Category: South Africa

Christmas Events South Africa

Yes, it’s that time of year again – Christmas time – lights, tinsel, decorations and festive feasts. For South Africans, this time of year is associated with the blazing sun, the smell of sun-tan lotion, beach days, lazing by the pool, braaing, and thunderstorms.Image Credit - elitemillennialChristmas is a time of giving. It is a time of self-reflection, paying thanks, of love and unity. It is also a time when loved ones come together to celebrate the end of another year. In light of this, here are some amazing activities over which families and friends can bond, brood, or perhaps rekindle their relationships after a long year.

CAPE TOWN

Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert

One of the most popular Cape Town events in December, that has been running for more than 20 years, is the Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight Concert. This is a great time to get into the festive mood and to spend time with loved ones. Image Credit - capetown.travelRunning from 17th December to 20th December 2015, tickets are affordable, ranging from R20 to R65.

PORT ELIZABETH

Seaview Predator Park

Visit the Seaview Predator Park just outside of Port Elizabeth for a unique experience this festive season. Get up close and personal with lions, tigers and cheetahs or play with tame lion cubs. Along with these rare interactions, visitors get close-up views of other wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, antelope and jackals within their natural habitat. There are also enclosures where lynx, warthogs and meerkat among other wildlife can be viewed. Image Credit - Seaview Predator ParkWith views of the ocean and wildlife, Seaview Predator Park truly is a unique experience. It is open daily between 08:00 to 17:00 and lion feeding time is on Sundays at 12:00.

JOHANNESBURG

Montecasino

If travelling to the coast is not on the cards this festive season, don’t despair – Montecasino in Johannesburg has a wide variety of activities suitable for all members of the family.

Swan Lake on Ice runs from December 17 2015 to January 31 2016 at Teatro at Montecasino. This dynamic interpretation of a festive classic, performed by The Imperial Ice Starts has received standing ovations from audiences in 15 countries around the world!
Image Credit - pietertoerienPerformed at the same venue, the popular on stage musical Singin’ in the Rain runs from December 17 2015 to March 13 2016. Packed full of comedy, romance, and glamour, it’s not to be missed!

Parkers Comedy and Jive is an exciting regular at Montecasino, designed to showcase only the very best in local and international stand-up comedy. Shows run daily until January 2 2016, with a variety of different performances lined-up.

Visit Computicket for more information on all of the events mentioned above.

DURBAN

Durban boasts great weather all year long, so over the festive time when we are just entering summer, the beach is definitely the place to be. Spend the day with friends and family building sand castles, playing bat-and-ball, and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean waters. Image Credit - Robbie RibeiroAll in all, no matter where you are or what you are doing, remember to spend time with your family and friends. Spoil them with your time and shower them with love. This is after all “the most wonderful time of the year”.

Don’t forget to visit www.Venues4Africa.com to book your South African summer holiday!

Image Credits:
capetown.travel
Seaview Predator Park
pietertoerien
Robbie Ribeiro

Top 10 Coastal Towns in South Africa

You deserve a break. It’s been a long year. And nothing says “holiday” quite like a sea-breeze and the feeling of sand between your toes. Whether it’s a quaint seaside village, a local gem, or somewhere with Happy Hour and a view, there isn’t much you can’t find along South Africa’s extraordinary coastline. Each one of the coastal towns in South Africa has its own special flavour, and we have chosen ten of the best to get you started.

Image Credit - Luis E.1. Pringle bay

About an hour outside of Cape Town, Pringle Bay sits quiet and unassuming, surrounded by mountains on three of its sides. If the wind picks up, have a coffee and amble around the craft shops and galleries in the town centre. Or even better, visit South Africa’s first UNESCO registered Biosphere Reserve, Kogelberg, to get your nature kicks.

2. Coffee Bay

The hills that roll away from Coffee Bay and into the warm Indian Ocean will teach you something new about the colour green. Surf, hike, and share a beer with travellers from all around the world. It’s not known as one of the most popular backpacking destinations for nothing.

3. Wilderness

Known for its hospitality and warm weather, Wilderness is perfect if you’re looking for something low-key and reliable along the Garden Route. Nothing makes enough noise to be heard over the sound of the sea, which makes it a great place to recharge. Take a walk along the abandoned tracks of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, or keep the couch company with a good book.

Image Credit - Meraj Chhaya4. Port St. Johns

Port St. Johns isn’t interested in being tamed. Rustic and authentic, its history is surprising and its fishing is top notch. Take a walk along one of the unspoiled beaches or trek through an overgrown forest. Catch up on some deep breaths and much needed sleep.

5. Zinkwazi

Zinkwazi lies low just past Kwazulu Natal’s more popular spots. Foot-traffic is sparse, which leaves the estuary quiet enough for the birds to stay happy. Get out your binoculars and see if you can spy the town’s name-sake, which is the Zulu word for Fish Eagle.

6. St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is built on the banks of interlinking canals, and having the water so close by is a definite perk. You can sit on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the neighbours SUP past, or fish right off your front garden lawn. This small town knows how good it feels to be on holiday, and it makes sure you don’t have to lift a finger by bringing the sea to you.

Image Credit - Tom Booth7. Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay doesn’t let the sea air dampen its mood. Bustling and energetic, it offers all the great qualities of a coastal town and adds a beat. Spend the day playing beach volley-ball and end it right with a cocktail, or five. You’re on holiday – you can always sleep in.

8. Nature’s Valley

Nature’s Valley is the only town in South Africa that’s situated within a national park, and that’s reason enough to visit. Being the endpoint of the famous Otter Trail, it attracts all kinds of nature lovers. If history’s your thing, it’s also home to the Cape Columbine Lighthouse, which is the last manned lighthouse in South Africa.

Image Credit - fabulousfabs9. Paternoster

Looking for a postcard perfect getaway? Paternoster’s your place. The white-washed fishermen’s cottages and rocky coastline will spice up your Instagram enough to make all your friends jealous. Oh, and take that seafood recipe you’ve been waiting to try; they take their fishing seriously.

10. Hermanus

Despite being best known for the whales that visit every year, Hermanus has a lot more to offer. If you’re feeling daring, shark-cage diving is only a few minutes’ drive away. If you’re not, go wine-tasting in the Hemel en Aarde valley. No matter your choice, there is good food to be had and you won’t be short of a view.

Image Credit - Rob SchleiffertImage Credits:
Luis E.
Meraj Chhaya
Tom Booth
fabulousfabs
Rob Schleiffert