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Make My Weekend: The Insider guide on top things to do across SA right now!

It's the moment most of us have been longing for all week long. Deadlines and demanding schedules can wait as you take a hiatus to catch-up on some much-needed rest and relaxation.

It also happens to be the last weekend of the October school holidays, so make sure it's a goodie for the kids

You have no excuse not to make the most of your weekend with Traveller24's insider recommendations of the coolest things to do over the next 72hrs across SA's major cities. It's never been this easy to find your escape. 

JOBURG 


Easy mornings: The Joburg version of South Africa's most beautiful race - the Spar Women’s Race – takes place on Sunday.  

Day Tripping: Spend the day at Carnival City before heading to the Wine, & Whisky Festival to taste some 120 signature local wines. 

Expo yourself:
If you're after good local produce, check out the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair. Fancy something more exotic? Try the Indo-Asia Flavours of India Festival, happening on Friday and Saturday. 



For the love of Art:
 Book your ticket to the controversial Anton Kannemeyer's E is for Exhibition. The exhibition focuses on larger themes of race, sex, class and politics, reminding us that even though the times have changed, many debates have not fundamentally evolved.

Treat the Family:
Treat the kids to a pre-historic look into the age of dinosaurs at The Dino Expo. If your kids fancy something more magical, take them to the Fairy Dust Family Magic Show on Friday.  

Movers and Shakers:
 Calling all gaming boffins to South Africa’s biggest annual video gaming, computer, technology and geek culture exhibition. The Johannesburg rAge 2015 takes place from Friday to Sunday. 

Wine and Dine:
 It's a weekend for beer in Jozi with the Joburg Bierfest AND the South Beer Fest happening. 

Couple Karma:
Kick back, relax and take your special someone to see the magnificent sunset from the Northcliff Water Tower. This romantic idea won't cost you a thing - plus you can pack a picnic to make it extra special. 





BLOEMFONTEIN 

Easy Mornings: Nothing beats starting the weekend on a fresh note. Take your picnic basket, grab some coffee and your favourite book and enjoy some quiet time to yourself at the Free State National Botanical Gardens.

Day Tripping: Ready for some fun and excitement? Check out the great local and international line-up at the city's Macufe Festival African Arts and Culture Festival.

Expo yourself: Tired of toast and two minute noodles? Opt for a better and more creative way to expo your skill with a cooking class at Marmalade.

For the love of Art: Take a look at the Westdene Market this weekend for some local handmade crafts. A vibrant getaway from boredom will definitely have something to catch your eye. 

Treat the family: Embrace the final weekend of the holidays by making it something your kids will remember forever. Take the family to the Maluti Cave Route. Horse ride, mountain bike, explore the caves and have a great time.

Movers and Shakers: Three Decades of the Power of Love takes you back to the 80's with this fine local singer. Those who are in the mood for a good show, let Jennifer Rush entertain you for the evening. 

Wine and Dine: Have a delicious treat outdoors at Seven Restaurant. They pride themselves in flavoursome dishes, brilliant wines and an elegance found nowhere else in the city. 

Couple Karma: Couples Jacuzzi at Emoya Hotel and Spa! Nothing beats a pamper session with a Jacuzzi. Unwind and release the good vibes together. 


DURBAN

    

Easy Mornings: Get to see a fresh side of SA’s coolest tropical city by taking a street tour with Beset Durban or check out the local favourite, the Morning Trade Market.

Day Tripping: Explore the natural expanse of the Virginia Nature Reserve in Durban north or check out the Scottburgh Spring festival.

Expo yourself: Escape to the KZN Midlands for the Pecanwood Oktoberfest. Cheers!

For the love of Art: Take in Usha Seejarim's Venus at Home solo exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery.

Treat the family: Make your young ones all squeamish at Phezulu Safari Park, where they can even experience the fun of a real game drive.  

Movers and Shakers: Catch Rock Royalty as a 10-piece cast pay tribute to legends of rock at the Barnyard Theatre

Wine and Dine: Head to the Chairman for a sophisticated evening of cocktails and jazz or check out  Ernie Els’ “The Big Easy" restaurant that has just opened in the Durban Hilton.

Couple Karma: Take a drumming class together at the African Drumshack.



PORT ELIZABETH 

Easy mornings: Head to the Maitland Sand Dunes for a morning walk. It’s a challenging walk up to the top, but the views and scenery from the top are worth every breath. Traveller24 Tip: Go really early to watch the sunrise. 

Day Tripping: The two-and-a-half hour's drive to Cradock is well worth it as the ever-popular Fish River Canoe Marathon takes places in this quaint town this weekend. 

Expo yourself: Colours of You SA exhibition is a One-Night-Only festival exhibition of creativity and culture focusing on the people of PE and the amazing talents we have to offer. The event promised to be a night of explosive colour. 



For the love of Art: Book a Saturday morning or afternoon session at the All In One Art School to expand your creative abilities or just unwind in a creative space. This is the perfect place to take your kids during the school holidays. 

Treat the Family: Head down to the Port Elizabeth Slash Waterworld Supertubes for a day of fun in the sun. There are easy-going rides for the little ones as well more daunting slides which to suit the needs of older kids (and fun parents!). Lifeguards and slide attendants are on duty at all times. 


Movers and Shakers:
 The Rivonia Trial One-man-show tells the hard-hitting tale of the trial where Nelson Mandela and other leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment. The play has been performed in countries like the USA, Germany, Sweden, England, and as part of the late Nelson Mandela's legacy. 

Wine and Dine:
 Get your friends together and drink a Cuppa for CANSA at the fundraising event for cancer on Saturday. 

Couple Karma:
Turn up the heat at the Ignite Latin dancing class at the Savoy theatre on Friday. You can be carried away by an 80s The Breakfast club waltz, get nostalgic with a 1920s Gatsby routine or smoulder to an Argentine Tango. 



CAPE TOWN 


Easy Mornings: Nothing says weekend breakfast like The Creamery SA. Indulge yourself in a waffle with sea salt caramel, pure pistachio and toasted marshmallow fluff! Find them in Newlands and Salt River. 

Day Tripping: Take the train from Cape Town Station all the way to Simons Town and have a picnic on Water's Edge beach. 

Expo yourself: Cape Town International Boat Show - for all the Seafarers, ocean fanatics and boat lovers. Who knows, you might just be off on the next race to Rio. 

For the love of Art: Enjoy a colourful array of films from all over the world at the Shnit International Short Film Festival. This event will unfold around the world simultaneously. Feel connected and enjoy some world travel with a difference. 

Treat the family: Gather your kids, or your mom, cousins and sisters and head out to The Clay Cafe for some creative fun. Pick something beautiful to decorate, or personalise - like your own dinner set or a pretty tea set.

Movers and Shakers: Looking for a real jol and a cool place to dance? Don your dance shoes, bling and chains and head on down to The Bang Bar - for good hip hop music and a cool night in the hood. 

Wine and Dine: Visit Ferdinandos Pizza for the finest Italian pizza in the city! An arty and vibey restaurant with a wonderful story always has an interesting crowd.

Couple Karma: Dim-lit and flirty, check out Charango. Dress up, feel beautiful as you enjoy an intimate dinner with someone special. Choose from a delicious menu that takes your taste buds across the seas and all the way to Peru!




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