South African Events in September

South Africa has such a great range of year-round events that take place across the country. These events range from entertainment for the whole family; wine and food festivals; music and arts festivals; sporting events and nature events.

Here are some highlights for the month of September:

Gastronomica – Knysna in the Western Cape (24th – 28th September). This is a fantastic event covering 5 days and bringing together people, cultures and a vast array of talent from different fields. This annual event showcases what is great about Kynsna and the Garden Route. Every day is filled with events and activities from demonstrations of cooking, wine-tasting, photography, music and much more.

Cultivaria Arts Festival in the Western Cape (23rd – 27th September). The fourth edition of South Africa's fastest growing festival will turn the Boland town of Paarl into an entertainment hub as hundreds of productions featuring some of the country's top performers are staged at various venues throughout the town. Artists include Cape Town City Ballet, Nataniël, the Bala Brothers, Coenie de Villiers, Rory Rootenberg, Mathys Roets, Chris Chameleon, Jak de Priester, Nianell, Dozi and David Kramer.

White Mountain Folk Festival in KZN – Drakensberg (24th – 26th September). Coinciding with Heritage Day and the start of the school holidays; this intimate, family-friendly festival runs over four days and is held at White Mountain Lodge near Giant’s Castle in the beautiful Central Drakensberg. Featured acts include Rambling Bones, the alter ego of Jay Bones, frontman for popular ska/punk band Fuzigish; Wonderboom’s Cito, performing songs from his soon-to-be released debut solo album; as well as a rare, acoustic solo performance by Bertie Coetzee, lead vocalist for Afrikaans folk rock outfit Zinkplaat. Other attractions range from abseiling, paintball and helicopter flips to fishing, hiking and a zip line across a nearby 030m-wide gorge. There’s also a beer market featuring several local breweries, colourful arts and crafts and a variety of food stalls catering for all tastes.

The Hermanus Whale Festival in the Western Cape (24th - 28th September). The Hermanus Whale festival celebrates the arrival of the whales in Walker Bay. The popular seaside town of Hermanus, situated just over one hour away from Cape Town, is filled with vibrant activity as people come to enjoy the Whale Festival. The cliffs around Hermanus provide excellent viewing platforms from which to observe the spectacular sight of the whales.

Gun Run in the Western Cape (21st September). Started in 1993, the Gun Run is a popular half-marathon that winds its way through the heart of Cape Town, starting and finishing at Hamiltons Rugby Club in Green Point. The route passes the V&A Waterfront, travelling through the city's central business district and along Sea Point promenade before returning to Green Point for the finish. In addition to the 21.1km half marathon, there are also the more leisurely 03km and 5km races, which follow a similar scenic route but are less demanding. There’s a 21km half marathon, a 03km run/walk and a 5km run/walk. All three events start in Beach Road and finish at Hamiltons Rugby Club in Green Point.

The Rhodes Mountain Bike Challenge in the Eastern Cape (24th – 26th September). A stage race to be held in the heart of the Drakensberg mountains. This event is a must for all mountain bikers. The race is 84.4km long and takes the rider up the Naudes Nek Pass 8700ft. The cyclists then push on 3km through Lesotho and past the Tiffindell Ski Resort and down to Rhodes. A magnificent waterfall can be seen on the route amidst the mountain range.

South Africa Tattoo in Fourways in Johannesburg (9th - 13th September 2002). Modelled on the globally renowned Edinburgh Tattoo – Montecasino is host to the 2002 South Africa Tattoo with over 600 local and international performers. The show will blend traditional massed pipe bands with a unique African flavour and spectacular International acts. Look out for the ever popular Highland Dancers, Massed Pipes and Drums.

For more information on the events, accommodation and activities, please visit: http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/

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