Making the most of your favourite holiday destinations

Making the most of your favourite holiday destinations

December 15, 2017 • Air, Transport

We’ve all worked hard and as 2017 draws to a close most of us are looking forward to some R&R during the holiday season. If you are lucky enough to be travelling around sunny South Africa we have some helpful information to ensure you make the most of your down-time. Here are some of our all-time favourite hotspots around the country.

Durban

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World is a must-see tourist attraction in Durban. There are always a million and one things to do at Durban’s top family attraction. It offers a variety of exotic underwater species at the shipwreck-themed Sea World Aquarium. The action-packed dolphin and seal shows are a firm favourite for the kids, while adults always love to learn more about the behaviours of these marine creatures.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Moses Mabhida Stadium is world famous, and offers you the ability to ride the SkyCar to the top of the stadium for awe-inspiring panoramic views. There is also an opportunity to go on the Segway Gliding tours around the stadium. And the best part about these gliders is that because they don’t use fuel, so they are an eco-friendly way of exploring the surroundings.

KZN SA Gallery

For the art lovers on board, the KZN SA Gallery is a must see – literally J it is a modern, airy building that provides a platform to showcase artists, both celebrated, and up-and-coming idie artists. Well-known artists include Penny Siopis and Isaac Sithole. The gallery’s garden has an inviting and magnificent tranquillity about it, enabling you to unwind and enjoy delicacies from the gallery café.

George

Redberry Farm

If you are berry crazy, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a Redberry Farm in George. Their restaurant offers the most amazing berry jar and strawberry waffles. Kids get to indulge in real strawberry milk shakes, an opportunity to play with the bunnies (gently of course), indulge in various water games and climb aboard a choo-choo train.

Victoria Bay

This is a great place for an ocean-view picnic. Some call it “a good hide-out” from the holiday-makers, while others enjoy the area to go on a long and casual stroll. It boasts the most serene beaches on the garden route and of course it costs nothing!

Bloemfontein

Free State National Botanical Garden

If you’re heading to Bloem, then you should make some time to experience the various indigenous vegetation at the Free State Botanical Garden. It has six distinct gardens with as many as 400 different species of plants and 140 bird species. A must for those who are attached to their binoculars searching for the next bird in their bird book. You will also be amazed by the predominance of roses, rare red-hot pokers and even wild dagga – but not to be smoked!

National Museum Bloemfontein

This natural and cultural museum perfectly highlights the past of this region. Check out the collection of fossils, including the skulls of early hominids which includes humans and their fossil ancestors and also some of the great apes. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the life-size fibreglass elephants and hippos and for those who are not afraid of reptiles, live snakes are on display as well. Apparently a fast fact revealed that 51% of people are afraid of snakes – are you part of that 51%?

Aasvoël Klub

This is an adult only club (not in that way!). It opens in the evening and the comedian’s jokes are not always that clean! However, the Aasvoël Klub boasts a stunning line-up of our country’s best stand-up comedians, poets, musicians and shows. It all goes down at Plot 35 9de Laan, Kelly’s View and is open six days a week. The venue capacity is around 170 people and they encourage patrons to be seated at tables next to strangers – the theory is that by the end of the night people leave as friends! This small club boasts BIG names like, Kahn (Parletones lead singer), Casper de Vries (comedian) and The Voice runners up, Caroline Grace and Fatman.

Johannesburg

Cradle of Humankind

By travelling a mere 45 minutes from Joburg, you arrive almost two million years back in time! The Cradle of Humankind is where it is at with the richest fossil hominin site in Africa. You get to explore the early days of humanity at the famous Sterkfontein Caves. The tour takes you through the earliest hominid fossils, and a friendly tour guide will walk you through the caves and show you the new scientific exhibition centre. Just recently (May 2017) history was uncovered when the new Homo Naledi was discovered and unveiled at Maropeng.

Soweto Township Half-Day Tour

This is Africa’s largest township and is rich in history and culture. You cannot visit Soweto without stopping by the famous Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived. A guided tour comes in all shapes and sizes, you can choose from a Kombi, bicycle, etuktuk or a walking tour. Visit the famous 1976 site honouring the brave Hector Pieterson, visit his memorial and a museum inspired by the ideas of Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement. If you are feeling a bit more daring, then sign up for a bungee jump off the colourfully painted Orlando Towers.

Neighbourgoods Market, Braamfontein

The Neighbourgoods Market is a treat – literally – in the heart of Braamfontein. This the place to meet your favourite people, indulge in a variety of delicious artisanal food, coffee and dessert options. It is only on a Saturday and boasts stunning views from the rooftop. Entrance is ‘mahala’ and everyone is catered for: halaal, vegetarian, vegan, banting, sugar free, and gluten free options abound. Top off your meal with a choice of fine wines, ever popular Gin & Tonic choices, and craft beers.

Cape Town

Wine Tasting

The Cape is synonymous for its picturesque wine farm area, including Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and surrounds. A wine farm tour is an opportunity to share a glass of quality wine with a local sommelier (wine maker) in their private, old wine cellar, nestled amidst stunning vineyards and the beautiful Cape Fold mountain range. All tours are different, something memorable, immensely fun, but mostly a real South African experience! Although wine is the order of the day, some tours are child-friendly and the little people get to sample some Cape grown grape juice.

Township and Robben Island Combination Tour

Visit the different townships such as Langa and Gugulethu and get an overview of Nelson Mandela’s experience as a prisoner in Robben Island. Ferry rides to and from Robben Island are available and offers you a historical and cultural tour.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Not too far from Table Mountain is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. If you have never visited – be prepared to be blown away by 500 hectares of stunning flora. There are 2500 different species of plants and grasses, and a must-experience is the Boomslang Canopy Walkway. This is a 130m-long walkway over the trees in the beautiful Arboretum gardens.

Port Elizabeth

Private Addo Elephant National Park Day Tour

Ever dreamt of going on a safari? This is the ideal place with the park boasting over 600 elephants. They also have cape buffalos, leopards and black rhinos that you can spot from a close range. The tour guides are al well-informed bush-enthusiasts and eager to teach your children everything they know about wildlife, grasses, birds and insects included.

The Valley Market

This market is a must for all the foodies on board. It is situated in Lower Valley Road and opens on the first Saturday of every month. Your choices are endless, so go with a hungry tummy! Choose from spicy paella which is to die for; gourmet boerie rolls, crisp pizza bases, freshly baked bread and a range of delicious smoothies. The market is open from 8am to 2pm perfect for an early brekkie, a brunch or a lunch time treat Yum! Enjoy!

Bumming on the Beach

Whilst most adults like to lazy on the beach, the little people prefer some activity. There are plenty of options on the beachfront including a surf school to teach the youngsters how to navigate the waves. From private or small group lessons – this is perfect for beginners or intermediary learners. All equipment is included in the lesson fee. Prices differ but the experience is priceless J

Pumla Luhabe, GM: Commercial at Mango says, “We still have available seats on some of our flights to all our six destinations in South Africa (mentioned above); and as usual we are very excited to see that South Africans are responding to our special deals and visiting friends and family in all corners of the country. All of us at Mango, wish all our fellow travellers, festive wishes for a restful holiday. Happy exploring!

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