How to Become a Local Tourist this Festive Season
Learn the ins and outs of your own beautiful backyard in this guide on how to become a local tourist this festive season.
South Africa is known for its natural beauty, rich heritage and cuisine and as the adventure capital of the world, yet few locals ever venture out of their suburb.
Creatures of habit we humans tend to be, and with the induction of social media and Netflix, we're becoming increasingly content to stay within our four walls, and so miss out on an array of unique and locally-infused activities that otherwise would excite and enthral us.
Discover Cape Town
Tourists will spend days researching authentic African experiences so why can't we locals spare 10-minutes for a quick Google search to seek out the activities we may enjoy?
A mixed-bag of beaches, mountains, adventure and food, Cape Town offers it all! Newlands Forest combines waterfalls and picnic spots as the perfect place to take the family - and get the dogs out of the house! Woodstock is a trendy hub of activity offering a Gin scene second to none. Take a drive up Chapman's peak or visit any number of new restaurants in Bree street. Paragliding, shark cage diving and ziplining area great way to enliven the soul.
Visit the Clay Cafe for some creative pottery lessons or watch a film at the Labia to explore the independent film scene.
Johannesburg
Jozi is known for its nightlife and urban flair but it has more to offer than you may think.
Keep the whole family entertained with ziplining at Acrobranch Melrose or jump up a storm at Bounce.
Visiting a local market in Soweto will be a date to remember with food trucks, live music, poetry readings, bike tours, craft beer and singular designer apparel. For only R15 for adults and R10 for children under 12, you can see spectacular views from the tallest skyscraper in Africa, Carlton Center!
For the adventure-seekers, there's bungee jumping at Orlando Towers in Soweto and a myriad of theatre and live shows for lovers of the arts. Whatever your preference, take some time out to research an activity you'd enjoy and become a local tourist this festive season!
Durban
Durbs offers more than excellent surf, great curry, and uShaka Marine world (though, if you haven't tried all three, best get on it!). The Big Rush Swing, Shark Cage Diving, Snorkeling and Helicopter Rides are just some of the activities to tick off on your bucket list.
If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, have you tried taking a free walking tour with Beset? Another cool experience is catching a sardine run every year in June and July. You can splash out and rent a boat or hire a kayak from only R100 per person.
There are also plenty of museums, theatres and live shows for that unforgettable date but for something unique, consider taking in the beautiful canal views with a Gondola tour at Durban Point Waterfront Canal.
Becoming a tourist in your own town is not just a fun way to rediscover your neighbourhood but it turns each one of us into local ambassadors with stories to tell tourists and friends alike, it boosts local businesses, causing a positive cycle of improvement.
Local travel can be as exciting and exhilarating as travelling to an exotic destination abroad. But don't take our word for it, discover it for yourself!
Planning a trip to or within South Africa? Book a tour, flights, rent a vehicle and browse accommodation now to get the best rates.
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Shannon De Kock
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