South Africa — Events
Spring Wildflowers
The West Coast National Park incorporates the Langebaan Lagoon and wetland areas, which are the habitat of thousands of migratory and resident waterbirds, a rocky coastline with some beautiful sea views and beaches, and wildlife scattered about the interior bush. It also encompasses the rocky Postberg Peninsula that is carpeted in a glorious tapestry of wildflowers every spring (open August to September only). Visitors come from near and far to see the spectacularly colorful display that the pre-summer season produces all along the west coast.
Shakespeare at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre
Inspired by the annual productions in London’s Regent Park, Shakespeare has been performed every summer at the open-air theater in Wynberg, generally performed with a local twist to add to the entertainment. On warm summer evenings many theater-goers begin the evening by picnicking in the park before the show begins. For more information phone 021 421 7695.
Kirstenbosch Winter Concert Series
Come and enjoy Cape Town ‘s top musical talent in the warmth of the beautiful Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Tickets include a welcome drink and soup, and patrons are also welcome to have a main course or dessert and coffee during or after the concert. The annual event continues from the summer sunset concerts (November to April), ensuring visitors a treat in classical and contemporary music all year round. Call 021 799 8783 for more Kirstenbosch event information.
The Sardine Run
Every year along the shores stretching from the Cape to Kwazulu Natal, millions of sardines migrate from the cold waters heading to the subtropical temperatures in an awesome underwater spectacle. Comparable only to its land equivalent, the Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, this amazing occurrence is one of the most unforgettable experiences for those brave enough to get in the water with the predators, including dolphins, seals, sharks and whales, that come out to feed on them.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Bring family and friends every Sunday afternoon to relax on the lawns with a picnic and a glass of wine as the sun sets behind the mountain, while listening to a mixed selection of classical and contemporary music. The setting provides for one of the most spectacular concert venues in South Africa, the stage framed by the backdrop of Table Mountain and all around the well-kept beds of the Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Dusi Canoe Marathon
The Dusi Canoe Marathon is a yearly canoe/kayak race that runs from Pietermaritzburg to Durban every February. The race has been going for over 60 years, and now attracts more than 2000 participants from all over the world. It starts in the Valley of 1000 Hills at the intersection of the Umngeni and Msunduzi Rivers, and runs for three days, ending at the mouth of the river in Durban, with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Those interested in registering for the race can do so on the event website.
FNB Dance Umbrella
The Dance Umbrella is a three week long program of contemporary dance and choreography, exhibiting all styles from African jazz to break dancing and motion (physical) theater. Artists, hailing from some of the most obscure corners of the globe, see this as one of the biggest modern dance festivals in the world; in 2009 it will be in its 21st year.
Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour
The Argus is the largest timed sporting event on earth, attracting more than 35,000 cyclists from around the world. The spectacle is watched by thousands who line the 67-mile (108km) route, which follows some of the Cape’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The race is enjoyed by serious cyclists and social riders alike.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Ranked as one of the best jazz festivals around the world, the city of Cape Town comes alive for two days in March to the captivating beat of swinging jazz music from around the world. Hosting forty international and African stars, the CTIJF is an awe inspiring musical jam of jazz and its popular music relatives, soul, funk, kwaito, blues and more.
Absa Cape Epic
The Absa Cape Epic has established itself as a prestigious international event, attracting a competitive field of riders eager to compete against the best or simply to finish the grueling nine-day off-road race. The event has become the largest full service mountain bike race in the world and is the most televised mountain bike race ever.
