature-filled days, and nights under the stars.
2026 is packed with opportunities to escape the everyday. Here’s how to plan your leave around South Africa’s public holidays and turn them into unforgettable AfriCamps getaways.
Easter Weekend – Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April
Leave hack: Take leave from 30 March to 2 April, or, enjoy a 4-day long weekend – no leave days required!
Travelling with kids? Take advantage of the school holidays that fall over Easter by booking leave from 30 March to 2 April and turn it into a 10-day family holiday. You’ll enjoy mild autumn weather and plenty of time to settle in and explore.
Easter is one of the most popular times to travel, so this is a prime “book early” weekend.
Freedom Day & Workers’ Day – Monday, 27 April & Friday, 1 May
Leave hack: Take leave from Tuesday, 28 April to Thursday, 30 April
This is one of 2026’s smartest leave wins. Just three leave days unlock a 9-day break, giving you time to truly settle in. No rushing, just long days exploring, relaxed afternoons, and golden sunset evenings in the outdoor wood-fire hot tub before winter sets in.
Youth Day – Tuesday, 16 June
Leave hack: Take leave on Monday, 15 June
One day of leave gives you four days away in the heart of winter. Perfect for crisp mornings, cosy interiors, scenic walks, and evenings soaking in a wood-fired hot tub or beside the fire with your favourite glass of red.
National Women’s Day – Sunday, 9 August
Leave hack: Take leave from Tuesday, 11 to Friday, 14 August
Turn August into 9 days of glamping downtime and beat the mid-year slump.
Heritage Day – Thursday, 24 September
Leave hack: Take leave on Friday, 25 September
Braai Day deserves more than just one night. This 4-day escape is made for outdoor living – daytime adventures, lazy afternoons, and evenings spent around the fire, celebrating good food and even better company.
Day of Reconciliation – Wednesday, 16 December
Leave hack: Take leave on 14 and 15 December and/or 17 and 18 December
By booking two leave days, you score a 5-day break, or by booking 4 leave days, you unlock a generous 9-day break to embrace summer! It’s the perfect way to ease into the holiday season, enjoy a more relaxed pace, and make the most of longer days, warm evenings, and festive summer vibes.
Score a 2-Week Festive Glamping Escape
Christmas & Boxing Day – Friday, 25 December and Saturday, 26 December
Leave hack: Take 8 leave days from 21 to 31 December.
With just 8 days of leave, you can enjoy 16 days off! Extend the celebrations, swap the chaos for calm mornings, scenic nature walks, and cosy glamping nights – the perfect way to unwind and welcome the New Year surrounded by bushveld bliss.
Plan Early, Glamp Better
Long weekends are some of the most popular dates on the calendar and the first to book out. Planning your 2026 glamping escapes ahead means better availability, more choice, and a full year of mini getaways to look forward to.
Because let’s be honest – long weekends were made for glamping! 🌿✨ Check our availability now and book your glamping adventure here.
