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Get ready to pack your overnight bags and book an exhilarating local getaway, because South African travellers can expect to enjoy lower airfares during the winter months!
While local airlines are caught up in a pricing battle – with Lift airlines wanting a Competition Commission investigation into air ticket prices as they drop to lower levels – consumers can stand to benefit and find great deals on cheaper flights during the low winter season. Now is definitely the time to fly high and book a thrilling holiday in Mzansi. Listed below are some must-see local vacation ideas, perfect for friends, couples or the whole family.
Journey to Johannesburg and beyond
Travellers looking to visit Johannesburg from Cape Town and Durban have so much to explore within South Africa’s cosmopolitan financial hub. Located within 10 kilometres from the hustle and bustle of eGoli, book in at the Radisson RED Rosebank and enjoy the comforts of stylish and vibrant rooms.
“Jo’burg has incredibly intriguing experiences all over this interesting city,” says Michael Delaney, Curator, Radisson RED Hotel Johannesburg Rosebank. “Dance with the locals while on a Soweto Tour; or walk with a Soweto tour guide through the suburb, visiting Nelson Mandela’s home in Vilakazi Street, and enjoying a local lunch of kota. Alternatively, take to the streets by bicycle, and do a fascinating bike tour through the historical township.”
The City Of Gold offers some diverse gastronomic experiences. “Take a food tour through some of the food markets, like Neighbourgoods, Joburg Market, TheSheds@1Fox, Market On Main, and Yeoville Food Market,” suggests Delaney, “and you’ll get a broad taste of Africa’s food scene”.
Once you’ve enjoyed the thrills of an inner-city escape, it’s time to delight in some R&R in nature. Book a car rental and escape to the unparalleled natural beauty of the Kruger National Park. Conveniently located right at the Paul Kruger Gate, and on the banks of the iconic Sabie River, Kruger Gate Hotel is the perfect base from which to luxuriate in the Kruger National Park.
The best time to visit the park is June to August as mid-winter is the dry season and many animals will stay close to watering holes. This makes game spotting that much easier. That’s not to say that this bush escape can’t be year-round too. You can opt for a self-driven safari, or explore the park’s wonders with an educational guided safari – either way you are sure to walk away with meaningful memories with your loved ones.
Take the opportunity to have an early night, and marvel at the majestic Kruger landscape at dawn, or give yourself a moment to unwind with the Kruger Gate Hotel’s rejuvenating spa treatments in the wild. This is truly an awe-inspiring tranquil setting to retreat to. A getaway to the Kruger National Park will leave you spellbound, and should be at the top of your South African travel bucket list!
Captivated by Cape Town
The Mother City is nothing short of an adventure lover’s dream. Table Mountain has won The World Travel Awards title of Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction five times since 2012. Once you experience the spectacular views over the city and harbour, on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, you will know why this magnificent landmark is much celebrated.
The appeal of Cape Town is not just limited to spectacular coastlines and mesmerising mountains; there is so much more to enjoy in the city. Immerse yourself in vast selections of artefacts, animal exhibitions and art at the esteemed Iziko Museum, a world-renowned facility that brings you closer to rich history with captivating displays that entertain and educate at once. Another must-see is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which houses the largest collection of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
Wine lovers around the world travel to Cape Town to savour world-class South African wine. Experience spectacular wine estates yourself, and book a City sightseeing winelands tour in a luxury air-conditioned coach. If you’re looking for a different type of blend look to Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie, where you can revel in specialty teas and baked goods at SereniTEA Garden and pet animals at the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farm Yard.
Get down to Durban
Escape the winter blues and head to Durban to make the most of the city’s subtropical climate. Book a waterfront stay at the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga, where you will be situated near Umhlanga Pier, Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and uShaka Marine World.
Try the mouthwatering offerings of Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, where the North American-inspired dishes are cooked to perfection on an open flame. Grab a quick bite of shisa nyama or pizzas before heading out on the day’s adventure. Firelake, which is the first of its kind in South Africa, is situated at the Radisson Blu Umhlanga and serves tasty cocktails and beers.
Aside from the gorgeous beaches, Durban is also a shopping lover mecca, with seven major shopping malls and a myriad of other shopping destinations to shop until you drop on holiday. With other eclectic shopping spots like The Spice Emporium, 1000 Hills Village, The Kingfisher, and Eye4Art – you only need to be open to experiencing different types of shopping destinations to find a whole new world of culture, design, and innovation.