If you’re tired of the same old beach break, here’s some inspiring course holidays – designed to allow your inner passions to shine through.
Snap your Safari
With Fully-Focussed Safaris, you’ll spend 12 unforgettable days travelling through the Kruger Park, ending off in Tshukudu Lodge in Hoedspruit, learning the ins and outs of wildlife photography.
Besides the bush, you’ll love…
The expert guidance of professional wildlife photographers Tony and Carol Dilger (tonydilger.co.uk) who fly out from their base in the UK frequently to photograph in SA’s finest wildlife parks. This husband-and-wife duo offer great tutelage, blending technical knowledge with creative flair, and along with Field Guide Alisha Ellis, you’ll discover important eco facts while you work.
Create Your Plate, Then Eat Off It !
An exciting new venture, Wineland Vitamins is a local tourism company offering boutique travel options for guests with a creative and foodie flair. Try a two-day “Create your plate then eat it” course in Wellington, where you’ll spend a day casting beautiful objects at the award-winning Ceramic Matters studio, and then learn to cook a feast at Twist Some More restaurant. Accommodation is arranged for you overnight, in the gorgeous, historic, Au’ De Hex hotel.
Twist Some More
With Chef Johan van Schalkwyk at the helm, the restaurant has evolved, since 2007, from a simple catering business to its present form, situated on Hexenberg Farm in a beautiful old barn which evokes the nature of the Wellington area, commonly referred to as “South Africa’s little Tuscany.” Johan’s menu changes constantly, depending on local produce and flavours which take his whim – with great game and splendid vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.
Bush for the birds
After a week spent with EcoTraining, in one of four wilderness camps – Makuleke, Karongwe, Selati or Mashatu – in the astounding Kruger Park, you’ll have learnt the skills of Birding – or “Twitching” to the experts!
What’s in store?
Birding in the Bush is a seven-day course led by bird expert Bruce Lawson, with food, transport and accommodation provided for the duration. You’ll learn all the tricks to identifying birds and their behaviour, as well as conservation skills as you go. EcoTraining also offers courses in wildlife tracking and photography.
An epicurean escape
If you’ve been swept up in daydreams of your own little ‘boulangerie’, and beginning each day with the delectable aroma of freshly-baked bread, we’ve got just the course for you. Spend a day “Bread Baking” on Môreson Wine Farm in Franschhoek, at Bread & Wine restaurant – sister to the locally famous Le Quartier Français.
Stay over
After a long, languid day getting your hands floury – and sampling some of the finest wines from the Franschhoek Valley – you’ll be in heaven as you retire to a room at Le Quartier Français. This luxe hotel, home to Chef Margot Janse’s renowned restaurant The Tasting Room, is utterly elegant.
