It’s the silly season and apart from the last minute rush to finish work and get everyone their Christmas presents, the one inevitable question on the tip of everyone’s tongue is: ‘What are we doing for New Year’s?’
It’s mid-summer so you definitely don’t want to spend the last evening of 2010 rubbing shoulders with everyone indoors or sitting on the couch watching movies. Here are ten alternatives to get out and about and enjoy the countdown for 2011 with a breath of fresh air.
1. Kirstenbosch and Drostdy Hof New Year’s Eve concert – Cape Town
Grab some blankets and vino and enjoy the African beats of Loading zone and Johnny Clegg amidst the flora of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Newlands. The concert starts at 20:30 and there are only 5000 tickets available, so it is advisable to book in advance at www.webtickets.co.za or the Kirstenbosch ticket office on 021 761 2866.
2. New Year’s Eve boat cruise – Cape Town
If you want to watch the spectacular firework display at the V&A Waterfront and still avoid the milling crowds book a yacht cruise through Action Adventure Africa Extreme. There are various yachts and routes available and prices start at R500 per person including a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. Visit their website at www.aaax.co.za or phone 083 953 6144.
3. Signal Hill – Cape Town
Join the Rotary Club of Cape Town Noon Gun at Signal Hill for a small intimate New Year’s celebration around the noon gun. There are only a hundred people allowed and tickets are R550 per person, which includes a buffet. The party gently kicks off at 19:30 and will continue till late. For more information visit www.rotary-noongun.co.za.
4. Klapmutskop sunset hike – Stellenbosch
Take a short drive out to Delvera farm on the R44 near Stellenbosch for a sunset hike with the family, but be sure to get there before 18:00 An adult ticket is R100, which includes a shuttle service (in case the 9.75km hike seems to daunting), a permit and a glass of bubbly, whilst children get in for R40. For bookings contact the Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021 884 4752 or [email protected].
5. The Resonance New Year’s festival – Durbanville
For those who like their parties a little longer and a little harder there is a three-day dance party held at Contermanskloof Estate in Durbanville. Although the main beats are predominantly trance the second stage offers a variety of rock, hip-hop, electro and comedy. And if you don’t like the music you can always go float around in one of the dams next to the dance floor. Tickets are R360 presold and R400 at the gate. For more information visit www.rezonancefestival.com or call 021 794 4032.
6. The 5FM Black Tie and Barefoot Beach Party – Durban
The name says exactly what it is. Kick off you shoes and slops, get out that black tie and join the 5FM crew and supporting DJ’s underneath their inflatable dance floor on the Durban beachfront. Tickets are presold at R200 and R250 at the door. Visit www.blacktieandbarefoot.co.za for more information.
7. Rock the River concert SA – Bergriver
For those who like their parties’ pure rock and roll the Bergriver will be the place to set up camp over New Year’s Eve. The three-day festival includes bands like The Rudimentals and Hog Hoggidy Hog. The venue is about 20 minutes from Wellington and tickets can be bought through www.computicket.com or [email protected] at R250 or for general enquiries phone 084 606 2552.
8. Inverdoorn Safari drive – Breede River Valley
Get picked up in Cape Town at noon and driven out to the Inverdoorn game ranch outside Ceres. Here you will be taken on a three hour game drive after which you can relax beneath a starry night sky sipping your champagne to the sweet sounds of the bush and the Palm String Trio. Prices include overnight accommodation in one of their chalets and start from R4595. Contact Afruka Eco Tours on 083 275 7521 or visit their website at www.afrukaecotours.co.za.
9. New Year’s Bush Bash – Oranjeriver
If you’ve got the time it’s worth it booking a space on Bushwacked’s 5 day river rafting adventure which falls over the New Year and includes a night of celebration on the banks of the Oranjeriver at their legendary Bush Bash. The full package is R2595, but space is limited so contact the team at [email protected] or phone 021 761 8953.
10. Festival of lights – Nieu Bethesda, Karoo
Finally, if nothing else appeals to you and you’re looking for something a little bit more unusual you could drive out to Nieu Bethesda, famous for the Owl house and join their Festival of lights procession through the village. Bring your own lantern or make one at the Bethesda Arts Centre workshop.
