Cape Town’s SummererShowcase: wcase: th o M e h t r e v o Redisc eck D p o T e h t City from
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ummer in Cape Town never really loses its magic. The days stretch long and golden and that familiar outline of Table Mountain becomes the backdrop to braais, beach days and sunset drives. Whether you’ve called the Mother City home for years, or you’re arriving for a long-awaited holiday, the question is the same: how do you make the most of it without the mission of driving, parking, and planning? More people are answering that question in bright red. City Sightseeing Cape Town’s open-top, Hop-On Hop-Off buses have become part of the city’s summer scenery. It’s the easiest, most relaxed ways to reconnect with your own city, or to show it off to visiting friends and family. From just R375 per adult when booked online, the 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off ticket
Enjoy the views from Cape Town on top one of the City Sightseeing buses.
gives you access to three routes that link many of Cape Town’s headline attractions. One ticket, multiple stops, and the freedom to get on and off as often as you like. No topping up petrol, no arguing over directions, no hunting for parking at the beach. You can start at the V&A Waterfront, where the buses depart regularly throughout the day. For out-of-towners, it’s an easy, central landmark; for locals, it’s a familiar meeting point with plenty of coffee spots to start the day. From there, the buses fan out across the city, covering routes that feel
The City Sightseeing bus at the foot of Table Mountain, one of the destinations on its famous routes.
both iconic and surprisingly fresh when you’re not the one behind the wheel. From the top deck, you get a completely different perspective on roads you may drive every week. The sea seems closer, the curve of the coastline more dramatic. You can sit on the open-top deck and enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views of mountain, city and sea while someone else deals with the traffic lights and roundabouts. A multilingual audio guide plays through your
headphones, sharing bits of history, quirky facts, and local tips. For families, the hop-on hop-off format is a big plus. You can tailor the day around kids’ energy levels, getting off at the beach, a park, or an attraction, then jumping back on when everyone’s ready to move on. For older relatives or visitors who aren’t keen on lots of walking or driving, it’s a comfortable, lowstress way to see a wide sweep of the city in a single day. City Sightseeing Cape Town is a relaxed, scenic way to orient yourself – or to fall in love with Cape Town all over again.
A Victorian Gothic gem still performs a vital service The Gqeberha Main Library stands in the north-western corner of Market Square, housed in a building regarded as an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture with a terra-cotta façade manufactured in England. Officially opened in 1902, it is the only historic building in South Africa built as a public library that is still functioning as one today. A Sicilian marble statue of Queen Victoria, erected and unveiled in 1903, keeps watch over Market Square and visitors are welcome to browse in the library. FROM READING SOCIETY TO PUBLIC INSTITUTION
The building is regarded as an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture.
through members donating their shares, acquired the Commercial Hall outright. In 1854 the library moved out and rented the building to the government, which used it as a courthouse, the same function the first building on the site had served from 1854.
The library's roots go back to 1844, when a small reading society known as the Port Elizabeth News Society was established THREATENED WITH DEMOLITION, in the then-named Port Elizabeth. It was SAVED AS A MONUMENT housed in a rented room above a shop in Jetty Street, with reading The library was housed matter consisting mainly of OPERATING HOURS at various sites until 31 July English magazines, London 1902, when it moved into Monday: 10:00–17:00 newspapers, the main South its present building. In the Tuesday: 09:00–17:00 African newspapers pubWednesday: 09:00–17:00 1960s plans were mooted lished at the time and a small to demolish the building to Thursday: 09:00–17:00 collection of books. make way for a Provincial Friday: 09:00–13:00 In 1845 the society moved Administration block that Closed on weekends to a rented room in the Comwould include space for a Source: nmbt.co.za mercial Hall, which stood on Provincial Library Service. the site of the present library This never happened, and building. in 1983 the building was declared a historic At a public meeting on 26 July 1848 monument. residents decided to start a subscription In 1965, after a public referendum, the library. A total of £585 was collected from assets of the Port Elizabeth Public Library public subscriptions, a yearly income of and the North End Library were handed to £197 was guaranteed, and the government the Port Elizabeth Municipality. of the day gave a grant of £200. Together with the assets of the Walmer The public library was successful and, Library, they formed the nucleus of the partly through buying shares and mostly municipal Port Elizabeth Public Libraries.S
JBay set for
The line-up for 17 December includes Ons, Jacobus, Demi Lee Moore, Kurt Darren, Early B and Gertjie.
jam-packed December programme with JBay GrootFees 2026 H
igh-tail down to Jeffrey’s for the JBay GrootFees, some real festive
fun!
