CAPE TOWN – To many the year might still be young, well to some it might just be the perfect time to pack up our bags and take a short left, as we can’t just ignore the festive collection and Christmas carols around the mall.
You already know the scene, it looks so warm and exotic. Far away in the wonderland, the wind whispers secrets through the gentle moving waves of the West Coast. The large exquisitely laid-out table, brimming with luscious prepared food. You’ve seen the same image portrayed in your favourite movie, as you are about to put your feet in crystal blue water, then you start realising that the scene will forever remain as a “movie” as your reality can’t afford the fantasy.
No need to sweat about it, holidays don’t necessarily need to be exotic. Being located at the tip of Africa, our country has so much to offer to everyone with a low or cheap budget. There are also plenty of opportunities to discover the Big Five in our national parks, shopping and enjoying our fine in-house wines produced from the Cape vineyards.
To ensure that your holiday doesn’t create any additional stress that the year has already created, Grant Sandham, the Group Sales & Marketing Manager for Premier Hotels & Resorts suggests starting your planning now, particularly if you want to save money too.
1. Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg
Where else would you rather be than in the heart of “le good life”? “Maboneng” meaning light in Sotho, is a hotspot located in the eastern part of Johannesburg’s former CBD, which is home to numerous art galleries. Known by the locals to be the hub of art, its visitors better describe it to be alive with vibrant culture, entrepreneurial spirit and a strong sense of community, which many of us might refer to it as a lifestyle. The creative hub that is surrounded by modern apartments offers amazing things to do, ranging from restaurants, rooftop entertainment areas, hotel and museums.
2. A picnic in the woods in the Free State
The Free State National Botanical Gardens is a must for nature lovers. The gardens are home to 54 reptile species and 140 bird species. Located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, it’s a great holiday destination for bag packers as the gardens spans a valley between picturesque dolerite koppies. The tall grassland and woodland offers a variety of things to do, from picnics to camping. It opens seven days a week, entrance for adults and students is R20, for senior citizens and scholars tickets cost R14 and for children at pre-school entrance is R10.
3. Escape to the Mother City
The Mother City is undoubtedly the place to be. There is an endless list of exciting things to do in Cape Town for free, from climbing the one of the historic landmark Table Mountain, visiting the beautiful Company Gardens to shopping at one of South Africa’s most popular shopping centres – V&A Waterfront, while enjoying the aesthetic view. So it goes without saying that this list is not only a fantasy but what you could actually do with a bunch of friends or family.
