It’s summer in South Africa, and having summer over the Christmas season means a lot of fun in the sun and plenty to do as people from all over flock to our shores.
We’ve said before in prior posts, just how much is going on in South Africa at any given time, and Cape Tours is King in bringing you right to all of it, but summertime may just be the most happening time in this region of the world, because while the rest of the northern hemisphere is blanketed in snow, we’re celebrating the white sandy beaches and sunshine instead!
If you’re heading here already and have already booked your tour with Cape Tours, GREAT! The festivals and activities list will begin 4 November, so you’ll have something to do as soon as you arrive. If you haven’t booked yet, be sure you do as this is the busiest season here, and spots for nearly anything tend to fill up fast.
Events for Summer 2016-2017!
Cape Town Bierfest kicks things off from 4 November to 6 November at the Newlands Brewery in Cape Town. If you’ve never seen a real Bavarian Brauhaus, this one is nearly as perfect – decorated with authentic pieces from Germany, you’ll be immersed in the perfect atmosphere. There are no shortages of brews to be found here, and the Oompah band lends more authentic flavor to the event. You can participate in challenges like beer pong, cow milking and even a best dressed competition. Waitresses are outfitted like Bavarian barmaids, and they’ll be happy to bring you real German dishes that inclues Deutsch Fleischsalat (a meat salad), Bratwurst and Bockwurst sausage – similar to our boerewors, rotkohl (red cabbage) and tons more. Be sure you book a table in advance, especially if you’re with a party of 6 or more to ensure a private spot. Prices are R140 for the standard bier hall, R215 for the uber bier hall, R445 for the Brauhaus, or you can go all out for the Braumeister for R875. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Next up is the one day only event called the Cintron Pink Polo. This isn’t just a polo game, it’s also a fashion forward gathering to enjoy cocktails, fine wines and foods, as well as live entertainment. This event happens on 5 November and tickets are R100 for the Pink Food Truck Fair, R550 for the Polo Pavilion, and R1500 for the Pink Polo VIP, you can buy tickets online. The event is well known to local socialites, but a big favourite among South Africa bound travelers as well. The event is a fundraiser held annually that benefits breast cancer programs and research.
If you have never been to Lesotho, now is the time! In the small town of Ficksburg, a grand event takes place annually. Come prepared with your camera to take in the rolling hills and mountainous area in the cherry capital of the world. That’s no idle title either, Ficksburg is quite proud of it, and they hold their Ficksburg Cherry Festival every year to celebrate. It is the longest running crop festival in South Africa, and you can expect a broad range of children’s events, live music, wine and chocolate pairings, and even a workshop that gives instruction on cooking with cherries! There are a ton of sporting events also like fun runs and road cycle races. Kids will love the scarecrow making and circus, and you may be enthralled just as much by the bagpipe band.
Bicycling fans are going to love the next event. The third annual Sanlam MTB invitational is from 19 November to 20 November at the Rhebokskloof Wine Farm in Paarl. The entry fee is R5000 and covers the entirety of the 2 day stage race. There will be up to 300 public teams open this year, and is considered a must-go-to event for many cyclists all over the world. It begins with a difficult 60km trek around Paarl Mountain, and the second stage cools you down with a 40km shorter loop on the mountain itself. This race happens in one of the most gorgeous areas of the world, which is why it draws so many people – both spectators and cyclists alike. Massage therapists are standing by at this event to take care of tired legs, or cramps along the route and there are plenty of entertainment activities and events for spectators.
Prepare for even more sport with The Grind happening only on 3 December. Tickets vary greatly in pricing from R120 to R500 depending on many different options which you can find online. This is a massive obstacle course race that includes outdoor muddy obstacles and indoor events alike. It happens at Zone 7, which is Africa’s largest motocross and enduro motorcycle track. This event is for absolutely anyone and everyone – there really is something for everyone here. There are courses that are only 6km long for those of us who are largely sedentary in our everyday life, and then there are Grinds for those who are far more fit. There are even options for the kids, so bring them along! The biggest prize is a R52,000 package and the day will end with a massive party.
The next event happens at the Grandwest Casino in Goodwood, Cape Town. Gearheads all over the world will love the Cape Town Motorshow happening from 27 January to 29 January. You may have noticed that most of December and January have been skipped, and that is because most people who live here are on their Christmas holiday lasting 4-6 weeks, which is a big tradition here in South Africa. Family is very important and it gives everyone the time to enjoy family activities at the height of summer. Back to the Cape Town Motor Show! Tickets are R100 per person, and there is a special for a family of four at R250. Pensioners or children from 12-17 get in for R60 and kids under 12 are free! Tickets are sold at the door. You can expect to see all manner of domestic and imported cars, bikes, trucks, SUVs, and even experimental and concept cars you won’t see anywhere else. There are plenty of exhibits, aftermarket booths, competition vehicles, antique and collection cars, beats competitions, car wrapping services, a massive 4×4 area, live music and a whole lot more.
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