How many months must my South African passport be valid for before I travel?

Whether you are flying abroad or boarding a cruise, your South African passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your planned date of return.

What are the requirements for travelling internationally with minors from South Africa?

South African law requires parents travelling internationally with children under 18 to carry an unabridged birth certificate. If only one parent is travelling, you may also need a parental consent affidavit, regardless of whether you are cruising local waters or flying abroad.

Which destinations can South African passport holders visit visa-free?

South Africans enjoy visa-free entry to Zanzibar, Mauritius, and Thailand (up to 30 days), as well as the Maldives (free visa on arrival). For Europe, you need a Schengen Visa, and for the UAE, a tourist e-visa is required prior to departure.

Do I need a special visa for European or Caribbean Cruises?

If your cruise leaves the Schengen area (for example, visiting Turkey or North Africa) and re-enters, you will need a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa. Always check your specific cruise itinerary with your Amazing Holidays consultant before applying for visas.

Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Zanzibar or the Islands?

If you fly directly from South Africa to Zanzibar, Mauritius, or the Maldives, a Yellow Fever certificate is not required. However, if your flight to Zanzibar transits through an endemic country (like Kenya or Ethiopia), you will need to present a valid certificate upon arrival.

Are Amazing Holidays quotes guaranteed in Rands (ZAR)?

Our quotes are subject to the Rate of Exchange (ROE) and may fluctuate based on the Rand's performance against the Euro, US Dollar, or UAE Dirham. Your package price is only guaranteed once full payment has been received and your tickets or cruise cabins are confirmed.

How do onboard cruise accounts work?

Cruises are cashless. You will receive a cruise card linked to your credit card.

How do I request a honeymoon room upgrade or special setup in Mauritius or the Maldives?

If you are travelling for a honeymoon or anniversary, let us know immediately. Most resorts in Mauritius, Zanzibar, and the Maldives require a copy of your marriage certificate (usually valid up to 6 or 12 months after the wedding) to provide complimentary honeymoon perks like romantic dinners, room upgrades (subject to availability), or welcome champagne.

When will I receive my final travel documents and e-tickets?

Your final itinerary, e-tickets, hotel vouchers, and cruise boarding passes are typically emailed to you 14 to 21 days prior to your departure, provided your booking has been paid in full.

How early do I need to check in for my international flight out of South Africa?

For international flights departing from OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), or King Shaka (DUR) to Europe, the UAE, or island destinations, you must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure. Boarding gates usually close strictly 45 minutes before takeoff.

What is the check-in and embarkation process for MSC and NCL cruises?

You must complete your online check-in via the cruise line's website or app at least a week before sailing. You will be assigned a specific embarkation time on your cruise ticket. To manage crowds at the port (whether in Durban, Europe, or the Caribbean), you must arrive only at your designated time.

Sri Lanka – Colombo to Bentota

Four Star | 8 Nights

R38990 Per Person Sharing

01 Sep – 29 Oct '26

Includes

Return flights from Johannesburg
Airport Taxes
Transport by airconditioned car
8 Nights 4* accommodation
English-Speaking Chauffeur guide
Entrances: Colombo Gangarama temple, Colombo Lotus Tower, Dambulla cave temple, Sigiriya Lions Rock, Hiriwadunna village trek with a cooking demonstration, Polonnaruwa heritage site, Kandy Temple & Cultural show, Tea picking experience, Yala National Park Safari x 01, Kosgoda Turtle Farm, Balapitiya boat ride
Complimentary welcome pack on arrival
Complimentary local traditional lunch at Hiriwadunna
Complimentary Train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella on Day 06 (Tickets are subject to availability)
Breakfast daily

Excludes

All items of a personal nature
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Travel Insurance
Visas where applicable
Video & camera permits where necessary
Optional tours