Jeffrey’s Bay is set to come alive this festive season with a jam-packed programme of music, entertainment, family activities and community events running from 17 to 31 December 2026, anchored by the inaugural JBay GrootFees 2026 at Main Beach. Presented by Kouga Local Municipality, in partnership with Afrikaans is Groot and Colesky Artists, JBay GrootFees will take place on 17 and 31 December, bringing a star-studded line-up of South African artists to Jeffreys Bay. The opening JBay GrootFees on 17 December will feature Ons, Jacobus, Demi Lee Moore, Kurt Darren, Early B and Gertjie, while the year-end celebration on 31 December will feature Dodo, Blackbyrd, Eloff, Prime Circle, Emo Adams, Jakkalsvibes and Gertjie, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the programme would add to the festive-season experience for residents and visitors while showcasing Jeffrey’s Bay as a vibrant destination. “Jeffrey’s Bay is getting ready for an unforgettable December. From major concerts and live music to family activities, sporting events and community entertainment there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“JBay GrootFees gives us an exciting opportunity to bring some of South Africa’s leading artists to our town while also creating a platform to showcase Jeffreys Bay, our local businesses, tourism offerings and the unique energy of Kouga during the festive season.” The entertainment continues between the two GrootFees dates, ensuring that visitors have plenty to see and do throughout the holiday period. The programme kicks off on 17 December with the Opening of Season, Light Tour, Score Touchies and the first JBay GrootFees concert, together with the official switching-on of the Christmas festive lights. On 18 December audiences can look forward to the much-loved Mamma Mia show, while 19 December will feature a Taylor
Swift Tribute, together with performances by Jenedine Jantjies and SMYC. From 20 to 24 December an Art Exhibition will provide a platform for local creativity, while 20 December will also feature an Outdoor Church Service with Praise and Worship. The programme continues on 21 December with a Country Evening, featuring performances by Ruan van der Kuil and Gertjie and Chantelle. The date 22 December promises a particularly family-focused day, with a Firefighter Demonstration, Bester die Renoster, Face Painting, Rick Mulder, Santa’s Beach Run, Harmony Brass Band, a Santa Visit, John Nelson
The year-end celebration, on 31 December, will feature Dodo, Blackbyrd, Eloff, Prime Circle, Emo Adams, Jakkalsvibes and Gertjie.
and Christmas Carols. The festive entertainment continues on 27 December with Classics under the Stars, featuring Jenedine Jantjies, Zadine McCarthy, John Nelson and Jannie Moolman. The celebrations culminate on 31 December with the second JBay GrootFees of the season. The impressive line-up will provide the perfect soundtrack to welcome the new year, before the evening ends with a fireworks display. “We want residents and visitors to experience more than just a single festival day,” said Bornman. “This programme creates a full festive-season experience, with entertainment and activities spread across December. The festive season is an important time for our local economy, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Jeffrey’s Bay.” With its beaches, vibrant atmosphere and extensive programme Jeffrey’s Bay is preparing for a busy festive season, with JBay GrootFees 2026 set to be one of the major highlights on the summer calendar. All shows and activities on the festive programme are free of charge, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the festive season.
Part of the South African Astronomical Observatory outside Sutherland. Photo: salt.ac.za
d n a l r e h t u S World-class stargazing and small-town adventure
Helena Barnard
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utherland in the Northern Cape is synonymous with stars, SALT and snow and offers an adventurous getaway for stargazers, couples, families and off-the-beaten-track travellers. The town, which was founded in 1723, is a world-class stargazing hub, and is renowned for its cold winters with the coldest temperature recorded at -16.4 degrees Celsius on 12 July 2003. However, those not keen on experiencing chilly temperatures and building snowmen, can visit during any other season as it is the clear, unpolluted and very dark skies that lead to magic when you look up at night.
