‘R1 cruise’ and other early Black Friday travel and holiday deals in South Africa
With the countdown to Black Friday on, leisure and travel groups are taking advantage of the buzz and have launched various packages for those looking to book some time off.
While Black Friday has evolved in South Africa to become a month-long sales period with smaller discounts on more essential goods, the sales day’s roots are still apparent in other types of deals.
Sizeable discounts of big-ticket items are expected to be littered among the smaller specials on household essentials, including those related to travel and holidays.
South Africans wanting to plan the perfect getaway can choose from a number of travel and accommodation deals that are already being made available, including a “R1 cruise”.
Here are some of the travel and leisure groups offering early Black Friday specials, with more expected to be launched in the coming weeks, leading up to the main day.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises South Africa is running a limited-time Black November deal, offering a “R1 cruise”—provided a companion pays full price.
The deal works out to be a ‘two-for-one’ special, and is currently running until 17 November.
The special excludes mandatory fees (such as port taxes and service charges), but still gives a steep discount for anyone looking to get away over the holidays.
“Whether you’re planning a festive 14-night New Year’s celebration at sea or a relaxing 4-night cruise this December or early 2026, this is your chance to sail for next to nothing,” the group said.
Contiki
Contiki Tours is also running Black Friday specials for the month, with any trips booked before 11 November having a chance to be booked for free.
The group has various ‘early access’ deals available, with more deals expected to be launched closer to the day.
Early Access deals booked during Black Friday Early Access week automatically go in the draw to win the trip for free.
If your booking is selected, Contiki will credit or refund the cost of your trip. Winners will be randomly selected and notified via email by 18 November 2025.
It warned that popular departure dates sold quickly during last year’s Early Access Week, and that once the dates are gone, that’s it.
Cape Nature
Cape Nature is bringing back its Black Friday deals, offering a ‘three-for-two’ stay at select reserves, where bookings for three consecutive nights are only charged for two.
The deal applies from 25 November to 1 December 2025, and is available exclusively online.
The group highlighted these reserves:
- Cape Karoo
- Cederberg Wilderness Area
- Garden Route:
- Overberg
- West Coast
- Winelands
Pentravel
Pentravel has launched several Black Friday deals, offering discounts on cruises and tours to destinations like Mauritius, Bali and Thailand, with more deals to come.
The group has also promised affordable holiday packages to explore Europe, with destination countries like Greece, Turkey and Italy.
There are currently 51 Black Friday packages available, with more to be added.
Trafalgar
Trafalgar Travel has also launched its early Black Friday deals, including 15% off tours around the globe, plus an additional 5% off for repeat customers.
The group is also running other weekly specials alongside discounted tours, such as a ‘buy one, get one 50% off’ on select departures.
The destinations change each week, with the sales period running through to 4 December.
There are also other types of deals, like specials on river cruises and last-minute sales on tours departing within the next four months.
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