The October school holidays (4 – 12 October) are short, but they’re the perfect excuse for a quick reset to carry you through to year-end.
According to Flight Centre’s Global PR survey of hundreds of travellers across South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the US, spending time with family and loved ones is one of the primary reasons for travel. For South Africans specifically, 66% name family time as a priority, alongside enjoying what nature has to offer (67%) and de-stressing/recharging (65%).
“When time is tight, quick hops beat long hauls,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa. “Choose destinations with short flights or easy drives, anchor your break around one or two ‘wow’-moments, and keep the rest all about kicking back and reflection.”
Here are a few ‘quick hops’ to consider, courtesy of Flight Centre’s Travel Experts.
Garden Route Road Trip
Who’ll enjoy it? Families, nature-lovers, photographers, foodies, and whale-watchers.
What to expect in October:
- Mild, warm spring days, fewer crowds, and blooming fynbos.
- Prime whale watching, especially around Plettenberg Bay, with calves often spotted from shore or boat.
- Classic stops include Knysna Lagoon and Heads, Tsitsikamma National Park, Wilderness, Sedgefield, and Plettenberg Bay. Oyster tasting in Knysna is a must.
Turner’s tips: “Keep your driving legs short and your days long on experiences. Base yourself in Knysna or Wilderness, then day-trip out to Tsitsikamma or Plett. If the whales are in town, plan that first – they set the schedule.”
Pilanesberg Safari Weekend
Who’ll enjoy it? Big Five first-timers, families, and photo enthusiasts – a great, malaria-free safari option close to Jo’burg.
What to expect in October:
- Warm weather (often 26–30°C) with the first light rains greening the landscape.
- Morning and afternoon guided game drives in open vehicles; prime Big Five spotting with excellent birding.
- Striking volcanic scenery, photogenic waterholes, and family-friendly lodges.
- Pack layers for cool mornings/evenings, sun protection, and a light rain jacket.
Turner’s tips: “Two game drives a day is the sweet spot; don’t overload your downtime in between. Ask for a lodge with a waterhole view for bonus sightings without leaving your deck.”
Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Wine Valleys
Who’ll enjoy it? Wine, art, and food lovers, and parents on a well-earned break – there’s grape juice and pizza for the kids while mom and dad sample incredible food and wine.
What to expect in October:
- Mild, breezy spring days with flourishing gardens and vineyard views.
- Franschhoek: wine tasting, the Wine Tram, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve hikes, and the Motor Museum.
- Stellenbosch: Jonkershoek trails, village museums, and over 200 wine producers offering tastings and cellar tours. Book tastings and top tables as early as possible – it’s the start of high season.
“October is an exhilarating month in Stellenbosch,” says Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. “Don’t miss the Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival on 4 October, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees from 11 – 19 October, and (if you can extend your visit), the 10-day Garden Town Stellenbosch from 31 October – 9 November, celebrating our love of nature with open gardens, workshops, and floral events.”
Turner’s tips: “Pre-book tastings and transfers so you can relax and savour the day responsibly. If you’re travelling with kids, choose estates with lawns, picnics, and play areas.”
Mauritius
Who’ll enjoy it? Beach-loving families, multi-gen groups, and water-sport fans.
What to expect in October:
- Shoulder season means better availability (even a couple of weeks out) and superb weather: around 27°C by day, low humidity, and one of the driest months. Sea temps hover around a silky 24°C.
- Classic beach time (Grand Baie, Flic-en-Flac, Belle Mare), snorkelling, diving at Blue Bay Marine Park, paddle sports, and dolphin outings off the west coast.
- Hikes at Black River Gorges, culture at Aapravasi Ghat or Le Morne Brabant, and a festive Diwali atmosphere later in the month.
Did you know? Mauritius is always in the top five international destinations for South Africans, including in 2024, according to Flight Centre South Africa’s Year in Travel 2024 report.
Turner’s tips: “October is a golden window for last-minute value without the crowds. If you prefer gentler breezes, head west or north. Families should look for resorts with kids’ clubs to keep everyone happy.”
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
Who’ll enjoy it? Self-drive adventurers, photographers, and fans of stark, otherworldly beauty.
What to expect in October:
- Warm, dry days (~26°C), cool mornings with ethereal fog that lifts by mid-morning, and virtually no rain. Expect breezes thanks to the Benguela current.
- Highlights include Cape Cross Seal Reserve, the Zeila shipwreck near Henties Bay, salt pans, dunes, and the chance to seek out desert elephants and lions on extended detours.
Last year, Flight Centre travellers hired 3,950 cars to hit the road on a self-drive adventure. Windhoek, Namibia, was in the top three international spots for pick-up/drop-off, demonstrating that Namibia is the ultimate regional self-drive escape.
Turner’s tips: “Book a reliable vehicle and start early – fog clears beautifully, but you want daylight on the road. Keep some wiggle room for weather and always carry extra water, snacks, and a paper map.”
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia)
Who’ll enjoy it? Thrill-seekers and friends’ groups.Anyone who loves jaw-dropping scenery and big-ticket activities.
What to expect in October:
- The hottest, driest month: very warm days, warm nights, crystal-clear skies, and low water levels at the Falls. That means unobstructed viewpoints and exposed rock formations.
- It’s prime time for Devil’s Pool (accessed from the Zambia side), white-water rafting, bungee jumps, helicopter flips, sunset Zambezi cruises, and strong wildlife sightings as animals gather at water sources.
Did you know? Zimbabwe was South African travellers’ number one pick for budget-friendly destinations, with a +79.5% YOY currency gain for South Africa in 2024.
Turner’s tips: “Go early to the viewpoints to beat the heat and use the middle of the day for a cruise, spa, or a shaded lunch.”
“These little breaks make a big difference to general wellbeing,” Turner concludes. “Choose a place that matches your energy – wildlife, wine, waves, or wide-open desert – and keep your plans simple so you can truly exhale.”
Your quick reset is just a hop, skip, and a flight (or road trip) away.
