HYDERABAD: Associating South Africa(SA) with wild life and safaris is so passe. SA Tourism is now highlighting new destinations and adventures for the travel-lovers as a part of Learn South Africa Programme. “This time of the year is specifically known for the annual music festivals and sports galas particularly in Cape Town. And without experiencing these extravaganzas you are certainly missing out on SA’s best,” informed Hanneli Slabber, India Country Manager, South Africa who was in town for Hyderabad leg of 2017’s Learn South Africa programme at Taj Krishna.
Afrikaburn
AfrikaBurn is the spectacular event where the creative participants gather once a year in the Tankwa, Karoo. A temporary city of sorts is created where art, theme camps, cosplays, music and performances are staged to be enjoyed.
Cape Town Jazz
Also referred to as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is the largest music event in sub-Saharan Africa. The festival, now preparing for its 17th year, is an annual event famous for delivering a star-studded line up.
Walking In The Daisies
Walking the Daisies, brought to you by Rocking the Daisies, is an annual two-day hike that starts in Cape Town and the festival’s aim to create and promote positive environmental action, make friends and raise awareness about the positive impact of the environmental efforts of Rocking the Daisies, SA’s premier eco-friendly festival.
Splashy Fen
Splashy Fen is South Africa’s premier music festivals which sees thousands of people making the annual pilgrimage to Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal for what is regarded by many as the ‘ultimate outdoor experience’. It has something for everyone; in fact, there’s nothing else in SA quite like it!
Granamstown Art Festival
The National Arts Festival is an important event on the South African cultural calendar, and the biggest annual celebration of the arts on the African continent. It is held in the small university city of Grahamstown, which is situated in the Eastern Cape.
Jub Jazz Festival, Lagos Music Festival, Vic Falls Carnival, Oppikoopi, are some more famous festivals among others.
Hanneli Slabber (Country Head, South Africa Tourism) stated that Hyderabad is a very important city as 5% of the adventure buyers in SA are from this city. And she also said that the country is coming up with personalized ‘Made for Hyderabad’ services and products because ‘Made for India’ doesn’t suffice for the energy of Hyderabadis.
Where an average travelller can buy 2-3 activities/day, Hyderabadis can go from 6-10 activities/day. “These Hyderabadis are so young and full of energy that they want no free time” chuckles Hanneli.Apart from this, SA also welcomes the desi travellers with their special spreads. It now has separate cuisine for Indians, Indian vegetarians, vegans and Jains.