You’ve had your Christmas holidays and now it’s time to put those New Year’s resolutions into action. One resolution might be to travel more – but the economic climate could keep you nearer home in the next break.
When last were you a tourist in your own town? Maybe it’s time to explore your own area. You may live within a few kilometres of a hot tourist spot with natural wonders, adventure activities, museums and galleries. Staying local is much cheaper than going away.
Spend a day doing something you don’t normally do. Remember, local is lekker. Here is a selection of outings that may make you appreciate what’s on your own doorstep:
Around Johannesburg
You might think that the wrongs of the past are done and dusted, but a visit to the Apartheid Museum near Gold Reef City could be a real eye-opener. The museum was rated one of the top tourist spots in Johannesburg in a recent poll. Constitution Hill – including a tour of the Old Fort Prison conducted by informed guides – was another.
Gold Reef City has many attractions. Watch the free-flight bird show at 2.30pm in the amphitheatre from Tuesday to Sunday. Or experience the amazing 4-D theatre; hydraulic seats move with the action and vapours give off smells that add to the ”reality” of the moment.
Don’t wait for an overseas tourist to drag you on a tour of Soweto’s Vilikazi Street. It is the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize laureates lived; Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Stop at Nambitha Restaurant for a dose of township vibe and good food.
A visit to the Planetarium is a night out with a difference. Every Thursday at 7pm, see The Sky Tonight and on Friday at 8pm you can explore the solar system in Planet Report.
Cape Town and the Winelands
It takes just four minutes in the rotating cable car to get to the top of Table Mountain, where you can watch the sun go down and have supper. The cableway stays open late in summer and is half price after 6pm and free on your birthday.
Cool Runnings Toboggan track in Durbanville is a must for energetic kids. Buy a great-value full-day pass and they can whiz down the stainless-steel track on the sled-on-wheels as many times as they like.
The best-kept swimming secret in Cape Town is the Silvermine dam in the South Peninsula mountains, where the water is remarkably warm. Get in free with a SANParks Wild Card. There are picnic tables and braai spots among the rocks. Or, if you want to mingle with locals, pack up the family and go swimming with the penguins at Boulders. Your Wild Card will come in useful here again.
Taste wine for free. Vrede en Lust or the Franschhoek Winery, Allesverloren in Riebeek West and 48 cellars in the Robertson wine valley offer free tastings. Don’t miss the Saturday Tour & Tasting at CabriÃ