Hey Reader,

I hope you're having a sun-filled Sunday!

I've had so many questions lately about what events there are to look for around Southern Africa. I'm a huge fan of finding local festivals and events when I travel. It's a fun way to interact with the locals a bit and take part in some community spirit.

So I decided to start working on an events calendar that I and other travellers can refer to, either when planning our trips or when we're at our destination and are looking for things to do.

While that's in progress, I want to let you know about a couple of upcoming events in South Africa. If you have a specific time period when you'll be in South Africa, Botswana, and/or Namibia, hit reply and let me know - I'll fill you in on what's happening where you are. And of course, once the full calendar's done you'll be the first to know.
​

The Ficksburg Cherry Festival - South Africa

Date: November 30, 2024

Location: In the town of Ficksburg (aka "Cherrytown"), in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains near Lesotho, Free State, South Africa. Go to the Ficksburg Show Grounds at 1 Shawground Road.

Ficksburg is about 200km east of Bloemfontein and is a great stopover if you're travelling into Lesotho or towards eSwatini.

Features:
​1) cherry tours, a golf classic, a half marathon, cherry and product competitions, vintage vehicle displays, equestrian events, and beer festivals;
​2) food and wine exhibitions, and a popular "ready, steady, bake" competition;
​3) a favourite attraction is the creation of cherry mampoer (a South African moonshine);
​4) live performances by well-known South African artists - it's often hosted by a national celebrity.

Italy in Town Festival in Cape Town

This celebration of Italian culture in Cape Town will let you experience a mix of food, music, and entertainment.

Date: November 23 and 24, 2024

• it's held in venues like the Company’s Garden in Cape Quarter, Somerset Rd, Green Point, Cape Town;
• offers delicious Italian dishes, from pizzas and pasta to gelato and fine wines;
• artisan stalls selling Italian fashion and crafts;
• live music, film screenings, and cooking demonstrations
• family-friendly workshops allow kids to try pizza and pasta making.

​Get tickets online at Quiket​

Ad Break

If you'd like a little - or a lot - of help with your travel plans, keep Kim in mind at Go Explore the World. Click to go to the website, or email Kim directly at ​info@goexploretheworldtravel.com​​ with ​I Want to Go to Africa!​ in the subject line to get in touch. Easy! She'll advise you based on her own experiences in Africa.

End of Ad break

Here are a couple of articles to help you have a great trip:

​The 10 Best Apps for Travelling in Africa​ Read article

​41 Health and Safety Tips for Travelling in Africa​ Read article

PLUS a travel tip for you

I've shared this one before, but some people seemed to have missed it - I really love this option:

➤ If you have a looong layover and don't have the energy to explore, have a look at the website Dayuse. This website makes it possible for you to book a room at different hours than the usual 3pm to 11am, for those extended daytime layovers.
​
Have a nap, a shower, use the pool or the gym - and be refreshed for your next flight. A WAY better alternative to spending 8 or 10 - or more - hours in an airport.
​
​

That's it for this week. Be sure to hit reply to this or any email if you have questions, comments, or want to share your adventures. I'd love to hear from you!

Happy travels!

Deb

🧳 Book your trip with the companies that I know, use, and trust:​
☑︎ Accommodations - Booking.com for the best selection​
​☑︎ Flights - I love WayAway, and you can get 10% off with this link​
​☑︎ Travel Insurance - I use SafetyWing. Never skip travel insurance!
​☑︎ Tours/experiences - Viator is my favourite​
​☑︎ Car rental - Discover Cars searches international & local rental companies to find what you need

[This Introvert With Itchy Feet newsletter contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links, may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services we use and trust, and I really appreciate your trying them out! Read our disclaimer for more information.]