What Is It?
Enjoy a good morning hike accompanied by good food and company at the Centurion 10km Picnic & Braai Hike.
The venue however is only announced after full confirmation so do make sure that you book in time. The hike is not a technical one so worry not dear friend.
Two unique features on the trail are the river crossings - a suspension bridge and a cable car so you can enjoy cool activities before the eats.
Book now!
When Is It?
Saturday, 06 July 2019 at 07:00
Where Is It?
Centurion, Pretoria, Gauteng. (NB: Starting point will be advised upon receipt of payment and registration)
How Much Is It?
Tickets are R400 per person, get your tickets Here. (Booking closes on the 1st of July)
For More Information
For more information Here.
Visit The Elephants
If you would like to learn a bit more about these majestic creatures, Adventures with Elephants is just the thing – they offer a hands-on session where you will get to learn all about these animals. You will also have the option to swim with the elephants, ride on their backs during the day or even enjoy a starlight elephant-back safari!
Check Out The Cheetahs
This cheetah sanctuary was established in 1971 and is all about preserving cheetahs and wild dogs. There are knowledgeable guides who will be able to tell you everything you want to know about cheetahs and wild dogs, so why not take a tour of this fantastic property?
Hot Water Springs
These natural hot water springs are what originally made the Warmbaths area popular and are definitely worth a visit. With plenty water activities and sports available, any adrenaline junkies out there will be able to get their hearts pumping. The water from these springs contains sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other salts, all of which are beneficial to people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Take Part In An Amazing Race
Re-enact the Amazing Race as you know and love it from TV! You will need a minimum of 10 people (or cost equivalent) to take part in this activity. There will be a challenge at each stop off point and it’s bound to be a mentally and physically challenging experience!
Geluksfontein Goat Cheese Farm
Indulge in some cheesy goodness at the Geluksfontein Goat Cheese Farm! They produce cheese daily here in a very traditional manner so you know you’re getting good quality products! There is a restaurant on-site where you can indulge in a tasty meal. The farm also offers cheese tasting where you will be able to choose from a wide selection, including feta, cheddar, halloumi and so much more.
Take A Hike
If you love the outdoors, you’ll definitely want to go on a hike through the Diepdrift Hiking Trails in Bela Bela. There are various trails to choose from, including overnight stays and one-day walks. Animals you are likely to see on the trials include sable, antelope, hippo and giraffe so keep your eyes peeled and be sure to bring a fully-charged phone or camera along with you so that you can take some photos!
Drive Through The Malibongwe Game Reserve
Mabalingwe means 'the place of the spotted leopard' and is a game reserve definitely worth visiting for all wildlife lovers. From the Big Five, to hippo, giraffes, sable and hyena, you’re bound to see your fair share of animals. Game-viewing can be done from open-top cars or, for something a bit different, on horseback!
Makopa Reptile Park
Located just 12kms outside Bela Bela, this reptile park is for those who aren’t freaked out by scaly creatures! They have reptiles from Australia, South and North America and many other exotic places. If you want to watch the reptiles in action, you can request a demonstration! There is also a tea garden and curio shop on site, should you feel peckish.
Play Some Paintball
If you want to get some adrenaline rushing through you, paintball is certainly the way to go! Round up a crew and get involved in a game – it’ll be fun. Plus, you’re also welcome to have a braai on the property (just call ahead first to organise), so why not make a day out of it?
Get Some Golf In
Zebula Gold Estate and Spa is located 40kms west of Bela Bela and is the perfect place to kick back and relax – whether relaxation to you means a round of golf or an indulgent massage, take your pick at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa.
By Nikki Samakosky
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
Clarens Brewery
Calling all beer drinkers! Sip away on some fantastic brews at the well-known Clarens Brewery. This microbrewery is filled to the brim with delicious craft options but don’t fret if you’re not a beer drinker – the brewery offers a range of ciders, too. They've also got a food menu to satisfy your stomach – items range from German sausages and meatball rolls to cheese platters and hot chips served with mayo… yum!
For more info, visit their website here.
Get Pampered
Clarens Wellness Day Spa is the perfect place for you to indulge in a little 'me-time'. They use Africology products, which are fabulous, and they boast a range of signature treatments that sound divine, as well as a variety of packages that are sure to send you into a state of bliss. They even offer packages for couples as well as for kids so you can pay the spa a visit with the whole family!
For more information, visit their website here.
Dine Fine At Clementines
Clementines restaurant is nothing short of fantastic. If you visit Clarens during peak holiday season, it’s best you make a booking for this spot as it’s quite popular - and for good reason, their food is excellent. If you decide to pay them a visit, you should definitely try the oxtail stew - it’s a must!
For more information, visit their website here.
Hit The Trail
If you love the outdoors, it’s definitely recommended that you take a hike while in Clarens. It’s a stunning town with plenty of trails to choose from - if you’re up for a challenging, adventurous hike, the Cannibal Trail is for you. With overnight facilities in a cave, historic rock art and more, it’ll stick in your mind for years to come. An easier option is The Mushroom Rock Trail, which is a two-hour hike that offers many rest spots along the way. At the top of the hike is the Mushroom Rock, which is a great picnic spot where you can relax and take in the beautiful views.
For more information, visit their website here.
Enjoy Art And Wine
Clarens is known for being an artsy town that is full of amazing creativity. Works by Gregoire Boonzaier, J.H. Pierneef, Pieter van der Westhuizen, Aviva Maree and more are on display. The venue also sells a wide range of South African wine so be sure to pop in, view some stunning art and take a bottle or two away with you.
