Feel like a kid again this winter

HIBERNATION is not an option this winter, well according to Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) that is, which is encouraging locals and tourists alike to pull on their winter warmers and embrace the chilly season from a child’s perspective.

“Nelson Mandela Bay is known as a family destination and even though it’s cold over winter, we have the warmth of family to heat things up,” said NMBT marketing manager Titus Chuene. “In Nelson Mandela Bay, you can feel young again and entertain the kids. Every parent knows that entertained kids are happy kids… and happy kids mean happy parents.”

Though winter is considered the tourism down season, NMBT have gone all out to showcase what to do as a family in a city known for its crisp, sunny winter days – and the fourth best coastal weather in the world. “We’ve got kids’ entertainment on tap this winter. With everything from educational tours and wildlife encounters to good, clean fun, there is something for the whole family no matter what the weather.”

Locally the organisation has lobbied its membership base to provide affordable winter specials to cater for the family holiday. Addo Gateway Lodge and Access Guest house in Summerstrand have come on board from an accommodation perspective. Activity specials for the young at heart are also on offer from the Sundays River ferry operators, Nukakamma Canoe Trail, Barnacle Bay Tours, and a two day horse workshop and survivor holiday camp with Stars in Transition. The Casa Mia Spa in Addo also offers an accommodation and spa treatment package for couples seeking reprieve.

Moreover a picking of exciting activities are on offer in the city itself including museums, shopping centres, adventure activities and arts and culture. The Mandela Bay Development Agency has finished its initial phase of the Route 67 public art development on the Donkin Reserve and linked up with the Arts Journey to promote the public art campaign which makes for an exciting creative outdoor experience.

“The Arts Journey is a Creative Collective of Arts institutions and venues which was established to introduce all the creative arts and culture or heritage found in Nelson Mandela Bay to the world at large, and promote tourist and local enjoyment of our creativity,” said founder Anthony Harris.

Winter is also the best season for indulging a fascination with local biodiversity. “We need to remember that winter is the ideal time for game viewing. Nelson Mandela Bay boasts a number of inner city safari escapes, is on the doorstep of the Addo Elephant National Park and many other nearby Eastern Cape game lodges,” added Chuene.

“We also have great marine wildlife viewing in the city and you can witness the denizens of the deep –dolphins and sharks and the occasional orca – right here in the Bay.”

Since the city is also the gateway to the province, adventure is abundant as the province boasts a selection of festivals and activities aimed at making all visitors reliving the freedom of childhood. The National Arts Festival runs from June 30 to July 10. There is the Wine Festival Nelson Mandela Bay at the stadium from June 10 – 12. The nearby Gamtoos Tourism Citrus Festival takes place on June 25 and will be a great family day out. July is also set to ignite the province with a fever of festivals including the annual Billabong surf competition, a continuation of the National Arts Festival as well as the Knysna Oyster Festival, Absa Kirkwood Wilds Fees from July 1 to 3, and the Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival June 16 and 17.

“We encourage domestic and international tourists to bring their sense of wonder and journey into the heart of adventure, while discovering freedom in Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Chuene. For more information on the winter campaign visit: www.nmbt.co.za/winter_in_nelson_mandela_bay.html