I''d rather be...
1. Learning to surf in Durbs
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(Photograph by Pieter Bauermeister, New York Times/Redux)
The great thing about learning to surf in KZN is that the water temp sits at 20-25 deg C year round.There are loads of surf schools dotted around Durban - including one near uShaka - but you can also venture to Ballito if you''d rather get outta town. Surf lessons are exhilerating and loads of fun no matter how many times you wipe out! Take a friend or two for maximum fun times.
Where to stay in Durban
Villa Calla is a stylish Med style seaside self catering home in Umhlanga Rocks. It''s 20 minutes from Durban Airport, and within walking distance of Umhlanga’s main beach, shops and restaurants, There''s a sparkling pool and fully licenced bar.
2. Checking out street art in Woodstock
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(Photo by Green Hair Mermaid Photography)
Street Art (as artistic grafitti is better known as these days - when it comes to some of the amazing murals you''ll find by talented artists around the world you''ll know why!) is becoming huge and with Cape Town getting ready to be the World Design Capital next year it''s only going to feature more. You could just head to Woodstock and find your own way around - the place is ablaze with vibrant murals - or get hold of Mkwela Duma (on twitter he''s @jumamkela, Tel: 072 2269 815) who is actually one of the artists and offers a great tour. Read more about it here.
Where to stay near Woodstock
From gritty street culture to the tranquil oasis that is Villa Belmonte, an exquisite 109-year-old 5-Star Boutique Hotel in Oranjezicht, 5 km from Woodstock. Pretty gardens around a large heated pool,and the backdrop of Table Mountain make this the ideal spot to cool off after a day spent walking Woodstock''s streets.
3. Sipping a flat white at Father Coffee in Braamfontein
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(Image: Father Coffee''s Facebook page)
As all legit hipsters know, Braamies is THE hottest spot in Jozi these days - and it''s crawling with trendy cafes, art galleries, markets and fashion stores, like Father Coffee - one of the newest coffee kids on the block. Find out more here.
Where to stay in Braamfontein
easyHotel is a chic City Hotel in Braamfontein''s vibrant new trendy precinct, close to art galleries, museums, theatres and Gautrain station. Vibey and bright rooms with all mod cons. Stylish Lamanu Restaurant and bar serves. Stroll to bistros and cafés.
4. Learning to grow my own bonsai at Bishopsford, Hout Bay
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(Photo by Green Hair Mermaid Photography)
Bishopsford Bonsai Nursery is a sanctuary of zen bliss in Hout Bay. A leafy garden filled with beautiful bonsai trees - some over 100 years old - is a wonderfully soothing place to wander around. They offer courses all year too - for beginners starting their first Bonsai to more experienced enthusiasts wanting a refresher course.
Where to stay in Hout Bay
Frogg''s Leap offers laid back comfort in a peaceful plantation style house. Huge verandahs overlook the sea and lush Baviaanskloof. Simple island style decor, an elevated pool with wonderful views and the nearby village and beaches are among the delights of this chilled spot.
5. Tasting craft beer in Long Street, Cape Town
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(Image: BeerHouse Facebook Page)
Long Street has always been Cape Town''s nightlife central and now that a popular but rather shabby upstairs bar has been re-born as The BeerHouse, it''s also become a prime destination for craft beer lovers. The BeerHouse boasts a huge ranege of craft beers and ciders - local and international. The have 20 beers on tap, and 99 bottles from around the world, while also showcasing South Africa’s finest craft brew. We recommend you try the ''Beer o Clock'' tasting selection of 12 craft brews - more than enough to share between 2 and a great way to discover new favourites.
Where to stay in Cape Town Central
Leeuwenvoet House is a lovingly restored Victorian residence, located below Table Mountain and right next to Kloof Street, Cape Town’s trendy restaurant area Relax in the heated splash pool enjoying the mountain views, then stroll to the nearby restaurants or drive to the Waterfront.
