Sho’t Left Travel Week returns from 7 to 13 September 2026, giving South Africans another opportunity to experience Gauteng for less. As part of Tourism Month, the annual campaign offers discounts on accommodation, attractions, guided tours and holiday experiences, encouraging travellers to explore more of the province while supporting local tourism businesses.
Whether you are planning a spontaneous weekend away, a family holiday, a romantic escape or a cultural adventure, Gauteng has something for every type of traveller. From heritage tours in Soweto and Johannesburg to luxury stays, scenic Magaliesberg experiences and affordable city attractions, this year’s campaign makes it easier to discover what is on your doorstep.
ALSO READ: Sho’t Left Travel Week 2026 Returns With Travel Deals of Up to 50% Off
Discover Gauteng through its heritage and culture
Some of the province’s most memorable experiences celebrate the people, places and stories that have shaped South Africa.
Travel Week visitors can step into the country’s history while supporting local guides and tourism businesses.
Recommended experiences include:
- Soweto Half Day Group Tour from R890
- Vilakazi Street Neighbourhood Experience from R650
- Johannesburg Half Day City Tour from R890
- Johannesburg Contrast Tour, combining the city’s historic and modern attractions, from R3 200
- Explore Orlando Soweto Experience from R3 500
These guided experiences offer visitors an opportunity to explore iconic neighbourhoods, heritage sites and local communities while learning more about Gauteng’s rich history.
Amazing experiences for under R1 000
A memorable getaway does not always require a large budget.
Sho’t Left Travel Week includes several affordable experiences that are perfect for students, families, couples and anyone looking for a quick day out.
Some of the best value offers include:
- 1322 Backpackers International accommodation from R300
- City Sightseeing Johannesburg Hop On Hop Off Bus from R399
- Soweto Walking Tour from R400
- The Trench Adventure Experience from R600
- Conference and Training Venue near OR Tambo International Airport from R550
- Velatswi Scooter Excursions from R750
These experiences prove that exploring Gauteng can be both memorable and affordable.
Romantic escapes made for spring
Spring is one of the most popular times for couples to plan a weekend away, and several Gauteng partners are offering experiences that combine relaxation with unforgettable scenery.
Among the standout Sho’t Left deals are:
- Horse, Spa and Picnic Magalies Getaway from R3 020
- Magalies Two Night Escape including accommodation, massage, game drive and Sunday lunch cruise from R2 980
- Sandton City Lights Romantic Escape including accommodation, dinner and Thai massage from R5 760
- The Blyde Midweek Special from R1 800
Whether you prefer luxury accommodation, outdoor adventure or a peaceful countryside retreat, these packages offer an opportunity to reconnect while exploring Gauteng.
Family getaways everyone can enjoy
Sho’t Left Travel Week also includes several family friendly packages designed for travellers looking to spend quality time together.
Accommodation options range from self catering apartments to cultural village experiences that introduce children to South Africa’s diverse heritage.
Family favourites include:
- Two Bedroom Self Catering Apartment sleeping up to ten guests from R3 000
- Lesedi Cultural Village Overnight Experience from R1 920
- Lesedi Family Deluxe Package from R4 510
- The Blyde family accommodation specials with direct access to the Crystal Lagoon
These experiences combine accommodation with activities that appeal to both children and adults, making them ideal for spring weekends and school holiday planning.
City breaks and luxury stays
If a sophisticated city escape is more your style, Sho’t Left Travel Week features accommodation across Johannesburg and Pretoria that combines comfort, convenience and value.
Whether you are planning a staycation, attending an event or simply looking for a weekend away, these properties place visitors close to Gauteng’s restaurants, shopping, nightlife and attractions.
Featured offers include:
- Kravit Premier Suites from R1 398
- Royal Majestic Hotel, Rosebank from R1 050
- ANEW Hotel Capital Pretoria from R1 400 per night
- The Blyde Crystal Lagoon accommodation specials from R1 500
- Selected boutique hotels and serviced apartments offering exclusive Sho’t Left Travel Week rates
These city stays make it easy to combine business and leisure while discovering everything Gauteng has to offer.
Unique Gauteng experiences
For travellers looking to do something different this spring, Gauteng’s Travel Week offers include experiences that go beyond the traditional weekend getaway.
Whether you prefer outdoor adventure, scenic views or exploring the province from a different perspective, there are several standout options.
Some unique experiences include:
- Balloon Safari over Gauteng from R4 249
- Velatswi Scooter Excursions from R750
- The Trench Adventure Experience from R600
- Johannesburg Contrast Tour from R3 200
- Explore Orlando Soweto Experience from R3 500
These experiences showcase Gauteng’s diversity while offering memorable activities for visitors of all ages.
Explore Gauteng by region
Johannesburg
Johannesburg remains Gauteng’s biggest tourism hub, offering everything from sightseeing and heritage tours to luxury accommodation.
Recommended Travel Week deals include:
- City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus from R399
- Royal Majestic Hotel, Rosebank from R1 050
- Johannesburg Half Day City Tour from R890
Whether you are discovering the inner city or enjoying a weekend in Rosebank, Johannesburg offers experiences for every budget.