Stellar attractions Start your cosmic journey in town at the Sutherland Planetarium on the corner of Sarel Cilliers and Piet Retief Street, for daytime shows and evening telescope stargazing. This privately owned digital planetarium features an 11-m dome and offers immersive digital 3D full-dome astronomy shows alongside outdoor telescope stargazing. The planetarium has a limited availability of just 30 seats, so booking ahead is essential. The crown jewel of the Sutherland adventure lies roughly 14 to 18 km outside town on an observing plateau: the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). Operated by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), this massive
professional scientific-research facility houses the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. Funded by an international consortium, Africa’s “Giant Eye on the Universe” has been in full scientific operation since 2011. Visitors can enjoy guided day tours and view interesting objects through two dedicated visitor telescopes. Because of its popularity the facility cannot accommodate unbooked visitors. Secure your tickets online via Quicket ahead of time. Beyond the stars While in Sutherland enjoy the Karoo cuisine and drive or explore scenic mountain passes. Also, explore the oldest house in town, the Louw Museum,
housed in the birthplace of fawalls and doors. mous Afrikaans poet NP van Wyk The interior houses a rare, GerLouw and fellow versifier, his man-designed pipe organ kept in brother WEG Louw. its original casing. The Dutch Reformed church, For more on this unique town, built in a distinctive Gothic Reexplore the following websites vival style in 1899, is also worth for more information: visitvisiting. During the Anglo-Boer sutherland.co.za; sutherlandWar (1899-1902) the newly built planetarium.co.za; salt.ac.za; church was occupied and used and saao.ac.za as a fort by garrisoned British soldiers before The Sutherland Planetarium in town. it could be fully Photo: sutherlandplanetarium.co.za consecrated. Evidence of this military occupation remains visible today through historic graffiti left by soldiers on the church’s interior
Discover South Africa’s hidden underground world Across South Africa are thousands of caves, sinkholes, underground passages and karst landscapes, with much of this world remaining almost completely invisible to the general public. “People drive across dolomite and limestone landscapes every day without ever considering what might exist below them,” says André Grové, president of the South African Speleological Association (SASA). “There is an entire landscape beneath parts of South Africa that most people will simply never see.” However, many of these have been explored, surveyed and documented by generations of volunteer cavers. During the first International Cave and Karst Day, officially proclaimed by Unesco and observed on 13 September, SASA with its affiliated caving clubs encouraged members of the public to experience that extraordinary underground world, accompanied by experienced cavers. Grové says the aim was not to turn first-
time visitors into extreme explorers overnight, but rather to introduce people to caves responsibly and safely and to show them what recreational caving is actually about. Depending on the location and local club, participants crawled through passages, and viewed larger underground chambers, unusual rock formations and the complete darkness that exists only underground. A hidden heritage Caves play an extraordinary role in South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage. They contain geological records stretching back millions of years, provide habitats for specialised wildlife, preserve archaeological and palaeontological material and contain some of the country’s most remarkable underground landscapes. South African cavers have also played an important role in exploring and documenting caves throughout Southern Africa, assisting with underground rescues and
contributing to cave conservation and scientific research. These cavers willingly spend their Saturdays and Sundays crawling, climbing, squeezing and sometimes swimming through the underground world. From the world-famous Cango Caves to remote wilderness systems, Southern Africa is home to some of the most spectacular limestone and dolomite caves on Earth. Some of the best-known tourist caves in South Africa are: Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind in the Krugersdorp area; Bothongo Wonder Cave, Cradle of Humankind, near Kromdraai; Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn; Sudwala Caves near Nelspruit; Echo Caves near Ohrigstad; and Wonderwerk Caves near Kuruman. Adventurers who want to join an established caving club in their region can find contact details by visiting sasa.caves.org.za. - Compiled by Helena Barnard
A caver surveying in a cave. Photos: SASA
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Trail thekets on the N2
The Neighbours Farm on Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, brings back its Sunflower Festival on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December.
