Looking for some budget-friendly activities to do in South Africa this summer? Well look no further because we got you covered.
Durban Botanic Gardens
9a John Zikhali Road, Berea
Established in 1849, these are Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens. Feast your eyes on lush, colourful scenery while taking a guided tour, riding in a golf cart or enjoying a picnic. The gardens boast notable collections of orchids, palm trees, cycads and butterflies. There’s also both a tea garden and a gourmet cafe on-site for your dining pleasure.
031 322 4021 / 068 598 1396
durbanbotanicgardens.org.za
KZNSA Gallery
166 Bulwer Road, Bulwer
The KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts Gallery comprises three exhibition spaces and regularly houses a bevy of exciting artworks. Past exhibits have featured paintings, jewellery, sculpture, collages, design and mixed media. The gallery is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and on public holidays (except those that fall on Mondays).
031 277 1705
Durban Natural Science Museum
City Hall, Anton Lembede Street, Durban Central
An opportunity for enlightenment that’s slap bang in the middle of Durban, this museum features numerous natural and paleontological exhibits. They include the fossilised egg of an elephant bird, the largest bird in history; the second most complete dodo skeleton in the world; and an almost life-sized model of a Tyrannosaurus rex.
031 311 2256
durban.gov.za
Korsman Conservancy
Westdene, Benoni
Korsman Conservancy houses the well-regarded Korsman Bird Sanctuary. While the sanctuary is closed to visitors so that the birds remain undisturbed, the conservancy surrounding it is open to those who are keen on a peaceful walk or a picnic. Cyclists are also allowed, as are dogs as long as they are kept on leashes.
083 369 5761
korsmanconservancy.com
Panorama Flea Market
Klipriver, Mulbarton
The Panorama Flea Market gives you the chance to spend some quality time with the family over the weekend and on public holidays. Buzzing with vendors, it also offers you time to shop a variety of goods. The market is pet-friendly, including a supervised kids’ entertainment area, and there is regular live musical entertainment to enjoy, too.
011 682 2222 / 086 513 3267
panoramasa.com
Roodepoort Parkrun
Len Rutter Park, Florida Park, Roodepoort
Calling all running enthusiasts in and around Jozi! The Roodepoort parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 8 am in the Len Rutter Park. Free, and at just 5 km, it’s an enjoyable activity for anyone who’s keen on a dose of adrenaline with which to start off the weekend, along with an amazing community of folk.
parkrun.co.za/roodepoort
The Company’s Garden
15 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm, The Company’s Garden is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll with friends and family. The venue actually comprises several lovely garden areas featuring numerous flowers and plants. It’s also home to various memorials, statues of historical figures and eye-catching sculptural features. Added to that, there’s a small visitor’s centre on-site, as well as the Company’s Garden Restaurant, where you can treat yourself to a scrumptious meal.
021 423 2919
thecompanysgarden.com
Ratanga Park
4 Conference lane, Century City
What used to be Cape Town’s beloved Ratanga Junction is now a beautiful public park and water-body. With a mix of land- and water-based exercise options, plenty of greenery, a water park and walking and running trails, this dog-friendly park aims to be a sot for local to relax, work out and take part in future parkruns.
021 550 7000
rabie.co.za
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront
The OZCF Market Day runs every Saturday from 8:15 am to 2 pm and every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. It’s the perfect place to hang out with your loved ones (including your canine friends) and to browse, sample and buy some tantalising food products. Some of them are artisanal, some are organic, but all are wholesome and nutritional.
083 628 3426
ozcf.co.za/market-day
