The days are getting longer and warmer and it's time to pack away your winter wardrobe and plan a spring that's all about making the most of the free time that is part of the reality of retirement. The CSi Property Group brings you a list of great ways to get outdoors this spring and a breakdown of the not-to-be-missed cultural activities coming your way over the next few months.
Ways to get outdoors this spring in Gauteng
As a resident of Gauteng, you've got a wide variety of places to go if you want to make the most of the warmer days and sunshine. To list just a few examples, if you live in Pretoria, you can go for a walk around the Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings - or take an amble around the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens or the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. More commonly known as Pretoria Zoo, the Zoological Gardens offer a fantastic opportunity for a day out - with or without your grandchildren. Come and discover a world of various mammals, reptiles and birds.
Retirees in Johannesburg can take a stroll around the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, which is described as "an Eden hidden in the West Rand of Gauteng." The garden offers plenty of chances to go for a gentle walk, enjoy a picnic or simply do some birdwatching and appreciate the beauty of nature. Over and above these gardens, there are plenty of nature reserves to be explored and other things to do throughout the province.
Events happening in Gauteng over the next couple of months
Gauteng is one of South Africa's cultural hubs, and as a resident of Johannesburg or Pretoria, there's loads of culture to take advantage of over the next few months.
From 30 September to 2 October, you can experience the eclectic energy and mesmerising performance of the Ndlovu Youth Choir at the Teatro Theatre at Montecasino. The choir shot to fame when they reached the finals of Season 14 of America's Got Talent, and are well-known for their unique renditions of songs like Africa, We Will Rise and Shallow/Enxwemeni. Tickets for this performance are available through Webtickets.
Another musical extravaganza not to be missed is next month's Ridge Choir Festival at the Linder Auditorium at Wits University. This annual festival of song features four school choirs and will take place on 10 and 11 October. Tickets are available through Computicket.
Gauteng retirees who enjoy arts and crafts should not miss the 16th Handmade Contemporary Fair, which will showcase Africa's creativity at the Piazza in Melrose Arch from 28 to 30 October.
Those looking to get some early festive cheer this year must not miss the Carsten & Ireland Ballet School's production of The Nutcracker, which will be at the Roodepoort Theatre from 14 to 16 October. Ballet enthusiasts are in for a great October, because WGRUV Dance Company present Vignettes is also coming to the Joburg Theatre from 12 to 16 October.
The best day trips or weekend breaks from Gauteng
When you don't have to worry about getting back to your desk by Monday morning, the idea of weekend breaks (or midweek breaks) becomes more and more appealing. As a resident of Gauteng, you've got a wealth of great options within a reasonable drive of home this spring. These include the Pilanesberg National Park, where if luck is on your side, you can see the Big Five.
Hartbeespoort is another holiday or day trip destination popular among Gauteng's residents. Don't miss the stunning scenery that you'll see from the Harties Aerial Cableway or the chance to take a look at Hartbeespoort Dam, which is almost 100 years old. There is also an array of great coffee shops and restaurants to be enjoyed in this quaint town.
Gauteng is a great home for retirees, with plenty to do and plenty of retirement estates that feature everything you need to continue living a healthy, active and productive life. To find out more or to find your retirement home, contact the CSi Property Group today.
Image credit: Part of the Cycad garden at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, South Africa, Cape Town 8005, South Africa by JMK | Wikipedia | CC-BY-SA 3.0 | https://bit.ly/3OfURRt