Good Friday is here, and South Africa is officially in Easter mode. Whether you are hitting the road for a long drive, staying in the city for family activities, or simply looking forward to four days of rest, here is your practical guide to making the most of the Easter 2026 long weekend.
Public holidays this weekend: Good Friday (April 3), Easter Sunday (April 5), and Family Day (April 6). Workers who take annual leave from Tuesday April 7 to Thursday April 9 can extend the break to a nine-day stretch running all the way to Sunday, April 12.
Fuel is more expensive this Easter. Both petrol and diesel prices climbed sharply from April 1, driven by surging global oil prices following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. South Africans planning road trips should budget for significantly higher fuel costs than last Easter, and the May price review is expected to push prices even higher. Fill your tank before you travel and plan your route carefully.
Cape Town residents face scheduled water supply interruptions across several suburbs between April 7 and 10, as the City carries out infrastructure maintenance work. If you are in an affected area, store drinking water in advance and make alternative arrangements for water-dependent activities.
For families staying in Johannesburg this weekend, there is plenty on offer. Sandton City's Chocolate Café: Sweet Edition is open daily until April 6 (9am to 6pm in the centre court), offering interactive chocolate-themed experiences for children and adults. Bedford Centre is hosting its Birthday Café, a creative interactive space designed specifically for younger visitors.
Across the country, Stage and Screen's Easter roundup highlights interactive markets, themed mazes, creative workshops, outdoor events, and a packed lineup of new film and series premieres.
For those visiting Cape Town, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has confirmed its annual maintenance closure is approaching — check the official website for exact dates before planning your visit. Hiking routes on the mountain remain accessible throughout the maintenance period.
Climate context: A new exhibition titled "Facing the Heat in South Africa" is running at the Wits Origins Centre in Johannesburg until May 6, documenting a decade of climate disasters through photography by Professor Vishwas Satgar. Admission is free for schoolchildren, and 400 books have been donated to schools and community organisations as part of the initiative. The exhibition is a timely reminder that Southern Africa is warming at twice the global average.
Road safety: The RTMC urges all motorists to drive sober, avoid fatigue, wear seatbelts, and obey the speed limit. Emergency services: 10177. SAPS: 10111.
