The summer holidays are here and we want you to do it right. Here’s our guide to having the best summer in South Africa.
1. Ice cream just got even more exciting
Ice cream tastes amazingly good, but it can also be imaginative, artisanal and even healthy too. The egg waffle is an Instagram sensation, dessert tacos can be filled with double caramel ice cream, candied nuts, caramel sauce and toasted marshmallow meringue or theres the Thai handcrafted rolled ice cream.
How to do it: 13 unusual ice creams for summer and where to find them
2. Rum is the next big thing
Move over gin. Here’s why rum is sure to be your next summer drink of choice. ‘Why does South Africa, historically one of the top sugar-producing nations, not have a single shred of rum culture to boast of?’ This was the question in James Copeland’s mind after visiting a Mauritian rum distillery. He’s not the only one – most of our new batch of rum-makers looked at our rolling sugar-cane fields and said, ‘Why not?’
How to do it: 10 South African craft rums to drink
3. But we still like craft beers too
Attending the Thousand Sensations Craft Beer and Food Festival gave us some great insight. These are our top suggestions for both novice and advanced beer drinkers looking for that perfect easy-drinking beer.
How to do it: 10 craft beers in the Cape you have to try
4. Catch some waves
A Blue Flag assures you that the beach is clean, safe and environmentally friendly. We roped in an expert to curate the best possible list of South African beaches to visit this summer and have some great tips for novice swimmers too.
How to do it: The best SA beaches to swim at this summer
5. Save your skin
Exceptional sun protection, made from natural fibre and spot washable this is the only hat you need to go outside.
How to do it: The best thing under the sun
6. Stay at the seaside
These 11 beautiful beach cottages and houses are perfect for chilling with – and are all less than 90 minutes from the nearest airport.
How to do it: 11 beautiful beach cottages for a superb summer escape
7. Forage for your food
If you’re looking for fresh, juicy fruit this summer, it won’t get any better than picking it yourself. Put on a hat, slather on some sunscreen, and spend a day among the plants on one of these farms across South Africa.
How to do it: Our top places to pick your own fruit this summer
8. Climb a mountain
Llandudno Ravine is one of the many recognised routes up to Table Mountain. In the background is Llandudno, Sandy Bay and Klein Leeukoppie. Photo by Matthew Sterne.
Longer days and epic swimming spots makes summer perfect for hiking. So here’s a complete list of all the South African hikes we have written about in the last year or two, as well as the ones we’re dreaming of doing soon. We figure it’s a pretty good indication of what every hiker should aim to do in South Africa.
How to do it: The South African hiking bucketlist
9. But don’t die while hiking
Most of us will never find ourselves in a life or death survival situation, let alone two months of total isolation, but if the worst does happen, it’ll probably be while hiking. Photo by Chris Davies.
Raised in Kruger National Park, Hunt Cheney began learning his craft at the age of five and once spent two months alone in the Kruger bush (deliberately), surviving with nothing but his shorts and T-Shirt.
Now an outdoor and survival expert Hunt leads intensive survival training courses across South Africa. Here are some of his tips to stay safe in the wild.
How to do it: Survival tips from a pro
10. Spend time around the campfire
Gooey and delicious slow-cooked oxtail: just three main ingredients and a bunch of flavourings. Photo by Brandon de Kock.If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, might as well take the time to learn a thing or two. Long, slow cooking works wonders on less expensive cuts of meat, which makes potjiekos an economical, one-pot way of feeding the gang in the great outdoors. Our food editor shares two great recipes and a bunch of brilliant tips.
How to do it: How to master the perfect potjie
11. Or make these simple, yet fancy hot dogs
German-style sausages are brilliant convenience food. They travel well and cook in no time at all. Serve them as hot dogs or turn them into supper.
How to do it: Make the tastiest gourmet hotdogs on holiday
12. Enjoy the best staycation ever
We’ve combined our favourite things about summer – from swimming and ice creams to sundowners and outdoor adventures. Here’s how to have the best holiday if you’re staying in the city.
How to do it: 12 ways to boost your holiday in Joburg this summer
13. Seize the night
Evenings aren’t just for winding down. They’re for adventures too. These activities will have you racing around your city, boogying in an ice rink and climbing walls that move. Here are 14 activities you can extend into the evening in Joburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.
How to do it: 15 night-time adventures for thrill seekers
14. Bring home the best memories
Igniting the winter winds. By Marlon du Toit. Check out more of his photos on Instagram.
Heading to the bush these holidays? Our photographer gives some tips on how to capture images of the Big Five that are original and striking.
How to do it: Get your best Big Five photos ever
15. Save money
The 031 is South Africa’s playground thanks to her lovely beaches, but there’s more that you can dive into – and it’s for free! History buffs can spend hours at any one of the museums and art lovers will easily embrace Durban’s thriving creative scene. There’s also plenty on offer for outdoor and nature enthusiasts, and even classes for avid yoga devotees.
How to do it: 7 free things to do in Durban
16. Explore new routes from Cape Town
We know the Cape can get crowded in summer. We challenged our staff to find the three best one-day road trips out of Cape Town. They each got R500 spending money (way too much, it turns out). Here’s where they went.
How to do it: 3 day trips from Cape Town under R500
17. Try something exciting
A Face Adrenalin crew member shows how it’s done as rain pours down into the Bloukrans valley.
The Bloukrans Bungy is awesome – really you have to do it at least once – but it isn’t the only adventurous, outdoor activity on the Garden Route. ‘Adventure’ doesn’t have to mean throwing yourself off a bridge or out of a plane either (although definitely do the skydiving too). You can also hike, raft, track lions, or just sit with a sandwich and watch a great white shark go hunting.
How to do it: Top 10 adventure activities on the Garden Route
This article, The Getaway guide to your best-ever summer, was originally posted on the Getaway Blog by Getaway.