By Kerry Lanaghan
A braai by the beach in Mcdoughallsbaai, Port Nolloth. Image by: Jan Braai on Instagram (@janbraai )
Picture this: braais, brandy, and beaches. It’s summer season, and people are in a festive mood. There is no place like South Africa in December, and no other country that could do it the way we do. December 2023 was epic, to say the least. The festive vibes were off the charts, mainly because our beloved Springboks won the Rugby World Cup. Despite Uncle Cyril (Cyril Ramaphosa) giving us a bit of a head-scratcher with that public holiday, the victory brought a new level of energy and excitement to the already festive atmosphere of December.
Once December rolls around, you can bet that South Africans are itching to head to the best holiday spots. It’s like a mass migration towards the most unique destinations in the country. The Jo’burg traffic disappears overnight; that is when you know it’s nearly Christmas. In Coastal areas such as Cape Town, Durban, Plettenberg Bay, and various parts of the Eastern Cape, the beaches are calling our names. We are all about soaking up the beauty of our beloved land, from visiting the breathtaking wildlife at the Kruger National Park to taking a drive through the scenic wonders of the Garden Route or a hike in the stunning Drakensberg Mountains. The options for exploration are truly limitless in South Africa. And let’s not forget about Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which are top-notch winelands. These locations are essential if you want to take a sip of luxury.
You are guaranteed to have a mouth-watering feast regarding food in South Africa. There is nothing as pleasant and welcoming as a braai. It is more than just the remarkable food that is prepared, it’s a time when precious moments are created with those that matter the most. The smell of the sizzling meat, the joy and laughter that fills the air. There is nothing quite like it. One thing that all South Africans share is our deep love for braais. It’s a guarantee that the delicious smell of sizzling boerewors will linger, braais are an essential part of the December experience.
The food in South Africa does not only consist of braais. Given our vast cultural diversity, various foods are being prepared during the festive season. It is non-negotiable to try an authentic bunny chow when visiting Durban. And for every South African family, Christmas lunch entails either a milktart, peppermint crisp tart, or trifle - or all three of these divine desserts. South Africans truly have a unique yet varying cuisine.
Now for the prime part of December: Groove. Also known as ‘jolling’ and formally known as partying. There is no simple way to define what groove is and what it is composed of; it is something that needs to be experienced first-hand to understand its true meaning. There is only one way to describe the nightlife in South Africa during December, it is a disease. It is the one time of the year when South Africans become unconcerned, and there is no doubt that you will find a party happening every day. The best nightlife locations in December are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Plettenberg Bay, Kenton, and Durban. So, you will find groovists and jolls happening anywhere and everywhere in December, no matter where you find yourself. You cannot escape it; you are likely to find yourself within it, and it is a disease - a harmless disease. But, you might be harmed by babelas you feel the following day.
Rest assured, if you’re in South Africa during December, you will not experience a moment of boredom. Your stomach will be constantly satisfied with the flavoursome foods, and you will make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.