With a month to go before the crazy season hits, I thought I would pull together a couple of activities that one could do with family and friends over the December long weekend around South Africa. Taking place from the 15-17 December 2012, the weekend is all about reconciliation and national unity and should be spent together with your best peeps. Whatever you do, make sure that you take time out and celebrate it in our beautiful country.
Eastern Cape
Beach ride on the Wild Coast
If you are in the Kei Mouth or Morgan Bay area of the Wild Coast, then make sure that you take a horse ride on the beach. There is nothing more exhilarating than riding a horse through the waves and along the beaches. Beginners are welcome and all rides are guided. Prices from R200 a person.
Tel 043-831-1087, [email protected],
www.wildcoasthorsebackadventures.com
Fun run in Gonubie
Get some exercise before the lashings of turkey and mince pies make an appearance with the 5km Jingle Bells fun run through Gonubie. Lovely sea views will motivate you to the finish line, not to mention that it’s for a worthy cause. Pets, children and strollers are welcome.
Tel 072-056-2374, [email protected], www.runnersworld.co.za
Gauteng
Learn to fly-fish in Magalies
Get a complete lesson on fly-fishing covering topics such as fly-fishing equipment, techniques used, local entomology and how to handle fish. You’ll put all of this in practice at the trout dam and along the river at Magalies Barbus Haven. All fishing tackle can be provided. There are braai facilities available and picnic baskets can be made up on request. Tel 011-315-4503, [email protected], www.sundowner.co.za
Horses and Christmas carols in Kyalami
Watch the magnificent Lipizzaner horses and their riders put on a Christmas show in conjunction with the Welsh male voice choir. This special carols by candlelight show is a must for the family. Picnic baskets are available on order. Tickets cost R130 and R110 at the door. Children under 3 enter for free.
Tel 011-702-2103, [email protected], www.lipizzaners.co.za
Climb the wall in Strubens Valley
If you consider yourself an absolute beginner when it comes to rock climbing then this course will teach you how to tie knots, feet and hand placements and allow you to climb different levels of climbs. Suitable for young children and even oldies. All gear and equipment will be provided. Prices from R395 a person.
Tel 083-264-3778, [email protected], www.outsideadventures.co.za
Hat race in Greenside
For this one you are going to need an outlandish hat. If you don’t appear with one you will be instantly disqualified from the race. The Pirates Wobblers and Wigglers Hat Race departs from Pirates Club on 16 December and is roughly 8.3km. Interesting drinks are served along the course and the winner gets to kiss the Queen Wiggler. Loads of fun is guaranteed to be had.
Tel 082-485-8168, www.runnersworld.co.za
KwaZulu-Natal
Prawns and Jazz in Ballito
This is definitely a combination you don’t want to miss! Three days of international and local jazz artists will be providing the beat for the Ballito Prawn and Jazz Festival from 15-17 December, with an organic and farmers market, kiddies carnival area, outdoor sports and moonlight craft fair also in the mix. Tickets cost R60 for adults and R40 for children. Free entrance for children under 5.
Tel 082-459-9567, www.ballitoprawnfestival.co.za
Hit the beach in Umhlanga
The Umhlanga Summer Carnival, taking place from the 08-23 December, will be bringing carols by candlelight, family street parties, beauty competitions, trail runs and surfing to its shores. The oldest yacht club in Africa will be racing from the Umhlanga pier over the long weekend.
Tel 031-312-1281, [email protected], www.umhlangatourism.co.za
Christmas shopping in Durban
Last minute Christmas shopping needn’t be a nightmare with the Shongweni Farmers Christmas Market taking place in Durban on 16 December over the long weekend. Hand-made crafts, Christmas decorations and tasty treats will be available to purchase just in time for the big day, with live entertainment to get you into the festive mood.
Tel 083-777-1674, [email protected], www.shongwenimarket.co.za
Mpumalanga
Wildlife experience in Kruger
Whether you are after a day walk in the Big 5 Kruger National Park, an elephant interaction up close with the giants of the bushveld, a horseback safari through the bush, or a game drive in an open landrover, you are promised an outdoor weekend in nature with any one of these options.
