South Africans are all about Decembers.
It’s summertime, and everyone is relaxed because nobody is working tomorrow (even though some of us are, but it’s fun to pretend anyway). Everyone is in flip-flops, shorts and spaghetti tops and if you’re at the coast, bikini tops and the guys go topless.
Get this—we have a slogan for December in South Africa: Ke Dezemba Boss.
We detox our bodies in preparation for it, and we live for it. Ke Dezemba boss is not just a saying here in SA; it’s a lifestyle. Everyone is just so happy to soak-off 11 months of the stressful year and soak-up relaxed vibes.
Now that I’ve given you an excellent reason to #vacation, here are the top three things in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg that you should definitely add to your itinerary.
First, touch down in the Mother City at Cape Town International Airport. Take an Uber to your Airbnb, drop your bags and head straight for extreme scene. They offer six different helicopter tours, and this is the perfect opportunity to experience Cape Town from the skies.
Next, get dressed for a party because that’s all you’re going to do in Long Street. Pub hopping is a South African favorite and the thing to do if you want to experience culture at its best. Meet the locals, see live performances by local bands and taste local brews.
After all that partying, you and your vinas are going to need a rest day before you tackle the rest of your #vacation.
Take the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, a definite must-see if you are in Cape Town. If you’re a group of fit vinas, hike up. On top of the mountain are restaurants, multiple tours and plenty picture perfect spots for your Instagram. Just make sure you check the weather forecast before you go because they do cancel cable car rides if the wind is too cray-cray.
Leave Cape Town in the early hours of the morning so you can enjoy a full day at your next stop.
Next, take a flight to Durban. Beautiful hills of greenery welcome you to Kwa-Zulu Natal’s capital as you step out of King Shaka International Airport. Uber to your Airbnb, drop off your bags and head straight down to Moses Mabhida stadium. The breathtaking views from the top are ah-mazing, and you can also enjoy the tallest swing, the Big Rush Big Swing.
Second on the list is a looooong walk on the Golden Sands Mile. Enjoy the sun and the deliciously warm waters of the Indian ocean. Restaurants on the Mile are plentiful, and the Durban curry is a must. Depending on where you are on the mile, you can walk down to uShaka Marine World. Make a note that you have to get there early, though, to thoroughly enjoy everything this fantastic water-world has to offer.
Next, fly to O.R. Tambo International airport in Johannesburg. The first thing you have to do is take the Gautrain to the richest square mile in Africa, Sandton City. Enjoy top international and local brands in Sandton City, a walk away from the Gautrain station. You can spend the whole day there. It’s absolutely ok with us. Nelson Mandela square is beautiful at sunset and of course pictures at the statue is a must. Restaurants offer great food in the square.
The next two things that are an absolute must is Gold Reef City, a theme park which offers great entertainment the whole day through, and bungee jumping at the Soweto Towers. Although I have not personally bungee jumped, it is definitely a must because you can also take a tour of Soweto afterwards. Work up an appetite because the shisa nyama (a term used to describe a spot where we come together to buy meat and barbeque it on an open fire, usually near a butchery) spots in Soweto are the best in town.
There are of course plenty more to do and see. You can also visit the things-to-do websites for even more in-depth details about these three amazing South African cities.
Till we meet, learn to say the following:
Lekker (literally means nice, use it when you are required to respond in a positive way)
Braai (a social event where we cook meat on an open fire on coal or wood)
Howzit (how are you, respond with Lekker when asked “howzit”)
Yah, hey (term used to agree, or you can say Yah Nee)
Cheers (means goodbye)
Enjoy your summer season and click here to meet vinas, even if you are traveling. Just change your location settings in the app.
VINAZINE 