It is good to know early on when exactly the 2017 public holidays will take place, since having this information in advance gives you the opportunity to apply for leave early on and hopefully have ample time to plan some exciting getaways with stunning accommodation.

We are lucky to have a fair amount of public holidays in South Africa every year. As our country has triumphed and grown over the decades, many of these days are significant and mark important events and milestones that have led us to where we are now. For those with children who are still in school, the school holidays also offer a fantastic chance to go away together and make lasting memories and experience awesome adventures with your family, for that much needed mid-year break away from a hectic daily schedule and busy lifestyle.

Here are some windows of opportunity outlined for your use, where taking just a few days out of your allocated annual leave can provide up to 10 consecutive days off:

Start Planning Your Ideal Holiday Now:

MARCH –   The 21^st of March is Human Rights day, and falls on a Tuesday this year. This means that if you are looking to enjoy a short trip away before summer ends and don’t want to use up all your leave, you can take Monday the 20^th of March off and enjoy 4 straight days of bliss. March is a fantastic time to book a vacation near a beach front on the West Coast, to soak up the sun.

APRIL – Because of Easter, April offers a few more public holidays than most months. The 14^th of April (Friday), is Good Friday and the beginning of Easter Weekend, it also is automatically the start to a long weekend, with the 17^th of April (Monday) being Family Day – if you book 4 days off (from the 18^th to the 21^st April) you will be able to enjoy a 10 day holiday break.  The following Thursday is Freedom Day, falling on the 27^th and also leading into another weekend – take the Friday directly following off, and enjoy 5 day off as the 1^st of May (Monday), is Workers day and is again a public holiday.  

AUGUST – On the 9^th of August, which falls on a Wednesday, we celebrate Woman’s Day. Ladies all over get spoiled by their husbands and loved ones, while everyone gets to appreciate a day off in the middle of the week. If you want a longer break to whisk your special lady away for a short vacation, apply for 2 days of leave in the week, either following or before the public holiday, to give you a 5 day holiday.

DECEMBER – Before you know it, the festive season will be upon us again! Most companies have a shut down period in December, and so this is the most popular time for vacations and celebration with loved ones. The festive season is a busy one, starting with the Day Of Reconciliation on the 16th of December, and then Christmas on the 25^th, Boxing Day/Day of Goodwill on the 26^th. For those of us who don’t have a lot of leave at this time of year, booking only the three days after boxing day off will give you a 10 day break altogether.

And What About The School Holidays?

The School holidays in South Africa are the same in all 9 provinces this year, and are as follows:

• First Term – 11^th January to 31^st March
• Second Term – 18^th April to 30^th June
• Third Term – 24^th July to 29^th September
• Fourth Term – 9^th October to 6^th December

Plan a fun family trip that works for your schedule over the school holidays, to ensure that no one gets left behind. With an endless list of accommodation options and attractions for every age group all around Cape Town, your vacation is sure to be an amazing one.

Now that you have this handy guide to help you plan and prepare, start applying for leave now. Click here to see some of our best holiday accommodation and book in advance.