where you may find anything from second-hand books and bric-a-brac to plants, tools and the occasional hidden treasure, all at prices that invite a friendly haggle. Show up early, bring cash. Sharing the same park-like grounds at days from 17:00 to 22:00 and weekends Southey's Vines, the Southey's Car Boot from 11:00 to 16:00, with free entry. Sixty Thrift and Second-hand Market offers permanent stalls offer food, estate wines, a different kind of Saturday morning craft beers, handmade wares and artisbrowse. Every second Saturday, 08:30anal produce. Live music, a jungle gym, 14:00, weather permitting. Contact Hayley artjamming and archery keep children on WhatsApp 076 335 5116. entertained. Farm stalls on the N2 Triggerfish Market The Peregrine Farm Stall in Grabouw Every Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00 at has served travellers since 1964, growing Triggerfish Brewing in Paardevlei, this from a fruit-vending stall into a beloved laid-back market offers arts and crafts, ar- stop with a bakery, cafe and nursery. tisan products and craft beers on tap. Live Freshly baked bread daily, handmade music and a pet-friendly atmosphere. The cakes and locally sourced Elgin Valley probrewery's taproom and kitchen also open duce. Open Monday to Thursday, 07:30through the week. 17:00, Friday to Sunday 07:30-18:00. Elgin Railway Market The Houw Hoek Farm Stall has been A short drive over Sir Lowry's Pass, a roadside institution since 1980. It is housed in a 1940s apple warehouse built legendary for its homemade pies – goldby Italian prisoners of war, now a steamen-crusted, packed with hearty fillings punk and art-deco space. Food vendors and baked fresh daily from family recipes. serve everything from curries and pizzas Also offers fresh produce, a bakery, winery to dim sum and fresh Thai, with homeand coffee shop. Voted Best Farm Store. made fudge and chocolate for dessert. The Just outside Grabouw, The Orchard bar offers local wines, beer, cider and craft Farm Stall offers home-made meals, artigins, while Steam Coffee pours homesan coffee and locally crafted products. ground brews. Retail stalls sell jewellery, Strawberry picking leather goods and vellies. Full market Strawberry season runs roughly from Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00 to September to January or February, weath16:00, with limited food vendors on Friday er-dependent. On the R44 Mooiberge is evenings. famous for its colourful scarecrows and Car-boot sale whimsical creatures. What began in the For bargain hunters and early risers, 1950s as a roadside cart run by the Zetler the car park of the Gordon's Bay Bowling family is now a sprawling complex with a Club on Main Road, opposite Pick n Pay, farm stall, Farmer's Kitchen, Thirsty Scarecomes alive on Saturday mornings with a crow Bistro-Pub and a children's play humble but cherished car-boot sale. Ven- area. Open daily 08:30-18:00. dors arrive early to secure a spot, paying Off the R44 near Raithby, Helderberg a small fee of around R20 to a member Farm has been in the Hendrikz/Obermeyof the bowls club, a modest contribution er family for six generations. Strawberry that goes to charity. It is the kind of place picking sits alongside hiking, mountain
myriad craft mar
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rom craft markets under oak trees to farm stalls along the N2 the Helderberg and its surrounding valleys offer weekend experiences steeped in tradition, local flavour and community spirit. Here is a guide to the region's best. Country Craft Market The oldest craft market in the Helderberg basin, established in 1983 at Southey's Vines in Main Road, Somerset West. One of very few South African markets run by crafters exclusively for crafters. Twice-monthly, on Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00, stalls offer sculptures, art, ceramics, jewellery and up-cycled goods. Serves light lunches and craft beer with live busker music. Free entry, child- and pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible. Lourensford Market Set on the lawns of Lourensford Wine Estate, this open-air market runs Fri-
The Country Craft Market takes place at Southey’s Vines in Main Road, Somerset West, twice weekly on Saturdays. Visit www.countrycraftmarket.org/ for the market dates.
biking, a 4x4 route and a play park with an animal farmyard. Open daily 08:00-17:00. On the Stellenbosch side Polkadraai Farm offers a well-organised picking experience daily from 09:00 to 16:00, September to January. It also offers a bike park, tractor rides, mini golf and pony rides. Upcoming: Sunflower Festival The Neighbours Farm in Annandale Road, Stellenbosch brings back its Sunflower Festival on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December. This year's expanded planting features some 500 000 sunflowers, with new colour varieties – white, orange, red, plum and double-flowered – alongside the classic gold. Visitors pay R155 covering entrance and the first 12 stems; children under 12 enter free. The festival runs 08:00-17:00 both days. Food vendors include D's Noodle Bar and Talledega Grill, with drinks from Yardstick Wines, Jack Black Brewery and The Meadery. Live acoustic music from 10:00 to 15:00, and a new kids' area with a petting zoo. Tickets via Webtickets – early booking recommended. A region worth savouring Browsing handcrafted ceramics or filling baskets with strawberries, these market-day experiences are hard to beat.
