LONG weekends are like mini holidays. They’re perfect for recharging your batteries and the great thing about living in South Africa is that we have plenty of them.
June 16 – Youth Day
The public holiday falls on a Sunday this year, which means the Monday will be given as a day off work. Although winter will have arrived, there’s no need to let the blues set in. Pack some warm clothes, lots of food, red wine and travel to Hogsback.
If you’re going for the self- catering option, make sure you stay somewhere that has a fireplace. Nothing beats sitting around a hearth with friends while sipping glühwein.
If you get cabin fever then take a drive to Mist Rising nursery for some “extreme swinging”.
Etienne Paroz and his wife Lois will be happy to point you in the direction of the swing, which is mounted on a tree overlooking a valley. You swing at your own risk, but you have to experience it. The couple don’t charge for the use of their swing, but take cash with you and buy some plants or even a bonsai.
A visit to the labyrinth is also a must. There are tons of walks in the forest, just be careful the naughty fairies don’t make you slip and hurt yourself.
August 9 – Women’s Day
Women’s Day falls on a Friday this year, giving you a three day weekend. By this time you’ll be counting the days until summer and dreaming about the beach. Jump in the car and drive to any one of the numerous holiday destinations along the Sunshine Coast. If the name is anything to go by, you are bound to find sun somewhere along this stretch of coastline.
Try Mpekweni Beach Resort, Fish River Sun Hotel and Country Club Resort, Kenton-On-Sea, Bushmans River or Port Alfred.
Even if the water is too cold for swimming, nothing is stopping you from strolling along some of the best beaches in the province to rejuvenate your soul.
It’s not the December holidays, so the Vaalies won’t be around and you may end up having the beach all to yourself. Or you could put on your hoodie, pack a flask of tea, make for the sand dunes and watch the waves.
September 24 – Heritage Day
Spring has sprung and what better way to see nature in full swing than at a game reserve.
The Addo Elephant National Park has the best of everything and is easily accessible from East London. It’s the ideal family destination and you’ll get to see plenty of animals up close.
There’s a variety of accommodation options in the park from camping facilities to self-catering units. Alternatively, you can stay in the town of Addo, at Sundays River or even Port Elizabeth and drive through for the day. If you opt to do this, pack some braai meat or a picnic. The park has excellent enclosed braai areas so the kids can run around a bit while you take a break from driving and prepare lunch.
Getaways on our doorstep
June 16 – Youth Day
The public holiday falls on a Sunday this year, which means the Monday will be given as a day off work. Although winter will have arrived, there’s no need to let the blues set in. Pack some warm clothes, lots of food, red wine and travel to Hogsback.
If you’re going for the self- catering option, make sure you stay somewhere that has a fireplace. Nothing beats sitting around a hearth with friends while sipping glühwein.
If you get cabin fever then take a drive to Mist Rising nursery for some “extreme swinging”.
Etienne Paroz and his wife Lois will be happy to point you in the direction of the swing, which is mounted on a tree overlooking a valley. You swing at your own risk, but you have to experience it. The couple don’t charge for the use of their swing, but take cash with you and buy some plants or even a bonsai.
A visit to the labyrinth is also a must. There are tons of walks in the forest, just be careful the naughty fairies don’t make you slip and hurt yourself.
August 9 – Women’s Day
Women’s Day falls on a Friday this year, giving you a three day weekend. By this time you’ll be counting the days until summer and dreaming about the beach. Jump in the car and drive to any one of the numerous holiday destinations along the Sunshine Coast. If the name is anything to go by, you are bound to find sun somewhere along this stretch of coastline.
Try Mpekweni Beach Resort, Fish River Sun Hotel and Country Club Resort, Kenton-On-Sea, Bushmans River or Port Alfred.
Even if the water is too cold for swimming, nothing is stopping you from strolling along some of the best beaches in the province to rejuvenate your soul.
It’s not the December holidays, so the Vaalies won’t be around and you may end up having the beach all to yourself. Or you could put on your hoodie, pack a flask of tea, make for the sand dunes and watch the waves.
September 24 – Heritage Day
Spring has sprung and what better way to see nature in full swing than at a game reserve.
The Addo Elephant National Park has the best of everything and is easily accessible from East London. It’s the ideal family destination and you’ll get to see plenty of animals up close.
There’s a variety of accommodation options in the park from camping facilities to self-catering units. Alternatively, you can stay in the town of Addo, at Sundays River or even Port Elizabeth and drive through for the day. If you opt to do this, pack some braai meat or a picnic. The park has excellent enclosed braai areas so the kids can run around a bit while you take a break from driving and prepare lunch.
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