Explore the Heart of South Africa: Nature, Culture, Adventure

South African Public Holidays 2026

Afrikaans name: Suid-Afrikaanse openbare vakansiedae 2026

2026 is a good year for exploring South Africa. Why? Because every year is a good year for exploring South Africa! Plan your trips and don't leave booking that ideal accommodation in one of the beautiful destinations in South Africa too late. My dream would be to spend 3 weeks in Kruger National Park. What's yours?

Although every effort is made to keep this list correct, The Wildebeest can't be held responsible for any errors

1 January 2026 - New Year’s Day / Nuwejaarsdag (Thursday / Donderdag)

21 March 2026 - Human Rights Day / Menseregte Dag (Saturday / Saterdag)

3 April 2026 - Good Friday / Goeie Vrydag (Friday / Vrydag)

6 April 2026 - Family Day / Familie Dag (Monday / Maandag)

27 April 2026 - Freedom Day / Vryheidsdag (Monday / Maandag)

1 May 2026 - Workers Day / Werkersdag (Friday / Vrydag)

16 June 2026 - Youth Day / Jeugdag (Tuesday / Dinsdag)

9 August 2026 - National Women’s Day / Vrouedag (Sunday / Sondag)

10 August 2026 - Public holiday / Publieke vakansie dag (Monday / Maandag)

24 September 2026 - Heritage Day / Erfenisdag (Thursday / Donderdag)

16 December 2026 - Day of Reconciliation / Rekonsiliasie (Wednesday / Woensdag)