Raise a glass to H’berg: unique wine route On a wine route like no other have a taste of what awaits! South of Stellenbosch, sweeping to False Bay, the Helderberg unfolds like a vast amphitheatre. The maritime influence makes it cooler than inland areas, while diverse microclimates allow everything from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to robust Cabernet Sauvignon to flourish. It takes in Macassar, Raithby, Strand, Somerset West and Sir Lowry's Pass. Lourensford Wine Estate Spread across 4 000 ha on the Helderberg slopes, Lourensford was established by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1709. Winemaking, revived in 1998 under Dr Christo Wiese, produces accessible, easy-drinking wines and boutique, terroir-driven selections, with cellar tours by appointment. Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate When Italian businessman Giulio Bertrand bought this historic farm in 1992, he set out to create excellence in Bordeaux-style wines
and olive oil, paving the way for South Africa's olive-oil culture. He imported 17 olive varieties from Perugia. The tasting room and restaurant offer wine and olive-oil tastings with Italian cuisine. Waterkloof Wines Perched below Sir Lowry's Pass, Waterkloof is a biodynamic estate known for premium wines and breathtaking views. The tasting lounge offers six curated wine flights, while CHORUS restaurant serves a seasonal five-course menu. Rust en Vrede Wine Estate With a title deed dating to 1694 Rust en Vrede is steeped in heritage. Its Cape Dutch buildings from 1780 hold National Monument status and still serve as the estate's home and acclaimed restaurant. Its wines have been served at the Nobel Peace Prize dinner in Oslo. Alto Wine Estate Along the steep northern Helderberg slopes, Alto has crafted respected red wines for over a century. Founded by Hennie Malan
with the first vintage in 1922, the estate has had only five winemakers. Its 1984 Cabernet Sauvignon won the Grand Prix d'Honneur at Vinexpo, the only South African wine to receive this honour. Ernie Els Wines Named after the golf legend, this estate is globally recognised for exceptional red wines. The tasting room and restaurant serve farmstyle cuisine paired with wines from four collections. Peter Falke Wines In Annandale Road Peter Falke Wines exudes understated elegance. The German-born Falke acquired the farm in 1995 and, with French wife Danièle, an interior designer, transformed the 18th-century Cape Dutch homestead. Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate One of South Africa's oldest working wine farms dating to 1696, Vergenoegd Löw combines heritage with sustainability, with its flock of over 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks. Enjoy lunch at Geuwels restaurant or wine tasting.
What sets the Helderberg apart is not just the quality of its wines but the diversity of experiences on offer. Photo: Pexels
Ken Forrester Wines The farm dates to 1689, acquired at auction by Ken and Teresa Forrester in 1993, the estate still tends Chenin vines from the 1970s and offers tastings. Cavalli Estate Cavalli (horses in Italian) is spread across 110 ha along the R44, encompassing vineyards, fynbos gardens, a restaurant, an art gallery and a world-class equestrian facility. Avontuur Estate Between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, the estate bottled its first vintage in 1987 and crafts wines across three collections, including a Thoroughbred Collection honouring its stud farm. Annandale Wine Estate Annandale, granted in 1688, was restored to winemaking by legendary winemaker Hempies du Toit, and today his daughter and
son-in-law craft premium reds. Journey's End Vineyards Tucked among the Schapenberg Hills near Sir Lowry's Pass, Journey's End was restored in 1995 by the Gabb family. Today 40 ha of vineyards grow in 350-millionyear-old decomposed granite soils, cooled by the Cape Doctor wind from False Bay. A route worth taking Here we have a diversity of experiences – sipping biodynamic wines on a mountain slope or a Cabernet Sauvignon once served to royalty. Estates, ranging from the oldest to bold newcomers, share a common thread; deep respect for land, a passion for craft and a warm family feel.
Cableway boosts access View from Table Mountain with Robben Island in the background. Photos: Wikimedia Commons
The cable car
between the up per and lower stations .
