Cape Town is known for its picturesque locations, but recently the most memorable experiences here have been less about visiting landmarks and more about creating something with your own hands. The growing creative scene in the city invites both locals and tourists to swap sightseeing for acquiring new skills, whether it's mastering the art of making African jewelry or preparing fresh pasta.
There are numerous studios offering unique classes. For instance, Clay Hands, founded in 2018 by potter Natasha, is a women-owned studio located in the historic Woodstock area at 196 Victoria Road. It offers lessons in hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing, and themed classes, helping people reconnect with the process of manual creativity.
For culinary enthusiasts, The Chef’s Studio (103 Breë Street) and Ginger & Lime Cooking School (2B Avenue Disandt) are available. The Chef’s Studio conducts restaurant-level cooking classes, including pasta, sushi, and bread, in an intimate dining atmosphere. Ginger & Lime focuses on interactive culinary experiences inspired by global flavors, which is ideal for those who want to combine food, socializing, and culture.
In the field of applied arts and crafts, visitors can attend the Nomi Handmade African Fabric Jewellery Workshop (73 Upper Leeuwen Street), where they learn to create jewelry from vibrant African fabrics. The Create Hobby Sewing Studio (142 Lower Main Road) is also available, making sewing accessible to beginners and contributing to the revival of slow fashion. For visual art lovers, there is the Peter Clarke Art Centre (Vredenhof Road), which offers programs in painting, drawing, and printmaking, while the Montebello Design Centre (31 Newlands Avenue) serves as a creative hub with courses in mosaic, ceramics, and botanical art.
A more relaxed option is Clay Café, with locations in Hout Bay, Cape Town CBD, and Paarl, where guests can paint ceramic items while enjoying food and coffee without needing prior experience. Canvas & Craft Studio (108 Raats Drive) offers various modern hobbies such as resin, candle, and macrame making.
For those seeking activity, Dance Yourself Happy & Barres Dance Studios offer various dance classes, ranging from ballet fitness to Latin styles. A general trend among travelers is choosing experiences over material possessions. These workshops allow tourists to engage more deeply with local communities, taking home not a souvenir, but a new skill, recipe, or handmade item.
Cape Town demonstrates its multifaceted nature: beyond stunning landscapes, the city reveals a side built on craftsmanship and connection. Whether you are sculpting in Woodstock, learning to sew, or cooking with local chefs, these activities encourage participants not just to observe, but to actively participate in the life of the city.
Winter weekends are ideal for road trips. Whether you want to attend a rural wine festival, spend time in the theatre, or simply explore a new city, the South African events calendar is full of reasons to get out of the house, and we have selected some of the best options.
One of the most anticipated winter holidays in the Cape Town region will once again take place in Franschhoek, which recreates its French heritage. The town will come alive with streets decorated in blue, white, and red, and the festive atmosphere will spread from the wine farms to the village center. Wine connoisseurs can taste the best valley vintages while enjoying a food court, live music, and French-style dishes. Even if you do not plan to visit the official tasting area, the village itself is worth exploring over the weekend.
Families looking for entertainment during school holidays can enjoy the Disney On Ice show in Cape Town. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will take the audience on an adventure featuring characters from films such as 'Frozen', 'Moana', 'Coco', and 'Toy Story'. This show combines high-level skating, aerial acrobatics, and complex stage effects, being equally engaging for both adults and children.
Furthermore, at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, the musical 'Pirates of Penzance' by Gilbert and Sullivan can be seen until July 12. This beloved comedic opera returns to the stage with its characteristic wit, humor, and memorable music that has made it a classic for many generations. If you are looking for an evening activity after a day of walking around Cape Town, this live performance will provide much laughter and timeless entertainment.
Music lovers can immerse themselves in one of Africa's leading classical music festivals in Stellenbosch from July 8 to 17. The festival features world-renowned musicians alongside rising local talents. The program includes orchestral concerts, chamber performances, and educational workshops, creating a vibrant atmosphere in Stellenbosch throughout the festival period.
For those striving for a healthier lifestyle, the Thrive Wellness Expo is available in Johannesburg from July 10 to 12. This event brings together fitness experts, brands, nutritionists, and mindfulness practitioners for three days of interactive sessions. Visitors can check out exhibitors, participate in lectures and seminars, sample health products, and learn about the latest trends in health, making it an inspiring outing for anyone wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
On July 11, the Pretoria Pride Colour Run and Market will take place in Pretoria. This colorful event combines fitness, food, and community spirit, inviting participants to join a relaxed fun run and then spend the day exploring craft stalls, food courts, and live performances. Whether you participate in the run or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, it is a pleasant family trip in the heart of Pretoria.
As South Africa's largest arts festival draws to a close, the final weekend in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, offers a last chance to experience its incredible program. Here you can see everything: from theatrical performances and live music to fine art exhibitions, comedy, dance numbers, and deep discussions taking place in various venues across Makhanda.
These weekends prove that South Africa never lacks reasons to travel. Choose a destination, pack your coat, and let the road lead you.
As part of an initiative aimed at preserving cultural identity and bridging the generational gap, students from Darbyn will participate in a practical immersion into the history of South Africa's liberation during the winter holidays.
The 1860 Heritage Centre, located on Derby Street, will host its important 'Day in the Museum' event on Tuesday, July 7th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The program invites students aged 8 to 18 to explore carefully curated exhibits that trace the country's journey from the indenture system to full democracy.
This centre has become a significant cultural institution in KwaZulu-Natal, preserving histories that might otherwise be forgotten while promoting dialogue about South Africa's diverse heritage and shared future. Its core idea is that understanding one's past helps in better understanding the present.
The institute is not merely a repository of the history of contract Indian workers; it comprehensively documents the broader multi-racial struggle in South Africa for freedom and social justice. The Centre's Director, Selvan Naidu, stated: 'We want to go beyond a static museum and present the heritage in a unique, innovative way.'
