Despite what you may think, Getaway staffers aren’t permanently on holiday. When we do have a chance to take a break at the end of the year when we’ve signed off the February issue of the magazine, then we take advantage of it. Here’s where we’re all heading this December.
Jacqueline Lahoud, Publisher
I’m going paddling on the Orange River with Khamkirri and visiting Augrabies Falls, to escape the crowds and welcome the new year under a blanket of stars.
Cameron Ewart-Smith, Editor
I’m going to Kenton-on-Sea. I love my annual pilgrimage to what is to my mind the best holiday town in South Africa (shhh don’t tell anyone!). Kenton represents long sunny days on the beach, fishing with my boys, waterskiing up the Bushmans river – you name it.
Emma Odendaal, Managing editor
Every year we go to our family holiday home in Buffel’s Baai. Like most small holiday towns, it’s the familiar faces and the small-town holiday rituals that make it special. This year will be my daughter’s first Christmas in Buffel’s Baai, so it’s bound to be a memorable one.
Sarah Duff, Web editor
I’m off to Livigno, in the Italian Alps, for a family skiing holiday. I’m looking forward to improving my (rusty) skiing skills, watching my beginner-snowboarder boyfriend fall on his bum, partying in the apres-ski mountain bars and drinking an enormous amount of schnapps, gluhwein and hot chocolate (not all at once).
Tyson Jopson, online journalist and social media manager
I’ll be spending the beginning of December in the bustling metropolis of my hometown, Benoni, before heading up to Hluhluwe to spend three days on a Wild Dog collaring project with Wildlife ACT. After that I’ll be spending Christmas with my girlfriend’s family in Durban.
Fatima Jakoet, Photojournalist
I’m going honeymooning in Mauritius and plan to do the underwater sea walk, underwater scooter, a catamaran cruise, a visit to the Pamplemousses garden and shopping. We might throw in a couple of spa treatments if we’re not too busy chilling on the beach.
Dylan Kotze, Photography editor
I’m going to Tsitsikamma with a bunch of great mates to play in the forest, laze on the beach, catch some waves, raft on Storms river, and eat, drink and be merry.
Rachel Robinson, Web mistress
I am driving (alone) from Cape Town to Harare in Zimbabwe to spend Christmas with my mum. I am also going to the Vic Falls Carnival for New Year. Considering I left Zimbabwe 17 years ago and been home only twice in that time (and driving alone), this is going to be an epic adventure.
Adel Groenewald, Online journalist
Me and three friends are hitting the road to the Wild Coast, packing nothing but swim suits and a few shirts and shorts. We’ll be stopping at Coffee Bay for some epic drumming sessions and a hike to Hole in the Wall, but what I’m looking forward to most is staying at the community-based backpackers 300km north of there called Bulungula. I can’t wait to join the beach-chilling cows, drink R16 quarts and explore the beautiful rural areas of the Wild Coast. (We’re even getting matching shirts printed.)
Debbie Kusel, Show manager
I’m going to Kenton-on-Sea with the whole family. I have been going there since I was two years old. It is a magnificent place with many happy memories. I’m looking forward to beach days, afternoon swims in the Kariega, water skiing and game watching on the Bushmans, as well as afternoon naps and G&T’s.
Sue Walker, Show co-ordinator
I’m going to Sedgefield, a truly magical place that all too often is passed by and not given much time. We go to because it allows kids to be kids, with no TV and no play stations. It’s pure fun on the beach all day every day followed by the most spectacular sunsets each evening.
Erika Pienaar, Adsales
I’m heading to Zongoene in Mozambique with one of my best friends, for a holiday filled with beaches, snorkelling and fishing.
Kathryn Frew, Promotions co-ordinator
My family and I are going to Pringle Bay to a house called Pelican Point. We needed somewhere that could accommodate a lot of people (we have a BIG family), was close to Cape Town and that we could take our dogs to. My family plays a lot of golf so there are plenty top class golf courses close by for them.
Ingrid Versfeld, Adsales
I’m going to Garden Route Game Lodge near Mossel Bay as my brother is visiting from London and wanted to do something different on the Garden route and it is only three-and-a-half hours from Cape Town. From there we are off to Montagu/Robertson/McGregor area for two days to explore the dorpies, go on a tractor ride and visit the donkey sanctuary.
Marisa Steyn, Senior designer
I’m having a Cape Town Christmas for the first time ever. My mum and step-dad are coming down from Durban for a week and we are going to trample the Peninsula flat, all the while eating all the food and drinking all the drink we can lay our hands on. It’s going to be pretty epic.
Go on, make us jealous. Where are you off to for your end-of-year December holidays?