Highlights

Day 01: Arrival & Colombo City Tour
Arrival & Transfer: Meet your representative at the airport and travel to Colombo to check into your hotel.
City Tour & Shopping: Explore Colombo's top landmarks, including the Race Course, Pettah market, Colombo Port City, and Independence Square.
Sightseeing & Nightlife: Visit the Gangarama Temple, Colombo Lotus Tower, and the historic Dutch Hospital. Optionally, explore the city's nightlife, casinos, or a show at Nelum Pokuna.
Evening: Return to the hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 02: Colombo to Dambulla via Cave Temple
Transfer: Depart Colombo after breakfast and travel to Dambulla.
Dambulla Cave Temple: En route, climb approximately 350 steps to visit the historic rock temple complex. Explore the 5 magnificent caves filled with ancient paintings and 150 Buddha statues.
Evening: Check into your Dambulla hotel for dinner and your overnight stay

Day 03: Sigiriya, Village Trek & Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Climb (~1,500 steps) King Kasyapa’s 5th-century citadel. Explore the royal gardens, ancient frescoes, mirror wall, and summit ruins.
Hiriwaduna Village Tour: Enjoy a scenic lakeside walk, a catamaran safari with bird watching, and a traditional Sri Lankan cooking demonstration followed by lunch served on lotus leaves.
Polonnaruwa Heritage Site: Explore the medieval capital's ruins, including the Watadage relic house, the giant rock-carved Buddha statues at Gal Viharaya, and the Parakrama Samudraya reservoir.
Evening: Return to Dambulla for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 04: Dambulla to Kandy via Matale
Optional Activity: Morning jeep safari at Minneriya National Park.
En-route Stop: Visit a Matale Spice Garden to learn about the therapeutic values of local spices and enjoy a cup of herbal tea.
Kandy City Tour: Explore the lakeside town, the local bazaar, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance and drumming show, followed by hotel check-in, dinner, and your overnight stay.

Day 05: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Tea Country
Transfer: Travel from Kandy to the colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya.
Tea Experience: Tour a lush tea plantation and factory to see how Ceylon Tea is processed, join a traditional tea-plucking session, and enjoy a fresh brew.
Nuwara Eliya City Tour: Explore the "Little England" countryside, driving past waterfalls, colonial bungalows, and Lake Gregory.
Optional Activities: Take a boat ride on Lake Gregory, visit local Ramayana temples, or tour the Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 06: Nuwara Eliya to Yala via Ella
Scenic Train Ride: Take a complimentary, 2-to-2.5-hour morning train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (subject to availability).
Transfer: Continue the journey from Ella to Yala.
Yala Wildlife Safari: Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari through Yala National Park, famous for hosting the world's highest density of leopards, alongside elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Yala.

Day 07: Yala to Bentota via Galle
Transfer: Travel from Yala to the coastal resort town of Bentota.
Galle Dutch Fort Tour: En route, explore the 350-year-old UNESCO-listed historic fort in Galle. Highlights include the iconic lighthouse, ancient bastions, colonial architecture, and the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex (Optional: Tuk-Tuk city tour available).
Leisure: Check into your Bentota hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Bentota.

Day 08: Southern Coast Excursions & Water Sports
Optional Morning Activities: Dolphin and whale watching in Mirissa (seasonal, November–April) or a yoga session in Hikkaduwa.
Wildlife & Eco-Tour: Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda, followed by a 1-hour Madu River boat safari in Balapitiya. The safari includes mangrove exploring, a coconut drink, a visit to Cinnamon Island, and a natural fish therapy session.
Optional Water Sports: Enjoy a water sports package in Bentota (tube, banana boat, and jet ski rides) or optional scuba diving/surfing.
Leisure & Evening: Return to the hotel for beach relaxation, dinner, and your overnight stay in Bentota.

Day 9: Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure flight (ensuring arrival at least 3 hours before departure).

T's & C's

All prices are subject to availability and subject to change due to currency fluctuations. High season supplements may apply over school holidays and peak travel periods