If you are lucky enough to be in the valley of the vineyards over December there will be a time when you will want to spoil yourself or your loved ones by dining out for a change. As it is a student town and a popular, picturesque tourist destination, there is no shortage of restaurants, coffee houses, pubs and clubs. They have planned special Christmas dinners for their visitors and below you will see how hard it will be to make a choice.
Strawberry Season in Stellenbosch
There is something so delicious, beautiful and romantic about the strawberry. Could it be that it is associated with Wimbledon and the strawberries-and-cream tradition? Maybe the shape of it - like a red heart? Perhaps even the strawberry scene with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman". Or how well it goes with chocolate or champagne!
In the close proximity of Gravelotte, just off the R71, is the turn-off to Leydsdorp. (The R71 is a provincial route in South Africa that connects Polokwane with the Kruger National Park via Tzaneen and Phalaborwa.)
Although the sign board has always been there and probably every person who is rushing to get to the Kruger National Park sees it and thinks of turning in there at some point in the future, many don't. Leydsdorp, however, is steeped in rich history.
Kids on holiday in Tzaneen
This is a happy place for kids: Mhangela Animal Touch Farm, Tea Garden and Curio Shop with activities and fun for kids and relaxing leisure times for their adult guardians.
At Mhangela families can meet, touch and feed the tame and friendly animals like Jacob the donkey or the miniature ponies Maya, Misty, and Inca, to name a few. Furthermore, there are ostriches, emus, pot-bellied pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits and more. Your children can have safe, supervised pony rides as well.
Kids on holiday in Tzaneen
FISHING SPOTS – Ebenezer Dam, Magoebaskloof Dam, Stanford Lake, Lakeside or Tzaneen Dam.
In a country where water shortages in several parts are a sad and cruel reality, Tzaneen is extremely blessed with not one, but three large bodies of water – and then some. In general, it means enough drinking water, water for crops, gardens and recreation.
Christmas specials in Stellenbosch! Come out and attend the various festivities – special Christmas dinners, carols by candlelight, picnic under the stars – everything possible to enhance the Christmas cheer!
The new Bistro 13 at Stellenbosch Vineyards offers a four-course Christmas lunch for R350. Munchkins (excuse the pun!) 12 years and younger get a two-course lunch at R100, including a gift from Santa. Child minders will be available during lunch. Call 021 881 3044 or reservations@bistro13.co.za.
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!
