So much to do in holidays

WINTER school holidays...three long weeks and every mother's nightmare.
Suddenly life is spent juggling play dates, carting kids back and forth, dealing with cries of: "Ma, I'm bored!" and for me an extraordinary busy time here at work at Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT).

Okay, it's one of those situations. Is the glass half full or half empty? The eternal optimist that I am, the glass is certain hall full and here's why.

June-July might be cold and until now even wet and windy, but its filled with a 101 things to do that not only warm the cockles of one's heart; 2011 June-July is a time to feel like a kid again. So, get out the warm, winter woollies and ridiculous National Arts Festival outfits and let's see what we can do with the kids these school holidays.

Talking of festivals, did you know there is a whole host happening in the Eastern Cape province, within close proximity to Nelson Mandela Bay? And, they are certainly ideal for kids...of all ages, the older, more challenging ones, too. I am referring to the awkward, pimply, know-it-all human beings called teenagers.

The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown from 30 June to 10 July promotes 11 days of AMAZ!NG. Get your hands on one of their booking kits at our offices, information kiosks or www.nationalartsfestival.co.za and you'll agree. There are things to do for the whole family. The kiddies' winter school is a must, offering not only shows, but also arts, crafts and lots of creative things to do. This is held in the safe environment of St Andrews Preparatory School and managed by schoolteachers.

Other than the National Arts Festival there's the ABSA Wildsfees in Kirkwood this weekend (SUBS: 3 JULY), and the Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival in Somerset East on July 15 and 16. Then there's the Christmas in July Festival in Hogsback from July 22-24, and the Billabong Pro 2011 in Jeffreys Bay from July 14-24.

Eish! The Eastern Cape is certainly rich in festivals. What's more and good for us here in Nelson Mandela Bay; is that that we offer the gateway to all of them. This means a diversity of experiences from taking in the delights and what's on offer in Nelson Mandela Bay as an affordable destination for the whole family to the genre of a specific festival.
One goes from mild winter weather on the coast to the wonderland of snow (hopefully) in Hogsback...and that's all in a matter of a couple of hours travelling through some of the most majestic scenery in our province. Real Eastern Cape bushveld, rugged, green and so African, it makes one humble and proud.

The other things I love about winter is that the aloes, more specifically the Aloe Ferox, are in full bloom with their red hot poker like grace and stature represents the majesty, vibrance, colour and healing powers of the province. Its no wonder the aloe takes pride of place in so many coats-of-arms and logos in South Africa.

Now, the other thing about winter is that it is the best time for game viewing and of course, on the doorstep of Nelson Mandela Bay is the Big Seven game viewing experience. Addo Elephant National Park, just 45 minutes drive away in Addo and another entrance near Colchester, is the only Big Seven reserve in the world. Added to the Big Five are the Southern Right Whale and the Great White.

Apart from the Addo Park there are also dozens of luxurious game reserves that offer special winter packages. It's great for a day trip or even to overnight.

Many game reserves are open to day visitors - why not pop into one of NMBT's visitor information centres - Donkin, Boardwalk, PE International Airport and Uitenhage - and let the friendly staff advise you on how to get there and when.  Otherwise, why not do the touristy thing and book a trip with one of the Bay's knowledgeable tour operators - call NMBT call centre for assistance.

Also don't forget that NMBT is the official booking agent for the South African National Parks (SANParks) that apart from those out of the Eastern Cape includes Addo, Mountain Zebra Park near Cradock and Camdeboo near Graaff-Reinett. Government owned parks and reserves are really cost effective to the domestic traveller, so to over night as a family is a great affordable way to experience African wildlife without travelling too far away. Reserves run by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency include the incredible Baviaanskloof - a World Heritage Site. Baviaans offers some thrilling 4x4 experiences, its hot in summer, so winter is ideal.

Reserves in the hinterland include Commando Drift, Tsolwana, Mpufo, Fort Fordyce and the Great Fish - all accessible from Nelson Mandela Bay, which I suppose is not only the gate way to the province's festivals but also the provinces nature reserves.

(For the really adventurous who want to travel a bit further way, there are also a host of reserves on the Wild Coast.)
Many of the queries we've had at NMBT are from people from all over South Africa who want to fly into the city, spend a couple of days here and then venture on to one of the festivals and game reserve. Ideal holiday that makes perfect sense; art, culture, cityscape and wildlife.

NMBT has also conceptualised the NMB Pass, a card and booklet that, for a small fee, offers visitors special offers from tourism related businesses in the city.

Then there are queries from people who are driving from Cape Town and will overnight in Nelson Mandela Bay for a day or so before moving onto the National Arts Festival.

Nelson Mandela Bay also makes for a great getaway for people within the province. Many are attending one of the festivals, for example Billabong Pro 2011 for the day and then staying over in Nelson Mandela for a bit of city night life.
Among our visitors during the winter holidays, apart from those visiting family and friends, are farmers from the outlying areas who come to the city before they take their kids back to boarding schools. They shop at one of the city's shopping centres, watch a movie, visit a really good restaurant, the Boardwalk and stay over night in the Bay before venturing back to the farm.

So, for those who are burdened by whining kids, scream festivals and that there are 101 one things to do in Nelson Mandela Bay at them, make it an exciting venture for them to surf the net and find out what the festival and 101 things to do are. Then, they must report back to you with an affordable itinerary.Trust me, it won't be difficult for them, certainly won't break the bank account and gives you the opportunity to also feel like a kid again.


Author: Mandlakazi Skefile