On Your Calendar – South Africa’s lineup

South Africa is an fascinating medley of food and arts, places and people, culture and colours. We have here some ‘must-do’s from this country, if you are visiting in July or August.

Wine and dine in style

In the last week of July, the Robertson Valley comes alive with leading names in wineries coming together to make a statement of quality. The Robertson Wine Valley Festival has more than 25 producers of wine from the region showcasing their high quality organic produce. Your glass of wine will be accompanied by products from an extensive artisanal market – cheese, olives, freshly brewed coffee, pastries and cakes. Food apart, there are also stalls that have exquisite leather goods and even home accessories!

When: July 30 – 31

Where: Kievits Kroon Country Estate, Robertson Valley

Music and Merry-making at Onrus

The annual sea-side festival of Hermanus Kalfiefees is something that is a mix of culture, entertainment, festivity all combined with some exciting whale watching! The festival celebrates the arrival of the Southern Right Whales – Hermanus Kalfiefees means ‘Calf festival’. The six day event is an eagerly awaited phenomenon for the last 15 years. Sway to some Afrikaans music or watch some drama as you nibble at some street-side food.

When: August 4 – 9

Where: Onrus

Get high on chocolate 

A one-of-a-kind experience for lovers is the Winelands Chocolate Festival. The culinary festival is something that brings together chocolate makers and artists who show the art of making and the history behind it. Ever wondered how chocolate is paired with wine? Then this is where you should be – workshops, talks, tutored tastings and even fun games centered around chocolate for children. Gourmet treats from an array of food stalls await you when you are done with chocolate tasting!

When: August 20 – 21

Where: Stellenbosch

OppiKoppi Music Festival

Two decades ago, a group of music lovers came together at the OppiKoppi farm. The tradition continues 23 years later, just that the small group has now transformed into a gathering of more than 20,000! ‘Oppikoppi’ in Afrikaans means ‘On the hill’ and the main stage of the festival is atop the hill, while the campsite for visitors is at the foot of the hill. The festival features 7 different stages with more than 100 sets of music and entertainment afoot at all times.

When: August 5 – 9

Where: OppiKoppi, Northam

The Artsy Carnival at Gariep

The Gariep Arts Festival has something for everyone. The four day festival is a tradition that is held every September in Kimberly. It is called an Arts festival, this one however combines all genres of arts with an open market with plenty of food and music. At Gariep, you can sample exquisite food in the cool ambience of open gardens, tap your feet to some music and come away feeling you have just been to a carnival.

When: August 27 – 30

Where: Gariep

Festival of flowers

The Western and Northern Cape regions in South Africa become acres of bobbing flowers in a rainbow of colours. The Namaqualand Flower Festival is one of the many flower festivals that are held in these regions to celebrate spring. Drive through these fields of flowers and participate with the festivities like craft and food stalls, trail runs, live music concerts and more. If the burst of colours inspire you so, you can even do some stargazing with flowers for company!

When: September month

Where: Namaqualand, Vanrhynsdorp (Western Cape)

Book your South Africa trip now with Pickyourtrail and make merry.