For more information, visit their website here.
Ride Into The Sunset
Why not go on a horseback riding adventure? Just 4kms out of Clarens, Bokpoort offers just that – in fact, it’s what they specialise in. This family farm has been around since 1865 and overlooks the whole of the Clarens Valley – so be sure to take your camera along with you. If you’re not so into horse riding, Bokpoort also offers mountain bike trails, clay pigeon shooting, trail running, team building and archery!
For more information, visit their website here.
Extreme Excitement
If you thrive on adrenaline, you’ll love Clarens Xtreme. This adventure company offers all kinds of heart-pumping activities like white water rafting, quad biking, paintball, abseiling, MTB trails and much more. They also offer a shuttle to AfriSki, which is a ski resort in Lesotho! It’s just a two-hour trip out of Clarens.
For more information, visit their website here.
Cultural Vulturing
The Basotho Cultural Village is a must-see in the Clarens area. Visitors who tour the authentic Basotho culture will be treated to a village tour, get to taste traditional food and traditionally-brewed beer and will find out how arts and crafts are created. They also offer accommodation should guests wish to experience Basotho hospitality.
For more information, visit their website here.
Dig Those Dinosaurs
If you’re interested in dinosaurs, you have to take this tour! It will expose you to a range of fascinating fossils. The tour begins with a talk about geology and palaeontology of the area where you will learn about what earth was like during the dinosaur era. You will then get to view fossilised dinosaur footprints – how interesting!
For more information, visit their website here.
It's All Hot Air
View Clarens like never before as you float above it on a hot air balloon! Don’t forget to bring your camera along for this trip as you’ll have oh-so-many photo ops! After your trip, enjoy a delicious breakfast in the village of Clarens.
For more information, visit their website here.
By Nikki Samakosky
Joburg’s Bustling Art Scene
Have you done an art tour of Joburg yet? No? Well, then Now is your chance! Johannesburg is home to some iconic galleries, not to mention a barrage of modern, niche spaces and they all host the most thought-provoking and inspirational local art.
Galleries are spread throughout the city but I suggest doing one of the ‘art routes’, as they are now being called. My favourite is the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank which boasts a bunch of the best galleries, and they are all within close proximity to each other. Start at Circa on Jellicoe and make your way through Speke, SMAC, Southern Guild and WHATIFTHEWORLD.
The Healthy Option - Join ParkRun South Africa
For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Park Runs, they are 5km routes which take place in the most stunning parks and are open to all to enjoy. But you might be wondering how this is different to you just running around the block a few times? Well, the Park Runs are firstly stunning considering they take place in some of Joburg’s best parks (Delta Park, Modderfontein Park, etc) but also make for a lot of fun because the whole community gets involved. Both walkers and runners are welcome! Click here to find out more and to register for free!#
Visit A Market
Markets are great when you’re trying to work to a budget because unlike a restaurant, you don’t have to eat a meal to relax and take in the atmosphere. You can enjoy a day filled with plenty of entertainment for the kids, relaxing seating areas in the shade, some good food and a fantastic vibe. And best of all, some markets have no entrance fee, so you can walk in and suss out everything for FREE. You could wander the market, grab a drink, let the kids mission around and you’d likely spend under R100 for the whole afternoon. Visit the Modderfontein Farmers' Market that takes place every first and last Saturday of the month (27 January 2018 is the next one!), it has plenty of fun for the whole family.
Head To A Park
People think Joburg is all cement and urban jungle but the opposite is actually true. Joburg is home to an abundance of parks. It seems that the Joburg municipality always placed a strong emphasis on keeping the city green and it has paid off in the form of well-kept and luscious parks. There is a park in almost every area so you have no excuse! Take your pick from James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose, George Lea Park in Sandton, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens (there s an entrance fee here), Modderfontein Reserve (small charge to get into this one), Delta Park in the Blairgowrie area and Gillooly's Farm in Bedfordview. So, pack some picnic goodies, get the friends and family together and head down to your local park for a day of old-fashioned fun on a budget.
Take A Hike!
And while you're out and about in nature, why not take a hike? Not only is it a great way to kickstart burning off those extra kilos gained over the festive season, but it's also not too heavy on your wallet. You can head to Melville Koppies for a day of walking and gently climbing in sectors East and West, or book your spot for a guided hiking tour through the Central sector. It's child-friendly, cheap and safe. You can also go to Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and hike through a variety of trails and check out the eagles that take up residence near the waterfall.
Explore The City With City Sightseeing Tours
When was the last time you explored the city like a tourist? If you can't remember, then make sure you take a day or two enjoying the sights and points of interest of Johannesburg with City Sightseeing Tours. Sure, it will cost you a little under R200 for the day, but it is totally worth it considering you'll be hopping on and off an open-top red bus to see and explore the city's top 20 attractions. It's a must! A few attractions on the list include the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and SAB World of Beer, just to name a few.
Jump About At BOUNCE Inc
If there's one thing you need to blow your last hundred-and-something bucks on, it's a fun jumping session at BOUNCE Inc! And trust us, this isn't just fun that for the young ones. Spend a few hours bumping from trampoline to trampoline, slam-dunking, dodgeballing, climbing, flipping and flopping. It's great exercise, an awesome idea if you're looking to hang out with friends who are also on a budget, and loads of fun! Make sure you book your session, you can even do so online at Bounce Inc. General admission is R100* for junior jumper and student sessions and R125* per adult.
Please note: The prices mentioned in this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Please check with venues about prices before booking or visiting.
Have you been to any of these spots or done any of these activities? Tell us about your experience below!