Things to Do Archives - Venues4Africa

Slow Food & Wine Festival

In the outback and picturesque country of Route 62, you will find the quaint town of Robertson. Robertson hosts a much loved event; the Slow Food & Wine Festival, where food is slowly made and slowly enjoyed. This year’s festival is taking place between the 4th and the 6th of August 2017. Robertson, also known and the ” Valley of Roses” is situated in the most thriving area of the renowned Cape Winelands and couldn’t have chosen a better place to host the show.

The festival takes place and various wineries and and tourism establishments. It is the perfect change to explore the romance between good food and good wine, while escaping into a timeless country this winter. There will be lots of wines and cuisines to choose from, wholesome country dishes such as traditional South African curries, seafood, and venison dishes to gourmet cheese, meet and olive platter, every dish you pick with a a perfect wine match.

A host of activities will abound and will e enjoyable for couples, friends and families. It’s an all in one but perfect winter getaway. Yow will especially enjoy wine cellar and farm tours, cooking classes, food and wine pairing, and finally, the family market which takes places on the Sunday.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to take your taste buds on an adventure that has long-lasting memories.

For more bookings,tickets and more information, visit http://www.robertsonslow.com or download the program of the event.

If you are going to be in Robertson, you know where to find you Robertson accommodation. Stay tuned for more exciting blog about the ins and outs of South Africa.

Durban July, chic fashion & style meets equestrian

Some call it the Durban July, others call it the July Fever, whatever your preferred name, it doesn’t change the rage and excitement the durbanites are feeling right now -Durban July, chic fashion & style meets equestrian. Perhaps not only the durbanites, but also for many of the fashion and horse fanatics around South Africa. This is a perfect chance for fashionistas to express their fashion senses while the equestrian revel in horse races and horse parades, above all, entertainment, food and drink will also make people jolly and merry.

Durban July, is a South African Thoroughbred horse race held annually on the first Saturday of July since 1897 at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This year, taking place on the 1st of July, the theme of the event is ” The Colour of Magic” which is red, and there is loads to look forward too. Most South African celebrities will be on the scene, looking to be seen and a host of the country’s musicians including AKA, Mafikizolo, Glen Lewis and many more will be making their appearances. A fashion show ramp will also be there and a host of South African fashion designers will be looking to get their designs spotted. If you are fashion fad, you will not want to miss a catwalk or two by the beautiful models on the ramp.

The first race will begin just after 11 am, so make you get you bets placed in time. All participating horses will also be on show alongside music and all sorts of entertainment.

Visit http://www.durbanjuly.info/index.php for more information. If you are going to be in Durban, you know where to find you Durban accommodation. Stay tuned for more exciting blog about the ins and outs of South Africa.

Photo credits: Sowetan LIVE

Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival 2017

There is never an event that rivals the Oyster Festival in Knysna and days are starting to be counted. Knysna is one of the top oyster cultivating town on the Garden Route where oyster cultivation dates back to 1949. That’s good enough a reason to indulge in 10 days of such joyous celebrations. Despite the recent devastating fires in the town, the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival 2017 is going ahead as planned and it is set to delight.

This year’s event will take place from the 7th to the 16th of July. The annual event, as any other year will bring families, sport lovers and foodies together to celebrate what is best described as ” the best 10 days in winter“. Why couldn’t it be when an estimate of 200 000 oysters are consumed over this 10-day period?

The events will feature several activities for every attendee to enjoy. From The Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour, The BIG 5 Challenge, The Pezula Golf Tournament to the Oyster Rapid Chess Tournament. For kids, the BIG5 Junior Challenge, the Simola Little Phantom Kids Adventure Run, the Fun Fair and the The Momentum Health Kiddies Area will keep the little ones occupied well – enough. Foodies will especially enjoy the Pick n Pay Seafood Wednesday – back by public demand, were top restaurants will showcase the best of their culinary skills of seafood. The Pick n Pay SASSI Fish Braai, Oyster Shucking and Eating Competitions will also be a great amusement. There will be more activities to enjoy and you sure will find a few suited for you.

The festival will also be a perfect opportunity to explore Knysna at its best. Whether you are new to the town or not, it won’t harm to pay the Knysna Heads a visit, Garden Route National park, Thesens Wharf and many other attractions Knysna has to offer.

For information on the festival visit http://www.oysterfestival.co.za

Call : +27 (0) 44 382 5510

Email: [email protected]

If you decide on visiting Knysna during this festive time, look nor further that www.Venues4Africa.com to find your accommodation.

Stay tuned for more exciting blog about the ins and outs of South Africa. This week, we are are proud to announce: Fijnbosch @ Jacobs Bay, luxury self-catering holiday apartments in Jacobs Bay, West Coast ,1-on-Ross, 3 lovely, bright cottages in Grahamstown and Boutique Villa Guest House, a luxury manor house in Somerset West, who have just joined our growing Venues4Africa Family.