Tel 073-289-9963, [email protected], www.krugerparktrails.com (Quote Getaway on request)
Saddle up in Sabie
If you have a competitive edge and enjoy putting your body though its paces, then the Sabie Mountain Bike Experience from the 14-17 December will get the muscles pumping and the team spirit going. You can ride in the 4-day solo event or round up a group of mates for the 2-day team event.
Tel 083-678-3937, [email protected], www.sabieexperience.co.za
North West and Limpopo
Rafting the Crocodile in Broederstroom
Experience a half or full day of excitement rafting the Highveld Crocodile River in two-man inflatable boats and navigate your way through Grade 1 and 2 rapids. The half-day trip extends for 3 hours and the full day for 8 hours and departs from the Lanseria airport. A qualified river guide will show you the ropes (and paddles) and lead the course. Prices from R295 a person.
Tel 083-264-3778, [email protected], www.outsideadventures.co.za
Animal encounter at Moholoholo
There’s so much to do in the Limpopo province with the family over the December long weekend. Take a trip to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre for an encounter with owls, predators and other species, learn about endangered wildlife at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre or be engrossed by crocodiles, snakes, scorpions and lizards at the Khamai Reptile Park.
Tel 078-478-2638, [email protected], www.amafuforestlodge.co.za
Abseil in Magalies
Take a guided trip to the highest point in the Magaliesberg Mountains where you will have spectacular views and also get to visit a vulture restaurant, and if you’re lucky see vultures feeding. You’ll also get to abseil a 55m cliff that will complete the day adventure. Prices from R375 a person.
Tel 083-264-3778, [email protected], www.outsideadventures.co.za
Western Cape
Surf’s up in Muizenburg
The weather in the Cape is hotting up and what better way to enjoy the waves and sun than in the water, learning to surf. All you need to do is come prepared with some sunblock and buckets of energy. A guide will kit you up in a wetsuit and board and walk you through the steps on how to ride waves for the first time. This is a great day outdoors – for youngsters to oldies.
Tel 021-788-9839, [email protected], www.garysurf.com
Trail running and mountain biking in Greyton
Grab your bike, your outdoor gear and the family and head to Greyton in the Overberg for a fun-filled outdoor festival from 14-17 December. There will be night rides, trail running, cross-country fun rides and gravity events. Overnight camping is available.
Tel 021-884-4752, [email protected], www.dirtopia.co.za/mtbfestival
Photographic exhibition in Cape Town
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year (04 Dec-04 March 2013) is a not-to-be-missed exhibition, taking place at the Iziko Museum. It will showcase some of the world’s very best wildlife photographs in a visual and awe-inspiring display. Entrance is R30 for adults.
Tel 021-481-3897, [email protected], www.iziko.org.za
Icons and Aikonas in Darling
Being Reconciliation Day weekend you can have a good laugh and entertaining evening out, in the company of Pieter Dirk Uys and his host of memorable characters including Pik Botha, Nelson Mandela and Tannie Evita and celebrate our colourful history. There are shows on Saturday and Sunday during the December long weekend so be sure to head to Darling.
Tel 022-492-2851, [email protected], www.evita.co.za
Summer in Stellenbosch
If you like the idea of winning a car boot full of wine then attend the Summer in Stellenbosch Festival and collect 10 orange dots during the show from the 8-17 December. 16 estates will be participating and hosting events such as wine and salt canapé pairings at Die Bergkelder, sunset carols and boere sport fun at Middelvlei, a pure food Christmas market at Asara and safari-style vineyard tours at Jordan, to name but a few.
Tel 021-886-8275, [email protected], www.batonage.com
Bonsai exhibit at Kirstenbosch
Come and admire over 100 beautiful bonsai specimens at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at the annual Cape Bonsai Kai Show from the 15-17 December. There will be demonstrations on how to design and care for your own bonsai and a performance on the art of Japanese drumming. Entrance is free.
Tel 021-797-8972, [email protected], www.capebonsaikai.co.za
Action event in Knysna
Get down to the Knysna Waterfront from the 15-17 December and watch the adrenaline-pumping action of the Hansa Waterfront Rush Challenge that puts competitors through their paces from powering a steam train to scaling a tough climbing wall. A great day’s entertainment if you’re a spectator and a competitive event for participants.
Tel 044-382-6496, [email protected], www.entrytickets.co.za
Need accommodation to go with your long weekend? Visit accommodation.getaway.co.za
