Last Minute Getaways

A spontaneous trip on a last minute getaway can be a wonderful experience, providing a change of pace and scenery. At the last minute you can grab a flight or hop in the car and spend a memorable weekend in a place you've always wanted to explore or re-visit a favourite holiday spot.

Whether youre just looking for a weekend away doing something different, or whether you decide you need a mid-week recharge, there are often great travel deals in South Africa.

While its not advisable to leave the planning of your annual holiday to the last minute - and risk missing out on your preferred accommodation due to lack of availability - if you are flexible and are prepared to travel outside peak season, there are often last minute getaway deals to be had.

City breaks

Low-cost airlines and South Africas good road network mean that its possible to enjoy a change of city scenery with relative ease. Cape Town and Durban both offer fabulous beaches, shopping, cultural attractions and, of course, great accommodation options.

Johannesburg also has plenty to offer the discerning traveller. There are numerous museums, theatres and galleries; and the city offers world-class shopping at many of its high-end malls. 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate is an effortlessly stylish 5-star boutique hotel which offers a tranquil city retreat among its landscaped gardens. Guests here have access to all that Johannesburg has to offer, or could simply opt to relax in the peaceful surroundings of the cocktail bar and the adjacent swimming pool. 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate is offering a weekend special until the end of September 2012.

Garden Route retreats

In the Western Cape, the famous Garden Route welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Exquisite coastlines, beautiful indigenous forest and a number of charming towns provide entertainment and activities for all sorts of travellers.

Fairview is situated on a headland at The Crags on the Garden Route. Both Fairview House and Fairview Cottage have extraordinary views of indigenous forests and the surrounding mountains, and beaches, Plettenberg Bay and Natures Valley are all within easy reach from The Crags. Guests staying at Fairview can enjoy special rates until the end of March 2012.

Safari specials

Whether youre after a couple of nights on safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park, or the magnificent Madikwe in South Africas North West Province, there are a number of luxurious lodges which offer out-of-season specials.

Before the 30 June 2012, if you spend three nights at Jacis Safari Lodge in Madikwe or at Cheetah Plains in the Kruger National Park, youll receive a night at the Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town absolutely free.

At Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Walking Safaris in the Kruger National Park, if you book for two nights, the third night is 50% off until the end of February 2012.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an exquisite collection of lodges on a beautiful reserve bordering the Kruger Park. Here, diversity of habitat and wildlife creates excellent opportunities for close encounters with the Big Five. Guests booking and travelling before 15 March 2012 can enjoy fully-inclusive luxury for the low-season rate.

Talk to the professionals

Speaking to an experienced travel agent who will be able to advise you of any accommodation specials, as well as the best accommodation to suit your tastes and budget, will save you lots of time and money when planning a last minute trip.

To organise your last minute getaway, it is advisable to contact an experienced travel professional with on-the-ground knowledge and a wide portfolio of accommodation options. They are in the best position to advise you about last minute deals, and to assist with putting together a bespoke travel package to meet your needs.