He added that in the modern world, children need to know how to identify and assert their heritage in a pluralistic society, and this opportunity allows youth to connect with a rich history that was often inaccessible to them.
Through its galleries, young visitors will confront the harsh reality faced by contract workers, as well as the role of women in the fight for liberation and the intersecting legacies of iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Chief Albert Luthuli. Furthermore, the tour extends beyond political history, highlighting sporting achievements, including special exhibitions dedicated to the Kerry fountain and the golf legend Papwa Segolum.
Speaking on South Africa's journey 32 years after achieving democracy, Naidu emphasized the need for fresh and engaging methods of preserving historical memory. This includes a unique tactile addition to the curriculum, where students will participate in a live demonstration of preparing traditional indenture dishes, namely spices (bhaji) and roti.
Naidu noted that bhaji and roti formed the staple diet of contract Indian workers—a simple yet nutritious meal that sustained them for generations. He added that many young people no longer eat these heritage dishes, and this provides a practical opportunity to learn these skills, understand the country's rich past, and continue this tradition.
The initiative allows participants to physically interact with historical artifacts and engage in oral storytelling, taking the learning process beyond school textbooks so they can grasp the country's diverse roots. Naidu expressed hope that local children will participate in this unique cultural opportunity in large numbers.
Organizers reported that parents can either leave their children or accompany them on the tour, but a strict RSVP protocol is maintained for catering purposes. Attendance at the event is completely free, although advance registration is required due to limited space. To book a spot, contact Yatin at 072 331 4017.
South Africa is known for numerous popular tourist destinations that attract visitors year-round. Among these are places like Klarence, Dullstroom, Paternoster, and the Panorama Route. However, beyond these well-known spots, there are smaller towns that offer exceptional landscapes, fascinating history, and unforgettable experiences away from the crowds.
These lesser-known locations are ideal for travelers willing to stray from beaten paths, whether they are birdwatching enthusiasts, mountain trekkers, lovers of historical architecture, or simply those wishing to discover something new. Below are five such South African cities.
The town of Molteno, located in the Eastern Cape, is often overlooked during trips through this region. Nevertheless, a stop here allows one to discover a peaceful Karoo-style town with a rich railway history, stunning mountain views, and access to one of South Africa's most impressive natural features.
Nearby is Ben Macduie Plateau, the highest point in the Eastern Cape, which offers exciting hiking opportunities for experienced adventurers. In winter, snow regularly transforms the surrounding mountains into an unexpected alpine landscape, making it one of the few places in South Africa where snow is a regular seasonal feature. Furthermore, Molteno is close to the famous David de Villiers Dam, popular among anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The open plains, fresh mountain air, and quiet roads create an atmosphere far removed from bustling tourist centers.
Chissismir, known as the 'Lake District of South Africa', is one of the country's least appreciated natural corners. This small town is surrounded by over 300 lakes, swamps, and wetlands, forming one of South Africa's most vital southern freshwater ecosystems.
Ornithology enthusiasts flock here for a good reason: flamingos, cranes, pelicans, and numerous species of waterfowl can be observed throughout the year. The wetlands support a remarkable diversity of wildlife. The region is particularly interesting during migration seasons when many species arrive from different continents. Besides birdwatching, visitors can explore picturesque gravel roads, visit historic sandstone buildings, and enjoy tranquil drives across rolling pastures.
Kaapsehoop feels like a town frozen between history and legend. This former gold rush settlement, known for its herd of wild horses, combines fascinating heritage with breathtaking views of Lowveld.
A walk through the village reveals restored Victorian buildings, cozy cafes, art galleries, and quiet streets lined with local trees. The surrounding forests contain scenic walking trails leading to dramatic rock formations and panoramic viewpoints. The wild horses remain the main attraction of the town. Although their exact origin remains unknown, they have become a permanent symbol of Kaapsehoop and are often seen peacefully grazing near the village. In cooler months, fog frequently blankets the escarpment, lending the area an almost mystical atmosphere, which explains why photographers and artists continue to visit.
Nowhere in South Africa is birdwatching associated as strongly with Vakkerstruim. Located near the KwaZulu-Natal border, this small town has gained international recognition among bird lovers due to its exceptional grassland habitats.
The surrounding wetlands are home to several endangered species, including the rare Rad's Lark and Bot's Lark, making Vakkerstruim one of the country's premier birdwatching spots. Even those without binoculars will have something to do. The town's well-preserved historic buildings, hospitable cafes, and rural guesthouses encourage visitors to slow down and adopt the rhythm of small-town life. Walking trails around the wetlands pass through beautiful scenery, while nearby farms and hills offer opportunities for cycling or leisurely drives.
Situated in the Magaliesberg Mountains, Hainersburg showcases a completely different side of Limpopo. Instead of scrubland and baobabs, visitors are greeted by cool forests, mountain streams, and lush gardens reminiscent of parts of the Midlands or even Europe.
The village has transformed into a creative hub, filled with cafes, galleries, craft shops, and local restaurants. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the Magaliesberg forests and waterfalls. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike on local forest trails, mountain bike on plantations, or visit nearby lakes. In spring, colorful gardens bloom, and autumn brings vibrant foliage rarely seen in many parts of South Africa. Food lovers will also appreciate the growing number of farm stalls and local producers showcasing regional products.
One of the greatest pleasures of traveling through South Africa is discovering places largely untouched by mass tourism. These small towns offer meaningful connections with local communities, unique landscapes, and regional stories that often go unnoticed. Visiting less-known destinations also helps spread tourism benefits beyond traditional hotspots, supporting local businesses, guesthouses, restaurants, and guides, while promoting sustainable tourism across the country.