Soweto
Soweto continues to be one of Gauteng’s most visited destinations, combining history, culture and vibrant local experiences.
Top Sho’t Left deals include:
- Soweto Walking Tour from R400
- Vilakazi Street Experience from R650
- Soweto Half Day Group Tour from R890
- Explore Orlando Soweto Experience from R3 500
These tours offer visitors the opportunity to experience one of South Africa’s most iconic communities through the eyes of local guides.
Pretoria and Tshwane
Pretoria combines heritage attractions with modern accommodation, making it an ideal destination for a spring weekend.
Travel Week highlights include:
- Freedom Park, with selected Tourism Month promotions
- ANEW Hotel Capital Pretoria from R1 400 per night
- Heritage attractions, museums and city experiences throughout the capital
Ekurhuleni
Travellers arriving through OR Tambo International Airport can also take advantage of nearby accommodation and business travel offers.
Featured partner deals include:
- Conference and Training Venue just four kilometres from OR Tambo International Airport from R550
- Airport accommodation and shuttle services available through participating Travel Week partners
West Rand and Magaliesberg
The West Rand offers the perfect escape for travellers looking to enjoy nature without leaving Gauteng.
Featured experiences include:
- Magalies Budget Getaway from R1 499
- Horse, Spa and Picnic Experience from R3 020
- Two Night Magalies Escape including a massage, game drive and Sunday lunch cruise from R2 980
- Balloon Safari from R4 249
This region remains one of Gauteng’s favourite destinations for couples and outdoor enthusiasts.
Vaal and Sedibeng
Southern Gauteng offers scenic river experiences, waterfront accommodation and relaxed weekend escapes.
Featured Sho’t Left offers include:
- Vaal Cruise and Emerald Casino Package from R1 780
- Two Bedroom Self Catering Apartment from R3 000
Combined with local restaurants and outdoor activities, the Vaal continues to be a popular destination for families and couples alike.
More Gauteng deals worth exploring
Beyond these featured experiences, visitors will also find:
- Boutique guest houses
- Luxury apartments
- Shuttle and transport services
- Guided heritage tours
- Township tourism experiences
- Adventure activities
- Family accommodation
- Business travel packages
- Self catering holidays
- Weekend staycation specials
The full range of offers is available throughout Sho’t Left Travel Week while participating specials last.
Book your spring escape
Sho’t Left Travel Week runs from 7 to 13 September 2026, with participating tourism businesses across Gauteng offering exclusive Travel Week pricing.
Visitors can browse the complete list of deals and make bookings through the official Sho’t Left website at www.shotleft.co.za.
To help plan your trip, download the Visit Gauteng mobile app, where you can discover attractions, restaurants, accommodation, transport information, family activities and personalised itineraries across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.gautengtourism.visitgauteng
Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/za/app/visit-gauteng/id6446454973
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Sho’t Left Travel Week is more than an opportunity to save on travel. It encourages Gauteng residents to experience the province in new ways while supporting local tourism businesses.
Instead of travelling long distances, residents can discover nearby heritage attractions, book overnight stays, explore township experiences or enjoy a luxury weekend without leaving the province.
The campaign also benefits hotels, guest houses, tour operators, restaurants, transport providers and community based tourism businesses by encouraging more visitors to travel during Tourism Month.
Whether you have a few hundred rand to spend or are planning a luxury getaway, Sho’t Left Travel Week offers experiences that suit a variety of budgets and interests while showcasing the diversity of Gauteng.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sho’t Left Travel Week 2026?
Sho’t Left Travel Week runs from Monday, 7 September to Sunday, 13 September 2026.
How much can I save?
Participating tourism businesses are offering selected deals with discounts of up to 50%, depending on the product and availability.
What types of experiences are included?
Travel Week includes accommodation, guided tours, cultural experiences, family holidays, romantic escapes, city breaks, transport services and adventure activities across Gauteng.
Where can I book these deals?
All participating offers can be viewed and booked through the official Sho’t Left website at www.shotleft.co.za.
How can I plan my Gauteng trip?
Travellers can also download the Visit Gauteng mobile app to discover attractions, restaurants, accommodation, events, family activities, transport information and personalised itineraries across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.
Looking Ahead
As spring arrives, Sho’t Left Travel Week provides the perfect opportunity to experience Gauteng differently. Whether you choose a heritage tour in Soweto, a family getaway near the Vaal, a luxury stay in Sandton, a balloon safari over the Magaliesberg or a weekend exploring Pretoria’s cultural attractions, there is no shortage of experiences waiting to be discovered.
The campaign also reflects Gauteng’s broader tourism strategy of encouraging visitors to travel further, stay longer and support local businesses across the province. By connecting accommodation, attractions, culture, heritage and transport through one platform, Sho’t Left Travel Week makes planning an affordable getaway easier than ever.
Browse the full list of participating Gauteng deals, compare experiences and secure your booking before the specials end on 13 September 2026.
Plan Your Sho’t Left Getaway
Browse and book participating Travel Week deals:
Sho’t Left: https://www.shotleft.co.za
Plan your itinerary with the official Visit Gauteng app:
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.gautengtourism.visitgauteng
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/visit-gauteng/id6446454973
