If New Year’s Eve is becoming a bit of a non-event, or you dread going out in case you have a bad time (or get pulled over by the cops), it’s time to re-think ways of seeing in a brand new year.
I’ve put together some ideas for you that come in neat little packages. So now you don’t have to stay at home pretending not to care about not having a good time or having to suffer through another boring party with the neighbours. Remember to take a bottle of champagne with you. It will probably be your best adventure and celebration yet!
1. Be nomadic and go on an overland trip
Welcome in the New Year in style on one of Nomad Africa Adventure Tours where they have lined up all of the best parties for you! If you choose the East African Adventure North, get ready to bump and grind at a bar with local bands and a pig on the spit at Kande Beach in Malawi. If you fancy going in the opposite direction you’ll be presented with snacks, bubbles and a special dinner menu at Kipepeo in Dar es Salaam. The Cape to Vic Falls Tour will see you at the heart of the action in Swakopmund, which ranks as one of the best beach and desert New Year’s party destinations. Then there’s the Vic Falls Carnival. Get to Johannesburg and join their New Years and Vic Falls Carnival Tour for what’s set to be the best party in Africa this year.
Cost: Prices of tours vary (enquire to get prices)
Contact: Tel 021-426-5445, email [email protected], www.nomadtours.co.za.
2. Go traditional at Tongabezi Luxury Safari Lodge in Zambia
Enjoy drumming nights, cultural dancers and spit roasts at this beautiful lodge in Livingstone, on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls. Learn to play the drums, watch a performance of the Traditional Maramba National Dance Group and visit Chundu Island. In addition to gaining an insight into Zambian traditions, you can go on game drives, visit the Victoria Falls and have spa treatments.
Cost: All inclusive costs for each three-night stay is US$1,350 (around R11 000), including accommodation, meals, drinks, all entertainment, one spa treatment, and other activities.
Contact: Tel +260 -213-327450, email [email protected], www.tongabezi.com.
3. Soak up the sun and enjoy Arabian Nights in Zanzibar
Spend New Year’s in tropical Zanzibar with this last-minute package. From 27 December 2012 to 3 January 2013, unwind in luxury accommodation at the beautiful Arabian Nights resort. Soak up the sun on the beach and experience the spices and culture of this historical island. Price includes breakfast daily.
Cost: R12 911 a person sharing (sea view room)
Contact: Tel 021-530-3380, email [email protected], www.adventures.getaway.co.za
4. Cruise into the New Year
An 11 Night festive New Year cruise on board MSC Opera will see you celebrating New Years eve under the Reunion skies. The MSC Opera leaves from Durban and arrives in Mauritius on New Years day where the ship will remain in port for three nights. The ship has four restaurants, eleven bars, two pools, and two whirlpools. The liner also boasts a MSC Aurea Spa and Solarium, a disco, video games room, internet café and casino. Kids will be well looked after too with a Buffalo Bill play area and organised activities.
Cost: From R16 940 per person (includes all meals and most activities)
Contact: Email [email protected], www.cruisesa.co.za.
5. Go island style in Mozambique
Fancy snorkelling coral reefs, sea kayaking on turquoise waters, sailing in a local dhow, eating fresh seafood and staying in luxurious accommodation in Mozambique over New Year? Want to save by paying low season rates during peak season? Ibo Island in the Quirimbas National Park in Mozambique is an idyllic spot that will allow you to escape to a piece of paradise from 26 December to 2 January. As well as getting two free nights (pay for 5, stay for 7), all your meals are free as well as guided tours of the island.
Cost: R14 925 per person sharing
Contact: Tel 021-530-3380, email [email protected], www.adventures.getaway.co.za
6. Attend a carnival at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
Possibly the New Year event of the year is being held at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where the stage is set for the largest ever infusion of artists and African cultures at the 1st annual Vic Falls Carnival from 29 to 31 December. Chill out in one of the summer area’s watching artists and DJ showcases from Zimbabwe and all over Southern Africa. Get into the carnival spirit with carnival games and carnival stalls and enjoy cold lagers complimented by local cuisine. Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most unique destinations and provides a bucket list of activities. Win a pair of tickets here!
Cost: From R718 (US$80) per person for two-day pass.
Contact: Tel 077-385-2638 (Zimbabwe) or 076-858-6801 (South Africa), email [email protected], www.vicfallscarnival.com
7. Enjoy tented luxury in Kruger National Park
Nkambeni Tented Lodge is located inside the Kruger National Park and offers you a unique safari experience in one of South Africa’s most beautiful wildlife areas. View the Big Five on game drives, take a guided walk in the bush and enjoy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. This is ideal for people who appreciate rustic eco-friendly accommodation with all the sights, sounds and smells of unadulterated nature.
Cost: R2 754 per person sharing
Contact: Tel 021-530-3380, email [email protected], www.adventures.getaway.co.za.
8. Take on the Orange River and your liver
Get your year off to a fantastic start with a river rafting trip down the Orange River. Negotiate thrilling rapids, take in the incredible scenery, sleep under the stars and party the night away at a New Year’s bash like no other! All meals and equipment are included and the base camp has a shop, a restaurant, a bar, a pool and an internet café.
Cost: From R2 895 per person
Contact: Tel 087-354-0578, www.felixunite.com
9. Bring in the new year with a lot of birds
Take a birding holiday in the Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve where you’ll have over 4000 hectares of virgin Zululand bushveld to explore using one of the game activities on offer. Go in search of raptors on an open-vehicle game drive, spot African Jacanas on a boat cruise on the Hluhluwe River and walk on foot on the St Lucia floodplains in search of the Greater Flamingo. With 395 recorded species of bird, a rich diversity of habitats and professional guides, this birding break is a great place to start ticking off a few boxes. Plus you get breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Cost: R2 500 per person sharing
Contact: Tel 021-530-3380, email [email protected], www.adventures.getaway.co.za
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock and Nomad Africa Adventure Tours
