Four things to do this Heritage weekend

Art at the Zeitz Mocca

The first significant museum in Africa to focus on contemporary art, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz Mocca) will open to the public from 22-25 September 2017. South Africans will appreciate the incredible artistic and contemporary design talent from the country and the rest of the continent.

Protea Hotels by Marriott and African Pride Hotels group marketing manager Avukile Mabombo says, “For art lovers the world over, this is hugely important – a facility dedicated to the art of the continent that will rival the world’s best art museums. And its location alone will astound, with its exciting, innovative architectural design reflecting the conversion of the museum building from a disused grain silo in Cape Town’s Waterfront, to the backdrop of stunning Table Mountain and ocean views to thrill the eye, a visit to the museum is a must.”

South African cooking

Another great cultural experience that will stimulate your senses is food. Learn how to prepare Cape Malay cuisine at one of the many cookery experiences on offer in the Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town or savour the unique flavours of the African menu.

“Use the occasion to try different things,” Mabombo explains, “and get into the heart of African food. Try something you haven’t eaten before and you could be won over completely. That’s what we find with many of our guests who try the tripe for the first time.”

SANparks

Heritage Month is also the time for a focus on the country’s diverse natural history. Coastal attractions, an incredible animal and floral kingdom, and the beauty of the semi-desert regions can be enjoyed by all during the springtime weather. The South African National Parks Week is an initiative that gives free access for day visitors to most of the country’s national parks. So, whether you’re from Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, or Bellville, you’ll find a national park to visit – and it’ll cost you no more than your petrol to get there.

SANParks opens its doors for free in celebration of South African National Parks Week

8 Sep 2017

Wildflowers and whales

Other special experiences are the wildflowers of the South-Western Cape and the whales that visit the shores of the country to calve during the August to October period. A visit to the West Coast National Park near Saldanha Bay will be a treat. “Capture special moments against the backdrop of the stunning wildflowers, enjoy your Heritage Month braai, and you may even spot a southern right whale in the bay,” says Mabombo.

Whale-watching has become an attraction all on its own, and while most of the popular spots are on the Cape Coast, these giants of the deep can also be spotted along the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal. See the southern rights to the south, and the humpbacked species in the sub-tropical regions further north and east. Hermanus, the most well-known of the whale-sightings spots, holds its annual Whale Festival from 29 September-1 October, and you’re bound to spot whales and beautiful spring flowers at Cape Point.