Saving dates for September
2012-09-04 15:22
Whether it's the start of Spring, the excitement of Heritage Month or the passion for Rhino Conservation, with World Rhino Day taking place on 22 September, this month being tourism month is absolutely jam-packed with all sorts of exciting events.
Take a look at our top selection below, and visit our events page for more.
Outdoor and sport
Cheetah Photography Weekend
Dates: 6 - 9 September
Where: Nambiti Hills Private Game Reserve
What to expect: Nambiti Hills has collaborated with Le Sueur Cheetah Project and professional wildlife photographer Deon De Villiers to bring you an unforgettable three-day experience.
Join us on a five star journey to:
- Meet and photograph the cheetah population in their beautiful sanctuary.
- Spend time with the cheetahs both within their enclosures and out in the open.
- Spend the remainder of your time indulging in decadent meals and experiencing the opulent accommodation of the Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge. There will also be plenty of opportunity to photograph the surrounding valleys and other beautiful wild animals on the reserve.
Cost: R10 079.00
The rate includes brunch, high tea, dinner, all teas, coffees and snacks, two game drives per day, as well as five star luxury accommodation. Excludes drinks*, lunch**, telephone calls, wireless internet, and curio shop purchases.
Tru-Cape Kogelberg Mountain Challenge
Dates: 8 September
Where: Pringle Bay CBD
What to expect: The Tru-Cape Kogelberg Mountain Challenge in Pringle Bay offers runners the opportunity to participate in a race with abundant scenic beauty and mountain views with the route taking you into the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
The Kogelberg Mountain Challenge consists of a fully-fledged half marathon, a 10km race and a themed fancy dress 5km fun run.
All of these races contain challenging climbs, a river crossing and the beach run that has hallmarked the Kogelberg Mountain Challenge as a must-do event. Walkers are also welcome to join in the fun of the race.
Contact: Sandy on +27 (0)79 413-6610
Cost for entries: between R10 and R50 depending on the race you participate in
Tri-Robben Island
Dates: 9 September
What to expect: Tri-Robben Island will be an experience with the swim being in the harbour, and the cycle and run legs taking the athletes to the various landmarks on the island including the Limestone pits, Lighthouse and famous WW2 cannon. The race will consist of a morning sprint distance of a 400m swim, 14km cycle and 4km run with the afternoon race consisting of an 800m swim, 28km cycle and 8km run.
Contact: +27 (0)82 564-5345
Jeffreys Bay Shell festival
Dates: 28 - 30 September
Where: JBay CBD
What to expect: J-Bay may be famous for its perfect waves, but the annual Shell Festival introduces visitors to a different side of the magnificent ocean life.
Jeffrey's Bay beaches boast over 600 types of shells. These range in size from about the size of a pin's head to well over that of a man's hand. The festival showcases these shells mainly in terms of their functional and decorative beauty. Ornaments, cutlery, pictures, crockery, clothing, hair pieces and jewellery are just some of the ways in which they are used.
Contact: Marie Du Toit on +27 (0)82 633-3693
Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival
Dates: 28 September - 1 October
Where: All over Hermanus
What to expect: The Hermanus Whale Festival 2012 is celebrating it's 21st year as the only Enviro-arts festival in South Africa and puts the creatures of the deep on stage and under the spotlight alongside top performers and musicians from the 28th September to 1st October .The festival will continue with more activities during the following weekend 5th to 7th October. Please check programme on www.whalefestival.co.za
Hermanus is known as the best land-based whale watching destination in the world, plays host to thousands of visitors for the festival (we welcomed 137 000 visitors in 2011) who flock to this seaside town to exhilarate in the unique natural environment, watch the whales and revel in music, enjoy great cuisine at our many famous restaurants and do many of our accelerating activities which are available during the festival.
Contact: For more information check out the Whale Festival Website or call the festival office on: 028 313 0928
Music and arts
Johannesburg Arts alive
Dates: 1 - 10 September
Where: Different venues across Joburg
What to expect: For ten days in September Johannesburg will be transformed into a giant stage where our artists, actors, directors and musicians can display their formidable gifts to appreciative audiences. The Festival demonstrates the City's commitment to create an enabling environment for the citizens of Johannesburg for the conservation and celebration of artistic expression and heritage. Jazz on the Lake featuring performances by Lira, incredible dance in Umbrella 2 and renowned performance poet, Napo Masheane, will all be major draw cards.
Contact: Visit the Arts-alive website for more details.
White Mountain festival
Dates: 21 - 24 September
Where: White Mountain Lodge, Central Drakensberg
What to expect: A must for acoustic music lovers, the annual White Mountain Festival is held at White Mountain Lodge near Giant's Castle in the beautiful Central Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal.
