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 Highlights Tour – Colombo to Bentota

Four Star | 6 Nights

R31990 Per Person Sharing

01 Sep – 29 Oct '26

Includes

Return flights from Johannesburg
Airport Taxes
Transport by airconditioned car
6 Nights 4* accommodation
English speaking chauffeur guide
Entrances: Colombo Gangarama temple, Colombo Lotus Tower, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Kandy Temple & Cultural show, Tea picking experience, Kosgoda Turtle Farm, Balapitiya boat ride
Complimentary welcome pack on arrival
Complimentary local lunch at an outside restaurant in Ramboda
Complimentary Train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella on Day 05 (Tickets are subject to availability)
Breakfast

Excludes

All items of a personal nature
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Travel Insurance
Visas where applicable
Gratuities for guide, driver, waiter/waitress, bell boy, etc.
Optional tours not mentioned

Highlights

Itinerary: Colombo | Kandy | Nuwara Eliya | Bentota

Day 01: Arrival & Colombo Transfer
Arrival: Meet and assist by a representative at the airport.
Transfer: Travel to Colombo and check into the hotel (from 12:00 PM onwards).
Leisure: Relax at the hotel for the remainder of the day.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the Colombo hotel.

Day 02: Colombo City Tour & Sightseeing
Activity: Embark on a comprehensive Colombo city tour and shopping experience.
Explore modern landmarks and colonial masterpieces like the Race Course, Independence Square (Arcade), and the Colombo Port City development.
Shop at local markets in Pettah or upscale boutiques, and unwind with a drink at the historic Dutch Hospital.
Visit the sacred Gangarama Temple and the iconic Colombo Lotus Tower.
Optional: Experience the city's nightlife, casinos, or a performance/exhibition at BMICH or Nelum Pokuna.
Evening: Return to the hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 03: Colombo to Kandy via Pinnawala
Morning Transfer: Depart Colombo for Kandy.
En-route Stop: Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a 25-acre sanctuary caring for orphaned and rescued elephants.
Kandy City Tour: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and last royal capital. Highlights include a lakeside stroll, the Kandy City Centre, a local bazaar, and a gem museum.
Cultural Highlights: Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance and drumming show in the evening.
Evening: Check into your Kandy hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 04: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Tea Country
Journey: Travel from Kandy to the misty hill station of Nuwara Eliya.
Tea Experience: Tour a local tea factory and plantation, observe the processing of Ceylon Tea, and participate in a traditional tea-plucking session.
Lunch: Enjoy a complimentary meal at a restaurant in Ramboda.
City Tour: Explore Nuwara Eliya, famous for its colonial architecture, English countryside atmosphere, and scenic landscapes, including Lake Gregory and nearby waterfalls.
Optional Experiences available to book
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05: Nuwara Eliya to Bentota via Ella
Scenic Train Journey: Enjoy a complimentary, 2-to-2.5-hour morning train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (subject to availability; must be booked at least 45 days in advance).
Transfer: Continue the journey by road from Ella to the coastal town of Bentota.
Leisure: Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach or enjoying the resort.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Bentota

Day 06: Southern Coast Exploration (Kosgoda, Balapitiya & Galle)
Turtle Conservation: Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda to see wildlife rescue and preservation efforts.
Madu River Boat Ride: Enjoy a 1-hour shared boat safari in Balapitiya through mangrove tunnels. The excursion includes a local coconut drink, a visit to Cinnamon Island, and a natural fish therapy (pedicure) session.
Galle Dutch Fort Tour: Explore the UNESCO-listed historic city of Galle. Walk the 350-year-old ramparts, see the iconic lighthouse and Zwart bastion, and browse the shops at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex.
Leisure & Evening: Return to Bentota for free time by the beach, followed by dinner and your overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Departure
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer: Depart Bentota and transfer to the airport for your flight home (scheduled to arrive at least 3 hours prior to 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