Conquer cabin fever with healthy activities

THERE are many ways for visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay to avoid cabin fever, stay warm and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime.  Many associate Nelson Mandela Bay with miles of golden beaches and summer fun in the sun activities. But winter provides an opportunity to explore the city’s diversity and things to do during the chillier time of the year.
Here’s 10 winter activities to suggest to visitors or try out yourself. Even better, buy a Nelson Mandela Bay Pass Card and get free and discounted entries.

1. Game viewing at one of the numerous reserves in and around the city that offer a good mix of fauna and flora. These splendid, sometimes untouched areas are developing into some of South Africa's main game viewing destinations. Game viewing experiences can be enjoyed on many of the private game lodges in the area. The visitors are provided with a close-up encounter with the animals. Game drives in open vehicles are popular as are guided walks. Lodges offer accommodation ranging from cost effective to luxurious five-star in a malaria free environment. Nelson Mandela Bay is also home to the Big 7 that comprises elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, black rhino, lions and Great White shark and seasonal Southern Right whale, can be viewed at the Addo Elephant National Park, which includes part of the coast.
2. Enjoy a day at the races. Port Elizabeth has two major horse-racing courses, Arlington and Fairview. They are both managed by Phumelela East Cape. There is racing every Friday afternoon.
3. Nelson Mandela Bay's rich cultural heritage guarantees history lovers a unique insight into the region’s diverse and remarkable past. The Donkin Heritage Trail is one of the best ways to explore the heritage and history of the area. The trail links 51 places of historical interest and boasts some of the finest architectural attractions in South Africa. The trail includes the  Campanile - erected to commemorate the landing of the 1820 Settlers, City Hall - built between 1858 and 1862 and Donkin Reserve and Lighthouse. The upper part of the trail has useful pedestrian signage on the pavement to orientate tourists along the route.
4. Inner city art and culture journey Route 67 was developed by municipal development agency Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA). It couples renovations to parts of the central business district with 67 open-air art-pieces - some of which are still being created. Route 67 celebrates the 67 years of Nelson Mandela’s political life through works produced by local artists. Ten of the art-pieces are housed on ‘balcony of the bay’ the Donkin Reserve. It forms part of the Arts Journey, which also includes the refurbished Athenaeum gallery, ArtEC, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, the historic Red Location museum, South End Museum and Ron Belling Gallery.
5. Additional tours include a variety of scenic day tours and excursions. City tours incorporate many of the historical attractions as well as modern developments in the Bay. Visitors can also choose township tours, wildlife tours, hiking trails, bird watching tours, ocean safaris and more. Alternatively tour guides are happy to tailor-make a package according to a visitors’ needs.
6. Shopping and entertainment centres for all ages - some open into the night - provide visitors with something to do during winter. Added to the list are sundowner cruises, nightclubs, award-winning cocktail bars, late night music spots, theatre performances, cinemas, restaurants and cultural performances.
7. Day spa packages and fully equipped gyms provide him and her with a great way to unwind, exercise, detoxify and rejuvenate. Some game reserves offer spa and gym facilities in the comfort of peaceful surroundings.
8. The theatrical scene in the Bay is constantly changing and visitors can expect to enjoy a number of different performances. Always consider what is on stage at the Port Elizabeth Opera House, Savoy Theatre and Centrestage at the Boardwalk.
9. It is no secret that tourism in the city was initially built on the local family market. This has resulted in a number of children's activities. These include ten-pin bowling, animal touch farm,putt-putt and more. Various coffee-shops and nurseries also offer playgrounds and children’s entertainment.
10. Never forget the Red Location Museum in New Brighton, which is the city’s anti-apartheid and freedom institution. Red Location is one of the oldest settled black townships in the country. It derives its name from a series of corrugated iron barrack buildings, which are rusted a deep red colour. Building materials for these sheds came from the Boer concentration camp at Uitenhage and Imperial Yeomanry Hospital at De Aar, dating back to the South African War (1899-1902)s – other wintery day museum visits in include the Volkswagen SA’s AutoPavilion in Uitenhage.