Coinciding with the Heritage Day long-weekend, this gem of a festival offers acoustic performances by top South African artists, as well as arts and crafts, a beer market, assorted food stalls and a choice of camping, caravanning and chalet accommodation.
Outdoor activities range from abseiling, paintball and helicopter flips to fishing, boating, hiking and a zip line across a nearby 100m-wide gorge. Festival-goers can also make full use of the lodge's facilities, including a restaurant, rustic 150-year-old pub, children's playground, swimming pool and satellite TV.
Contact: visit the White Mountain website for more details
Cost:
Pre sale: R550
Full weekend at the gate: R650
Saturday and Sunday: R550
Sunday only: R250
Rocking for Rhinos
Dates: 22 -23 September
Where: Franklyn Park, Blyde River Canyon
What to expect: The two day Rocking for Rhinos festival is happening at the Franklyn Park in the Blyde River Canyon and will feature artists such as Fuzigish, Son of 1000 Blues, Blue Bird Theory and many more. An array of performers, conservationists and celebrities will also be making their voice heard during the event.
Contact: Gareth@rockingforrhinos.org
Cost:
Early Bird - R350 (only 300 available)
Full festival - R500
VIP tickets - R1000 (only 50 available)
Open Book Cape Town Literary Festival
Dates: 20 - 24 September
Where: The Book Lounge
What to expect: With 150 events over five days at different interesting venues throughout the City of Cape Town, the Open Book Festival features readings from around 100 authors, of which 25 are top international writers. The Open Book Cape Town Literary Festival promises to be the biggest Boekjol Cape Town has ever seen.
Contact: Frankie Murrey on 082 358 7332 / Book Lounge: 021 462 2425.
Elvis Festival Storms River
Dates: 21 -23 September
Where: Marilyn's Diner, Storms River
What to expect: This year's theme will be ‘Elvis Meets his Friends', bringing you the likes of Roy Orbison, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart, Grease and a many more 50's and 60's legends to the stage. This festival will rock the drabbest jailhouse and get the dustiest of blue-suede shoes a-dancing.
And you don't need to be an Elvis fan - there's something for laaities and ladies alike. To all those Elvis fanatics, the town brings together Elvis impersonators from all areas to sing, dance and celebrate the era.
Contact: Ann du Rand on +27 (0)82 920-6626
Cost: Friday, Saturday and Sunday Show Ticket @ R485 Inclusive of 3 Dinners
Single day tickets for R195 each, inclusive of dinner.
Wining and dining
TOPS Soweto Wine Festival
Dates: 6 - 8 September
Where: University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus
What to expect: Visitors can delight in tasting 950 wine styles and cultivars; interact with lifestyle brands in wine lounges and enjoy a meal in the revamped food court showcasing Sowetan restaurants to explore a wide variety of tastes.
Make time to visit the Nederburg Taste Theatre and take a free wine and food pairing class, or visit the Cape Wine Academy stand and learn how to kick-start a career in wine, or start a wine club with your friends.
Contact: Cape Wine Academy on +27 (0)11 783-4585
Cost: R120 per person or R280 for a 3-day pass, includes a free wine glass and a festival buyer's guide
Madame Zingara returns to Durban
Dates: From September 12 2012 - runs nightly from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
What to expect: With a brand new show and a stunning new entrance, garden and foyer, the Madame proudly brings El Milagro to the Zulu Kingdom. Spanish for ‘the miracle', this fitting title showcases incredible acts from around the world, from unbelievable feats of contortion and the thrilling acrobatics to breath-taking aerial performances.
Expect a night jam-packed with enthralling sensory experiences; from the fairy tale characters who abound, and the drama, suspense and thrill of the show to a delectable four-course meal prepared by gourmet chefs.
Contact info: 0861 623 263
Price: From R410 - R495
One&Only embraces Rhino Month
Dates: The whole of September
Where: One&Only hotel, Cape Town
What to expect: In an effort to highlight this travesty, One&Only Cape Town has joined forces with Save the Rhino International and Wildlife ACT Fund and is offering a number of activities to help focus the public's attention. Indulge in a three-course set dinner at Reuben's, enjoy a Rhinos Revenge cocktail at the Vista Bar & Lounge or experience a firsthand account of four young conservationists' journey through the full extent of the heartland of black and white rhino in Zululand at ‘Walking the Talk' on Saturday 22 September, aka World Rhino Day.
Contact: 021 431 4511
Cape Town Bierfest
Dates: 13 - 16 September
Where: Newlands Brewery Village Green
What to expect: If you can't quite afford a trip to Munich for the famous Oktoberfest, the good news is, something equally awesome will be happening at the Newlands Brewery in Cape Town this year.