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or the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) accessibility is not only about reaching the summit. It also means being able to find the right information, purchase a ticket in a way that works for one, navigate the mountain with different mobility needs and accessing the experience through a range of concessions and educational opportunities. Access starts before visitors arrive. TMACC has added WhatsApp as a new ticketing channel through Webtickets, giving visitors another way to buy standard return and oneway tickets. Visitors can access the option through the company’s tickets page on Webtickets by selecting “Buy via WhatsApp”, or by scanning the QR code at the Ticket Office or in the queue at the Lower Station. They can also access information via the
seasonal offers provide different entry points for families, young people, students, pensioners and regular visitors. • Children aged 4 to 17 qualify for child ticket rates. Since 1 July until 30 June 2027, the online return rate is R230, while the Ticket Office return rate is R270. Children under four travel free. • South African senior citizens aged 60 and older pay R130 for a return ticket seven days a week, online or at the Ticket Office, with a valid South African ID. • Students aged 18 and older, local and international, pay R320 return or R200 one way with a valid student card. Student tickets are available at the Lower Station Ticket Office; • South Africans can redeem a free return Cableway ticket during their birthday month at the Ticket Office or Visitor Information TMACC's website, www.tablemountain.net, Centre with valid South African identification; and its mobile app (downloadable from the • South Africans can also redeem the Local is App and Google Play Stores) provide live Lekker special valid until 31 October. A return information on operating status, temperaticket rate for adults is R265, while the rate for ture, visibility, wind conditions, first and last children is R135. A valid South African ID is car times and estimated waiting times at the required when booking; Lower and Upper Cable Stations. • Regular visitors can make use of the Virtual Making more of the mountain accessible, Cable Card, with options for adults, children the Universal Access Walkway opened in aged 4 to 17 and South African pensioners April this year, in partnership with SANParks, aged 60 and older, providing year-round providing visitors with wheelchairs, prams access for frequent users. and other mobility aids with a dedicatTips on visiting Table Mountain this holied route towards the edge of the summit day season: plateau. It extends the area of the mountain, • Buy Cableway tickets online at Webtickets reachable with different mobility needs. and save. Access also means creating options for • Park & Ride: use the free Park & Ride shuttle different budgets and life stages service, which runs from the Lower Tafelberg For TMACC accessibility also includes Road/ Kloof Nek parking area to the Lower creating ways for more South Africans to Station. experience the mountain. Its year-round and For more, visit www.tablemountain.net
Cape’s ocean wonder in 3D L
ooking for a magical way to spend a day in Cape Town? Journey into the wonderful world of penguins, octopuses, sharks and more at the Two Oceans Aquarium, where ocean wonder meets marine education and conservation. Start your visit bright and early when the Aquarium opens at 09:00 during school holidays or 09:30 during regular hours. Head straight to the Penguin Exhibit to watch the African penguins begin their day. Mornings are when they are at their most active, diving, preening and grooming in the water. It is a heartwarming way to connect with these much-loved marine locals. Next, make your way to the Kelp Forest Exhibit to catch the Northern rockhopper penguins enjoying their morning swim. Each week, until around 11:00, the rockhoppers leave their beach in the Penguin Exhibit and zoom through the swaying kelp, darting past the gully sharks. Just before 11:00, head back to the Penguin Exhibit and get your camera ready for their return. Aquarium staff will guide visitors along the pathway as the Northern rockhopper penguins make their way back to their beach. Watching their little feet patter across the walkway is guaranteed to be one of the cutest moments of your day! Stay nearby for African-penguin lunch-
time at 11:30. The penguins are fed nutritious pilchards while an aquarium staff member shares fascinating facts about these iconic birds and the challenges they face in the wild. Missed the morning feeding? No problem! The penguins have another feeding session at 14:30. At 12:00 it is time to choose your next adventure. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, watch rays and fish being hand-fed by scuba divers at the I&J Ocean Exhibit. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays head to the Kelp Forest Exhibit for a feeding frenzy featuring catsharks, steenbras and stumpnose. Saturdays bring one of the most exciting feeding experiences of all; the majestic ragged-tooth sharks being fed in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit. If you are visiting with younger ocean explorers make time for the Children’s Play Centre, where fabulously fishy puppet shows take place daily at 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30. From waddling penguins to hungry sharks a day at Two Oceans is packed with unforgettable encounters. Come curious, stay captivated and leave with a deeper understanding of the incredible ocean animals that call South Africa home.
The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town has an assortment of ocean life to view during a visit.
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estled beneath the rugged Maluti Mountains in the Eastern Free State and set against the scenic landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, this region is steadily establishing itself as one of South Africa’s most captivating travel destinations.
