Oudtshoorn – there ARE great things to do and see!
Oudtshoorn is not simply a hot, dry Karoo town in summer. This town comes alive in April hosting the famous KKNK (Klein Karool Nasionale Kunstefees) one of the largest art festivals in the country. In 2018, it will be held from 7 to 14 April. If you are going to find yourself in the nearby vicinity in December, you'll be able to fill your days with ample fascinating family outings.
Here are the reasons:
One of the local legends goes that King Makgoba himself described the area where the town of Tzaneen is now situated as "Tzaneng - the happy land". Another explanation is that the name originated from the word "Tzana" (basket), describing Tzaneen's location: surrounded by hills and filled with an abundance of fresh produce!
Tzaneen is the second largest town in the Limpopo Province. The beautiful trees and gardens can be ascribed to the high rainfall and warmth of the Lowveld.
1-2-3!! A colourful start to the last month of the year in Tzaneen! A Christmas market will be held at Tzaneen Country Lodge Conference Centre on 1 and 2 December. Visitors can expect 34 stalls loaded with a variety of delectable delicacies, possible gifts and other lovelies associated with the festive season.
Wine in Oudtshoorn? Yes! Karusa is a family operated and managed wine and fruit farm. The word "Karusa" is a Khoi San word meaning land with little water. Karusa is situated at the foothill of the majestic Swartberg in the tranquil and scenic Cango Valley settlement of Schoemanshoek. The farm is en route to the world famous Cango Caves. It is situated 12km north of Oudtshoorn, capital of the Klein Karoo region and ostrich capital of the world. Karusa is the first and only Premium Private winery in Oudtshoorn. Raise your glass!
Fizz, fine food and fun await you at this annual fiesta in the French-inspired valley. Raise a glass (or five) to celebrate the beginning of the festive season with the return of the Franschhoek 'Magic of Bubbles' Cap Classique and Champagne Festival in the picture-perfect Winelands valley from Saturday, 2 to Sunday, 3 December 2017.
In honour of all things deliciously effervescent, the annual soiree on the lush lawns surrounding Franschhoek's iconic Huguenot Monument offers nothing but the best bubbly from wineries in and around the area.
Kirstenbosch is an important botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. You will find it in Rhodes Drive, Newlands. It is a 5.28 km² area of floral beauty, peace and tranquillity. It was created in 1913 and in 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, which includes Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For any enquiries or reservations, call 021 799 8783.
Tzaneen is a drive-through for many tourists and visitors en route to the Kruger Park and other holiday places (private game farms, Die Eiland etc), but they lose the excellent opportunity of making it a destination worthy to explore a bit. One of the best ways is by bike. It allows you to truly drink in the forest fragrances, the beautiful views, the needed exercise and the breath-taking views – all sitting down, while your legs take you places!
The Tzaneen Road Hogs (Biker club) is having their annual Toy Run on Sunday, 26 November in Tzaneen. Clubs from neighbouring towns have been invited and are expected to join this worthy effort.
Last year 157 riders and about 280 others (in cars, being lifted on motorbikes etc) attended and the organizers are hoping to see more this year. Bikers will gather at Merensky High School at 9:00 to register. Entry fee for this exceptional morning run is a soft toy, non-perishable items or toiletries for children in need, in poverty or in hospital.
Another amazing individual from the Tzaneen Community
Sue moved to Mooketsi in 1998 when she married Doug Reed – becoming an instant, hands-on, 24/7 mum of five, involving herself in pre-school careers from big walks, matric dances to seconding at adventure races.
Things to think about doing in November
* Start getting in shape for the beach!!! Start with a brisk walk. Advance to a slow jog and work on picking up momentum! And then continue after the festive season! Start a good habit!
* Go for a romantic couple's massage package at a pampering spa in Tzaneen!
* Camp out in your own garden (to check that all the camping gear is in working order!)