Living the Karoo Life

Often referred to as the outback of South Africa, The Karoo is a semi – arid region in the country. It is characterized by vast open spaces with desert flora and fauna thriving across the plains. A bunch of small sheep farming and laidback towns, rocky layers, low rainfall, clear blue skies and either extreme heat or cold constitutes this charmingly arid land. Divided into the Klein Karoo and the Groot Karoo, this expanse spreads across 4 of the country’s 9 provinces and takes up to 40% of the country’s land. The Karoo is that large that you have to explore it slowly, town or area at a time. Otherwise you know what they say “Once you go Karoo, you ever go back.“

With a description so general and so vague, you are almost not enticed to want to visit the Karoo. It all sounds like it is such an uneventful area but that is the actual Karoo life you ought to see. It is the experience that counts, the real rustic country experience of a loving and friendly community and the togetherness of the locals. The Karoo life is such that everyone knows each other, you know your butcher, your storekeeper, your nurse or handyman who fixes anything from you toaster to your tractor. It makes a perfect alternative lifestyle. For those looking to detach from your ever busy life that is profoundly affected by just about anything, the Karoo is your ideal escape. Living the Karoo life is actually liberating.

A Chance to Re-invent Yourself

Stockbrokers become rose growers. Company mavens become cheese-heads. Former coal miners now make forest fairies for a living. Old journos become wine-makers. OK, that’s not much reinvention but it’s something. http://bit.ly/2rFMqrv

Another thing you will enjoy living in the Karoo is its timelessness. The old Cape Dutch and Edwardian buildings will just take your breath. Strolling along the streets of Graaff- Reinet or Nieu – Bethesda is the best thing you can do to relax and take you back in time. Riding ostriches in Oudtshoorn is also great if you need to shake it up a bit. Although change is taking place slowly, the old charm is resistant and is still very prominent in many Karoo towns. The annual gatherings such as the Vleisfees in Calvinia every August continue to hold the sense of community together.

Stay tuned for more exciting blog about the ins and outs of South Africa.

Why visit South Africa in winter?

We often find ourselves asking the question whether or not we need a getaway during winter. There are mixed feelings about this question! The we go on and ask “Why visit South Africa in winter?” Now, we have an answer to that question.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the most popular thing to do during the South African winter. Between June and November a host of whales migrate to the Cape Coasts and the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and up to 37 whale and dolphin species can be found in the waters of South Africa. Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay and St Lucia are the best whale watching spots where you can even partake in an ocean and marine life safari and encounter these marine beasts up close and other marine creatures altogether.

Kruger National Park

It is a fact that wild animals tend to roam freely in winter and this is when you get the best chances of spotting some of the rarest of them. In South Africa, Kruger National Park, Africa’s largest game reserve, is the ideal destination for a winter safari. Not only will you enjoy the sightings of the wild, but the beauty of the atmosphere, biodiversity and natural and historical sites are overwhelming in winter. You won’ want to leave.

Wine tasting

A real winter warmer that one! An excellent glass of red wine paired with fondue or a thick juicy steak in winter keep the cold away. With a host of wine farms and cellars, some still emerging in the country, wine tasting makes a perfect winter activity, enjoyable either in the afternoon or in the evening. Wine cellar tours are also enjoyable. Make a trip to the Cape Winelands, where you can experience authentic winery excursions, and weather you are in Route62 or in the actual Cape winelands, the experience is the same and overwhelmingly incredible.

Matroosberg

Known to be the tallest mountain in the Boland region, the Matroosberg mountain is a popular winter attraction as it is one of the few places that experiences snow in winter in South Africa. Abounding activities for families as well as bigger groups include 4×4 drives, quad biking, fishing, ice climbing, abseiling, cherry picking and farm tours in the area. Treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable and eventful winter vacation.

The Clarens Route

A 3 hour drive from Johannesburg and tucked in the Maluti Mountains sits the quaint “The Jewel of the Free State”, Clarens. The little village overlooks fertile and stunning landscapes and Lesotho is visible in a distance from here. The famous Golden Gate Highlands National Park is just outside the village and is renowned for its rare sandstone cliffs which turn golden in the rays of the setting sun. For those seeking an alternative lifestyle, Clarens quiet and serene, picturesque while offering various outdoor ventures, such as birding, hiking trails, horse riding, 4×4 trails, trout and bass fishing, golf, to name a few. The Clarens Route makes a perfect escape for or the log cabin, crackling fire and woolly-blanket-lover.

Stay in the loop with all the happenings in South Africa with Venues4Africa.

