There are many great things about March and April – the leaves start changing colour, the mosquitoes start going away and, best of all, there are all those public holidays!
With five of those during the autumn months, there are four long weekends between the end of March and the beginning of May. Why not enjoy one – or all – of those long weekends?
We are lucky to live in a place where there is no shortage of things to do and places to see – we’re spoilt for choice, to say the least! A tourism marketing slogan once said, “South Africa, the world in one country.” From our world-famous game reserves to our golden beaches, our World Heritage sites to our bustling urban centres and even ski resorts, there are almost too many options for a weekend away!
Having trouble deciding where to go? Here’s some coastal inspiration to help you on your way…
THE WESTERN CAPE
There are many reasons why the Western Cape is a tourist-popular destination – there’s so much to keep you entertained!
- In The Mother City, you have your pick of iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island and Signal Hill, where you can see the sun setting while the moon rises over the Atlantic.
- A ride to the top of Table Mountain on the cableway is a great way to see the view or enjoy the sunset, but a lesser-known vantage point is at the end of Tafelberg Road on Table Mountain. Take a drive past the lower cableway station for a spectacular view over the city, Table Bay and the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
- There are plenty of places where you can take a stroll on the hunt for interesting architecture and a bite!
- The picturesque streets of the Bo-Kaap lead to a “mengelmoes” (mixture) of local cuisine options.
- Kalk Bay is on the ocean and there are plenty of eateries and hipster coffee shops to enjoy.
- Long Street boasts wrought-iron balconies and art deco exteriors, Latin bistros and a hint of New Orleans in its pavement bars and cafés.
- Of course, there are the Winelands as well. You will find several cellars all along the coast and further It’s virtually impossible to drive anywhere without passing an estate, of which most offer lunches, picnics and the occasional music festival.
- The Garden Route offers breathtaking landscapes, adventure activities and charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It also serves up wide beaches, rocky cliffs, ancient forests and smaller seaside towns along the coastline.
- If hiking and nature bring you joy, the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems in nature reserves like the Cederberg Mountains, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Bontebok National Park give you plenty of opportunities to see the Big Five and other wildlife.
- Discover unique bargains and local art at the bustling markets dotted throughout the towns and cities.
- Buff up your knowledge of our history and diverse cultures by visiting one of the many Western Cape museums.
- And, don’t forget Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of the world is beautiful all year round and has a few wineries neatly tucked away in the Hemel-and-Aarde Valley.
THE EASTERN CAPE
The Eastern Cape is diverse, largely rural, with far wilder landscapes than the more “tame” Western Cape. You can’t help but take advantage of its incredible natural beauty and many outdoor activities! There’s a reason why photographers appreciate the fantastic landscapes, wildlife and vibrant cultures that this region has to offer.
- Besides the Addo Elephant National Park, you can visit one of its many private game reserves for a more exclusive safari If you’re feeling energetic, don’t miss out on the hiking trails through the parks and reserves and along the coast.
- Enjoy swimming and beachcombing along the The province is also home to South Africa’s surfing capital, Jeffreys Bay, and a treasure trove of hidden gems along the coast, from small holiday towns to the famous Hole in the Wall.
- Feed your spirit of adventure with activities like quad-biking and zip-lining or bungee jumping from the famous Bloukrans Bridge.
- Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) is a bustling city with loads of activities on offer! The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (PE Opera House) is the only surviving example of a Victorian theatre in It was built on the site of the town’s gallows and if you’re (un)lucky, you might even spot one of the famous ghosts…
- You can also go sandboarding on the Alexandria Dunes or enjoy horse riding in the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve.
KWAZULU NATAL
With the most humid climate in South Africa, KwaZulu Natal has many exciting places to explore if you’re looking for a new adventure.
- Like all of our coastal destinations, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing and beachside dining.
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is famous for its rhino conservation efforts and iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage
- The stunning landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains offer hiking, luxury getaways and rustic camping spots. You can also give activities like white- water rafting, zip-lining, and mountain biking a go.
- KZN offers many opportunities to interact with the Zulu communities and learn about their culture and traditions, through visits to cultural villages and attending traditional events.
- The Midlands Meander is a collection of arranged routes with fun local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, historic landmarks and unique arts and crafts.
- The city of Durban is a calabash of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining experiences:
- Visit the Victoria Street Market for traditional Indian cuisine or take a guided walking tour of the district around Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Bertha Mkhize streets for a deeper look into the city’s Indian heritage and history.
- uShaka Marine World is one of the world’s largest aquariums. The animal encounters promote sustainable use of the marine You can also walk on the wild side with The Ocean Walker to the Shark Dive Experience – if you’re brave enough!
- The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium is well worth a visit. For an adrenaline rush, there’s a bungee swing from the top, or you can take the SkyCar to the viewing site on the stadium’s great arch for a 360- degree view of the city.
South Africa’s coastal provinces have more than enough adventure, romance and vibes to keep anybody busy and entertained! Look out for Part 2, where we look at some of the inland options.
Of course, packing your MYRKL* is an essential part of planning your long weekend. Waking up refreshed every morning can maximise your enjoyment!
Important Notes:
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It reduces alcohol absorption from your intestinal tract and reduces the absorption of alcohol in your body, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5. 2. Professional CC medical. Probiotics: What is it, benefits, side effects, food & types [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sept 27]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics 3. Proposed Patient Information Leaflet. 4. Benefits of vitamin B12: Cardiovascular disease San Antonio [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sept 27]. Available from: https://www.texasneurospine.com/blog/the-benefits-of-vitamin-b12
