Imagine packing your bags and jetting off abroad without so much as a thought about visa admin. The good news for South Africans is that there are plenty of exciting holiday destinations that don’t require visas, or at the very least will issue visas on arrival. So if you’re itchy-footed for a spontaneous getaway, we’ve hand-picked ten of our favourite visa-free destinations for South Africans.

Who said holidays to Mauritius are limited to the beach? While beach hangs are a given, there’s more to the Indian Ocean island than its palm-fringed shores, clear seas and luminous coral reefs. Especially if you’re someone with an adventurous spirit.   

As the largest and most famous of the islands that make up the Zanzibar Archipelago, Zanzibar’s coastline is diverse – in both landscape, culture and experiences on offer.  To make sure you enjoy the best beaches in Zanzibar, check out our coast-to-coast guide: 

Whether you’re dreaming of an island holiday, a safari adventure or a Mediterranean cruise, your final holiday decisions will inevitably depend on affordability. Flight distance, accommodation, number of travellers, currency and exchange rates – and more – all play a role in determining what your holiday will cost. This is why your Pentravel agent will ask you what your budget is, and provide you with the best options to suit your bottom line.  

Pentravel’s adventurous Product Manager Vicky Steinhardt is what we call ‘a global traveller’. She was born in Australia, and spent part of her life in the USA and in the UK. She then moved to Durban for the sun, sea and surf lifestyle. She now lives in Cape Town working for Pentravel! Her family are from Germany, so this is why she enjoyed many family holidays in Austria – no doubt getting her first taste for skiing!