5 Travel Rules

If you are looking to take a break and really want to unplug and detach from your daily life, there are 5 travel rules you need to abide by to get the most of your experience.

1. Travel with someone you love

There is no point in sharing a special moment with someone that does not add value to your life, or at least someone that doesn’t’ share your passion or have the same dreams as you. If you do, you will regret this time wasted.

2. Collect moments not things

Things wear out, they get lost, they lose importance and value with time, at some point you will even forget you ever collected something. But moments will always stay attached to your mind and the memories are unforgettable. Take loads of pictures, loads of selfies, capture every moment.

3. Indulge

Be adventurous and try something you’ve never done before. Try skydiving, bungee jumping, shark cage diving, whatever it is you choose to do, be sure it gets your blood rushing. Eat a lot and drink a lot- otherwise there no point of travelling in the first place. And don’t hesitate to try the weird food too!

4. Don’t regret anything

If you spend too much money and go over your budget – don’t regret it, because it’s money well-spent. Remember travelling is not about money, it’s about courage. Do and see everything you possibly can and make sure you do not regret not having done something – that will just be a total waste of time and energy.

5. Share the experience

Be sure to always have your smartphone or tablet with you. Take pictures of the food, the drinks, the places that you get to see and post them on social media. Check in at every place you visit – believe it or not, people want to see those pictures and want to know where you’ve been.

Stay in the loop with our blog and get the most exciting information about travelling in Southern Africa.

Meander through the Midlands

Sometimes, a vacation is all about doing things you never thought you’d never do, visiting the places you never thought you’d see and ultimately being away from the the city buzz. Away from all the things that make up your daily life and just to choose to live the alternative. It is about letting go of all the things you can’t live without for a moment and experience the natural and unpolished beauty of life. The KwaZulu Natal Midlands is just the exact place where you will experience such a vacation – detached from what is nowadays the way of life.

Set in a tranquil countryside, the Midlands boasts picturesque rugged mountains and the Drakensberg just takes the crown. The sublime nature of the areas is what is most striking as you drive along the narrow country roads. The rivers, the lakes , the waterfalls and the thick and lush evergreen forest, the list is endless, you will have to see it with your own eyes than to hear about it a thousand times. Meander through the Midlands from Nottingham Road to Curry’s Post and Howick making your way to Pietermaritzburg the taking a detour to the inlands of Durban, this trip will only take you a few days to complete.

At each point in the journey make sure you take some time to hike, walk the nature trails, go fishing or explore the lifestyle of the locals on their cheese and trout farms. Why not grab a picnic basket and find your perfect spot in the country and be amused by prolific birdlife. Be enchanted by exquisite creativity in form of pottery, woven items and paintings as you meander through the quaint towns.

When it finally feels like it is time for that getaway, that escape into the where life actually began, a Natal Midlands vacation will be all you just need to revitalise and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

Stay in the loop to keep up to date with our newest members of our growing family. This week, we are are proud to announce: Aleandrii Farm Stay, that offers you the most comfortable and affordable accommodation in the Little Karoo.

Family-friendly Durban, enjoy one last summer vacation

Before summer ends, one must take some time to visit a city in KwaZulu Natal, the glorious Durban. This family-friendly city makes the perfect getaway destination because offers so many things to see and do before the winter weather starts to kick in. Make the uShaka Marine world the number one spot to visit. Your children will especially love it and you, yourself will absolutely love the invigorating experience that takes you back to your youthful years and release your inner childishness.

The Durban Botanical Gardens make a perfect spot to be on a hot summer’s day. Filled with tranquility and an ever green charm, an opportunity to experience the beautiful nature in plants is all you get, nothing less nothing more. The beautiful golden beaches are to die for in the family-friendly Durban. Sunbathing, swimming and a host of other watersports can be enjoyed while you children splash into tidal pools abound. For quality time with the little ones, spending some time at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is time well-spent with lots of games and activities to enjoy as a family. Durban is also home to a number or museums that are worth visiting and taking the time for sightseeing is surely not regrettable here. Durban is also home to an endless list of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and atmosphere. Ranging from beachfront and al fresco to inland and fine dining, whatever your preference is, you are sure to find a perfect fit for a bite for you and your family. If you know you need to take this last break, make it a point to visit the family-friendly Durban, enjoy one last summer vacation.

Stay in the loop to keep up to date with our newest members of our growing family. This week, we are are proud to announce : 87 Marine Drive, Struisbaai, a beautiful lower level beach house less than a 100m from the ocean.

Celebrate Our Country’s Heritage

Stay in the loop to see our newest members of our growing Venues4Africa family.

New Year’s Eve in Cape Town

Out with the old, in with the new.
New Year’s Eve is around the corner and if you haven’t yet made any plans for the big night, we’ve got some ideas that might help you celebrate the end of 2016 in the Cape Town.