Closely resembling the Oktoberfest in Munich, The Bierfest in Cape Town promises to be an authentic Bavarian festival complete with limited edition beers brewed exclusively for the event, German food and even Oompah bands!
Contact: Visit the Bierfest website for more details
Cost: Tickets cost R85 per person and you would also need to make sure you exchange your Rands for Crowns, the official currency of Bierfest. A pack of crowns will cost you R100.
Good Food & Wine Show, Johannesburg
Dates: 21 - 24 September
Where: Coca Cola Dome
What to expect: Constantly heating things up, searching for innovation, stretching the imagination of exhibitors and combining flamboyance and joie de vivre into unforgettable events that are quite simply, world class is what the show is all about.
From gourmet classics to culinary art, organic produce to specialty seafood, don't miss the edible antics of International and South African culinary masters. It's wine tasting, beers and cocktails; gourmet shopping and wining and dining with friends.
Contact: (0)21 702 2280
Cost: R135
New Brighton Wine Festival
Dates: 27 - 29 September
Where: Red Location Museum, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
What to expect: This is a lifestyle extravaganza held in the heart of Port Elizabeth. You will be dazzled, you will be intrigued but more importantly you will experience good food and wine.
At the festival, South African award - winning wines are to be exhibited, wine tasting will then take place throughout the evening. The aim is to educate and entertain the emerging wine market that is rife in young and accomplished professionals in the townships.
Contact: Sindiswa Speelman a call on 041 582 2456.
Cost: R80 per person
Creative
Kamersvol Geskenke, Bloemfontein
Dates: 5 - 8 September
Where: Woodlands Conference Center in Bloemfontein
What to expect: Come and view a collection of exclusively selected and beautifully crafter products. Not only will you see artfully displayed craft goods, but you will be in a lovely venue and be able to purchase a host of fantastic gifts for those your love, or just as a treat for yourself.
You can expect a great variety of stationary, ceramix, jewellery and accessories, kiddies items, decor, beauty, craft and gifts, clothing, kitchen things as well as yummy food.
Contact: Visit the Kamersvol website for more details
Cost: R50 per person
Creative Week Cape Town
Dates: 15 -23 September
Where: All over Cape Town
What to expect: Creative Week Cape Town is a project of Creative Cape Town and is a platform for creative thinkers - and doers - to gather together, express, collaborate and contribute to the rich texture of Cape Town's creative life, Creative Week is a crowd-sourced event. During this time events suc as the second Architecture ZA 2012 Biennial Festival (13-16 September) and the return of the advertising, design and media award weekend, the Loeries, taking place this year at the Cape Town City Hall and CTICC from 17-23 September will add a further creative flavour.
Contact: Check out the Cape Town Creative Week website for more details
Technology
Highway Africa, Grahamstown
Dates: 9 -11 September
Where: Rhodes University, Grahamstown
What to expect: Highway Africa is an annual ICT conference hosted by Rhodes University which is situated in Grahamstown, South Africa.
Each year, more than 500 delegates from across the globe attend the conference to discuss issues relating to internet governance, ICT policy and media for democracy.
Contact: Visit the Highway Africa website for more details
AAD Expo
Dates: 19 - 23 September
Where: AFB Waterkloof, Centurion,
What to expect: Since Africa Aerospace & Defence´s inception in 2000, the event has grown in leaps and bounds and serves the interests of both civilian and military sectors. It has established itself as a major platform for South Africa´s defence, general aviation, space, homelands security, humanitarian relief, disaster management, freight and forwarding services as well as search and rescuetechnology industries and stakeholders. It is the largest exhibition of air, land & sea capabilities on the African continent and showcases the most advanced technologies currently available.
The first three days 19,20 and 21 September 2012, will be allocated to the trade only, ending off this event with two public days over the weekend of Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September 2012, featuring the largest international air show in Africa.
Contact: +27(0) 12 672 4059
E-Tourism Summit
Dates: 13 September - 15 September
Where: CTICC
What to expect: The 5th Annual E-Tourism Africa Summit, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The summit, which is hosted by South African Tourism and Cape Town Tourism, is targeted mainly at members within the tourism industry and SMME’s.
This year’s summit will be focusing on trends and developments within the online tourism industry with advice on how best to use online platforms to develop and grow a business. A host of speakers including representatives from YouTube, Facebook, TripAdvisor and Expedia will be presenting and delegates will be welcomed by South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk.
Contact info: Contact them directly or call +254 727 532 2
All photos from Shutterstock