6. On a donkey trail in the Karoo
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(Image: www.donkeytrail.com)
What a way to see this unique, beautiful part of the country! A 4 day donkey trail hike, with donkies carrying your gear. The trail starts at Living Waters farm in the Calitzdorp region and ends in Gamkaskloof. The Karoo is renowned for its incredible starry skies so day and night this is a place of wonder. At the end, you get to take a scenic road trip all the way back to the start. More info here.
Where to stay in the Karoo
After this experience you may wish to enjoy a little luxury. Just down the road from Living Waters you''ll find The Retreat at Groenfontein, a charming Victorian farmhouse set in the scenic, tranquil Groenfontein Valley Conservancy,Bedrooms open onto garden patios, while the lounge and dining room, each with a fireplace, open onto the verandah overlooking the sweeping garden and majestic Swartberg mountains.
7. Meeting artists on the Midlands Meander
The Midlands is a Mecca for artists & crafters across a variety of genres: classical paintings by Andre De La Rosa; organic pieces in bone white clay by Astrid Dahl; Stained glass and beads by Gill Pryke; a selection of oil on canvas and pastel paintings by Sue Platt; bead work by Barbara Magrath; unique leather shoes by Dael Lithgow; equine & animal art by Inge Dagmar Manders – just some examples of the many creative in this corner of KZN. You’ll need to make an appointment in order to meet them and see their work.
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Lythwood Lodge is a 33-bedroom country hotel, located within an hour and a half from Durban in the heart of the Midlands, set in peaceful park-like gardens and surrounded by forests. Swimming, fishing, boule, gentle country walks, mountain biking and birding all available, plus there are golf courses nearby.
8. Watching baby turtles head to the ocean at iSimangaliso
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(Image: Jolene Bertoldi)
Watching a mother turtle labouriously dig a hole for her eggs or seeing teeny new born baby turtles scrambling over the sand towards the waves are unforgettable, bucket list worthy experiences. At iSimangaliso (''Place of Miracles'') you can also snorkle through rainbows of fish, play in warm wild waves or watch hippos laze in lakes at sunset.
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Where to stay at iSimangaliso
Whale Song Guest House is in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Comfortable accommodation with air-con. Delicious full English breakfasts out on the sun-drenched patio. The Estuary, beach, shops and restaurants minutes away.
9. Chasing fireflies in the Harold Porter Gardens, Betty''s Bay
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From November these little ''fairies'' can be seen flitting through the summer evening skies at certain places around SA, notably in the Overberg. Harold Porter Botanical Gardens are a great place to see them. Go early enough to hike up to the waterfalls or pack a picnic to enjoy along the stream. As the sunsets, if you''re lucky, the fireflies will appear...
Where to stay near Betty''s Bay
A short beautiful drive from Betty''s Bay, Pringle Bay is a seaside village with an artistic community and a long white beach of sugar white sand an aquamarine waves. Here, Wild Olive Guest House overlooks the ocean and is set amidst beautiful indigenous gardens with a secluded rock pool, an idyllic setting for whale watching and spectacular sunsets.
10. Kloofing on the Garden Route
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Kloofing involves hiking somewhere beautiful near a river, and then jumping off really high rocks into mountain pools. Yeah! The Garden Route has plenty of great routes, but for those kloofing virgins who might be a little nervous, but keen to try, Kaaimans Kloofing enables everyone to experience this thrill. For 4.5 hours, you’ll traverse indigenous forests and pass through majestic canyons, swim in the cola coloured waters of the Kaaimans & Silver Rivers, either looking up at the towering cliffs rising out of the water, or if you’re brave enough, jumping off those cliffs into that water.
Where to stay on the Garden Route
In the heart of the Garden Route, Sea Paradise Guest House is perfectly situated on Wilderness beachfront overlooking the sweep of golden sands. Enjoy hearty breakfasts while admiring panoramic views over the ocean.Kloofing aside, there''s plenty to do...relax on the sundeck and spot dolphins surfing the waves or watch the whales in season. A short walk to the village and restaurants.