MELANIE MARÉ PHOTOGRAPHY
Think strawberries, think summer! December is harvest season on strawberry farms all over the country and many farms allow you to pick your own. (Call ahead to see if there is still fruit available.) GEORGE
MAGALIESBERG
Red Berry Farm
Tangaroa, The Strawberry Farm
Geelhoutboom Road (next to the R404), Blanco Times: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Closed on 25 December. Entrance fee: Free. Strawberry prices: From R20 for a small punnet. More info: 044 870 7123; redberryfarm.co.za
Near Hartbeesboort Dam, next to the R560. See the website for detailed directions. Times: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 7.30 am to 4 pm. Entrance fee: R70 per adult; R50 per child under 10. Strawberry prices: From R70/kg. More info: 012 207 1116; thestrawberryfarm.co.za
KUILS RIVER
Polkadraai Farm About 6 km from Kuils River next to the M12 towards Stellenbosch. Times: Open every day except 25 December, from 9 am to 4 pm. Entrance fee: Free, but every person in your group must buy a punnet of strawberries. Strawberry prices: From R40 for a small punnet. More info: 021 881 3303; polkadraaifarm.co.za
STELLENBOSCH
Mooiberge Farm Stall About 9 km from Stellenbosch, next to the R44 towards Somerset West. Times: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm; open every day during the December school holidays. Entrance fee: R10 per adult; R5 per child under 12. Strawberry prices: R40/kg More info: 021 881 3222
Father Christmas and his… dolphins? Visit uShaka Marine World in Durban this month for “Dolphins by Starlight” – the dolphins perform to Christmas carols sung by the Durban Gospel Choir and other artists. A ticket to the show includes entrance to the Sea World Aquarium so you can have a look around beforehand. When? 7 – 13 December; show starts at 7 pm. Cost: R170 per adult; R140 per child at tickets.ushakamarineworld.co.za More info: 031 328 8000; ushakamarineworld.co.za