TOP 5

GO OUT AND EXPLORE

5 SOUTH AFRICAN THINGS TO DO UNDER R300

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

LIBERTY’S INDWE PARK If you’re looking for a new park to explore, look no further than the newly built Liberty Indwe Park in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Here, the concrete jungle meets an inspired space and Joburgers and tourists can connect with nature, engage with works of art, take a meditative meander and ground themselves amidst the highveld trees for free!

Edmund Batley was the lead architect for the park, supported by creative genius, James Delaney whose name is synonymous with The Wilds in Johannesburg. Liberty Group was looking for a green lung on a piece of land bordering Wits University, Jan Smuts and the corporates’ headquarters – not only for its employees, but for everyone. Now, you can kick off your shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet without paying any park entry fees. You’re welcome! USHAKA MARINE WORLD Come rain or shine, uShaka Marine World is definitely worth a visit if you’re in KwaZulu-Natal. Here, children (and parents) not only get to have loads of fun, but they also get to learn more about the ocean and why it is important to keep it clean.

Entry tickets vary depending on what you want to see, but the Shipwreck Aquarium should cost around R94 per child and R104 per adult, and Sea World – the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere – should cost R202 per adult and R154 per child. Toddlers under three can enter for free and prices are subject to change. 9 1 King Shaka Avenue, Durban Q @ushakamarineworld

SPIES ROUTE One of Paarl’s favourite hangout spots is Spice Route and now, they have the added offering of SPIES Route – a top-secret solving game taking you on an adventure around Spice Route, solving clues and challenges along the way.

The SPIES Route Adventure game is the perfect family outing. It is clue-driven and ideal for kids between the ages of twelve and seventy. (Winking emoji). The game is available seven days a week and costs R80 per child. It lasts for about 45 minutes and bookings are recommended as groups are limited to four people. In addition to this, you can now also get a Spice Route Kiddies Passport, which will cost you R215 and includes one activity for the day, a selected lunch and soft drink at Barley & Biltong or La Grapperia, and dessert at De Villiers Chocolate.

Adults can also get a Spice Route Passport at R270, including five tastings: A CBC beer tasting, a De Villiers Chocolate Tasting, a Wilderer Gin tasting and a Spice Route Wines tasting paired with a charcuterie tasting plate.

9 Suid Agter Paarl Road, Suider Paarl Q www.spiceroute.co.za

The ArtiChoc Creative Café is the something different we’ve all been craving, especially when looking for fun family entertainment. Located on the Stellenbosch Vineyards premises just outside of town, you’ll find the lovely café – the brainchild of two food and chocolate-loving entrepreneurs, Nini Jerman and chef Norman Human.

Early in 2022, the pair opened The Winston & Julia Chocolate Shop and Ceramic Café, which later shaped the concept of the ArtiChoc Creative Café. Jerman says the café epitomises the ‘magic’ of family. “Making chocolate and magic not only entices the senses but also celebrates the coming together of friends and family.” This welcoming eatery boasts a wonderful activity hub where the entire family can have fun and engage with each other and others safely.

Family activities include tye dye socks, pullstring painting art, hot chocolate bombs, chocolate slab making, fusion glass art, clay crafts, candle making, soap making, rope baskets, bath bombs, Rooibos tea and chocolate pairings, pasta making and more.

Adults can also take part in paint and sip events, pizza and wine pairings and happy hours on Fridays. Prices and workshops can be viewed on their website, www.artichoc.co.za, with chocolate slab making starting at R220 per person.

9 Stellenbosch Vineyards, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Lynedoch, Stellenbosch Q @artichoc.za

MONTECASINO BIRD & WILDLIFE PARK Probably one of Joburg’s best kept secrets, this bird and wildlife park boasts the perfect setting for some quality family time. See a variety of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals as you follow the enchanted garden’s walkways. They have over 60 species of birds in the walk-through Aviary, including Scarlet Ibises and Nicobar Piegeons.

Tariffs start at R66 per child for day visitors and of course, Montecasino is filled with a host of other activities to add to the experience.

9 Corner of William Nicol Drive and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg Q @montecasino_za