Soar above the Eastern Free State at sunrise with Hot Air Ballooning SA, where the majestic Maluti Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. Photo: Zane Frost
The Eastern Free State, a landscape of sweeping grasslands, glowing sandstone cliffs and wide-open skies, is home to a constellation of charming towns including Clarens, Fouriesburg, Rosendal and Bethlehem as well as the iconic Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Together they offer visitors an irresistible blend of adventure, artistry and countryside tranquillity. From horse trails across rolling farmland and trout fishing in crystal-clear streams to hiking routes that wind through wildflower-dotted valleys and up dramatic mountain passes, the region invites exploration at every pace. Canoeing, 4x4 routes and farm stays add to the sense of unfiltered, outdoor freedom that defines this highland escape.
Majestic mid-SA beckons
Hot Air Ballooning SA Few experiences rival the quiet magic of drifting above the Eastern Free State in a hot-air balloon, and Hot Air Ballooning South Africa offers just that against the majestic backdrop of the Maluti Mountains near Clarens. The company combines professional expertise with warm hospitality to create unforgettable sunrise flights, chosen for their exceptional scenery and favourable ballooning conditions. Suitable for adventurers from as young as 5 to well into their 90s, this gentle, weather-dependent experience takes advantage of South Africa’s calm early mornings and runs seven days a week throughout the year. For bookings, contact 083 446 9423 or email info@ hotairballooningsa.co.za
Nestled on De Hoop Farm, home to Ventersberg Stables, De Hoop Adventures has spent more than 23 years guiding visitors through the mountains and farmlands surrounding Fouriesburg, near Clarens in the Eastern Free State. This family-run business, supported by a skilled team of local guides, offers immersive outdoor experiences ranging from horse trails and hiking to mountain biking, 4x4 routes, canoeing, camping and kayaking. Photo: Facebook
Highgate Wine Estate in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is perfect for a leisurely day out, a special celebration, or even a delightful surprise, Highgate combines fine wine, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences in an elegant setting. Photo: Facebook
De Hoop Adventures Nestled on De Hoop Farm, home to Ventersberg Stables, De Hoop Adventures has spent more than 23 years guiding visitors through the mountains and farmlands surrounding Fouriesburg, near Clarens in the Eastern Free State. This family-run business, supported by a skilled team of local guides, offers immersive outdoor experiences ranging from horse trails and hiking to mountain biking, 4x4 routes, canoeing and camping. For more information contact Fritz Kerkhoff on 072 371 9732. Whether seeking adventure, artistic inspiration or peaceful retreat, the Eastern Free State promises a journey filled with beauty, authenticity and lasting memories. For more information about Eastern Free State attractions and activities, contact Fouriesburg Tourism at 064 484 3980.
Located in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Highgate Wine Estate crafts 100% estate-grown wines and invites visitors to savour its exceptional offerings. Enjoy wine tastings, guided tours of the cellar and vineyards, or a relaxed picnic in the forest, all set against the estate’s stunning scenery. Perfect for a leisurely day out, a special celebration, or even a delightful surprise, Highgate combines fine wine, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences in an elegant setting. Photo: Facebook
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands wine route When you hear the words “wine farm” your thoughts instinctively drift to the rolling vineyards and grand estates of the Western Cape. Yet, surprisingly, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has quietly cultivated its own emerging wine scene. The region is home to three established wineries that consistently produce their own estate wines - Cathedral Peak Wine Estate (WhatsApp: 063 075 1123 or email: kylin@cathpeakwines.com), Highgate Wine Estate (WhatsApp at 066 449 2620 or email at info@highgatewineestate.co.za) and Abingdon Wine Estate (083 463 8503 or email at jane@abingdonestate. co.za). Together forming what is often described as an informal Midlands wine route, these boutique vineyards highlight a growing culture of cool-climate winemaking in an area better known for its craft markets and pastoral beauty. Food lovers and adventurous palates get ready to be delighted! Across the Eastern Free State and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands a treasure trove of gourmet surprises awaits from exquisite fine-dining restaurants serving inventive local cuisine to charming guest farms where every meal bursts with authentic flavours. Whether you’re a foodie seeking hidden gems or a lover of hearty country hospitality, each bite and stay promises a delicious journey full of discovery.