Local is Lekker: Why staycations are the summer escape South Africans want

No boarding pass. No jet lag. No rand-to-dollar anxiety. For South Africans, the staycation has become the summer escape that delivers both value and indulgence, and it’s fast becoming the season’s smartest way to unwind.

Across the country, travellers are choosing to explore their own cities with new eyes, trading long-haul itineraries for holidays that feel closer, slower, and more meaningful. Whether it’s a quick reset, a celebration, or a curated weekend break, the local getaway is firmly back in style.

Why Here, Why Now

The appeal is both emotional and practical. After years of travel unpredictability, South Africans are craving holidays that feel grounding, intentional and connected to culture and nature - the kind of experiences that don’t require a passport to feel meaningful.

But the shift is also being driven by economics. With the rand volatile and many long-haul flights climbing past R15 000 per person, travellers are rethinking what makes a holiday worth it. The result? A summer season shaped by experiences that offer depth, ease, and genuine value without the financial hangover.

Playing Tourist at Home

In Cape Town, staycationers are embracing the city’s icons with renewed enthusiasm, finally taking that long-postponed ferry to Robben Island, riding the cable car for a sunset moment on Table Mountain, or pairing a day of discovery with a chef-led tasting menu.

“We’re seeing Capetonians treating their own city the way international guests do - booking the experiences they’ve put off for years and turning them into full weekend escapes,” says Angus Spurr, General Manager at Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront.

Local guests are also leaning into the city’s world-class food scene, innovative high tea sessions, and seasonal rooftop events, often combining short adventures with spa treatments or romantic mini-breaks.

The New Urban Escape

In Johannesburg, the summer staycation is all about culture and energy. Travellers are exploring Maboneng’s galleries, joining guided experiences through Soweto, and booking evenings at world-class restaurants, all within minutes of home.

“People want culture, connection and convenience. It’s less about distance and more about depth,” shares Dominique van Wezop, general manager at Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre, Johannesburg, OR Tambo Airport.

Wellness weekends, boutique hotel breaks and art-inspired escapes are increasingly popular, with couples choosing curated urban experiences that feel worlds away without leaving the province.

Rediscovering the Coast

In Durban, the coastline is reclaiming its place as the star of summer. Locals are spending mornings at uShaka Marine World, wandering through the mangroves, or simply enjoying warm ocean water that rivals global beaches before returning for long seaside brunches or relaxed afternoons by the pool.

The city’s slower rhythm, outdoor lifestyle and family-friendly activities are giving Durbanites a fresh appreciation for their own backyard. Coastal holidays remain the country’s most popular staycation choice, with many prioritising sunshine, ease and time together.

A Taste for Indulgence

Across major cities, hotels have also noted a rise in premium and luxury weekend bookings. Romantic packages, spa retreats, oceanfront high tea experiences and evening events featuring local music are drawing guests who want indulgence without the admin of long-distance travel.

From scenic Waves & Wine evenings in Cape Town to boutique wellness getaways inland, South Africans are elevating the idea of the weekend away, and choosing experiences that feel special, not far.

Summer Done Differently

This intentionality is what separates a staycation from simply staying home. Hotels are responding with offerings that feel like cultural moments - think rooftop playlists, sunset rituals, oceanfront teas and curated menus celebrating regional flavours.

The appeal isn’t in pretending you’re somewhere else; it’s in discovering what’s right here.

As the festive season approaches, one thing is clear: you don’t need a passport to feel like you’ve escaped. A staycation is about savouring what’s close, with better wine, a better view and absolutely no departure gate in sight.