Celebration mode commences at this time of year, with public events, markets, and live performances – making the most of the extra daylight. These balmy weeks provide the perfect backdrop for everything that makes this part of the world daydream-worthy, with many opportunities to witness the drama of summer unfolding in nature. Here’s how to enjoy the season without the midday scorch:
Early Morning Adventures
Sunrise Zip-linings
For those who like a dash of adrenaline with their dawn views, by prior arrangement, Karkloof’s sunrise zip-lining adventure delivers. As the forest wakes up, mist lifts and light spills through the trees – flitting through mid-air is exhilarating and beautiful.
Morning Pilates
For a much calmer, more centred approach to a summer morning – start your day with a gentle morning stretch on a quiet verandah, grassy park, or garden with a sunrise view. Warm summer air and birdsong create a peaceful setting to breathe and centre yourself. It’s the perfect way to sync with nature and savour the slow, golden mornings. If you need some guidance, chat to Nadia from Maud Motion Pilates Hilton.
Sunny Morning Walks
Experience summer mornings with quiet reverence and local connection at the Dargle Conservancy, one of South Africa’s oldest community-based conservancies. Join their monthly walk for a living example of what nature stewardship means: a gentle stroll through forest patches, streams, and bird song. The Kilgobbin Forest Walk takes place on the first Thursday of every month, 09:00-11:00. Explore mist-belt forest via old logging paths – mist, orchids, and the promise of morning calm. This is a chance to stand quietly within the Midlands’ wild heart.
Afternoon Ambles
Picnic in the Shade
As the afternoon falls, take a moment to slow down with creamy local cheese, handcrafted chocolates, and a glass of wine in hand. A picnic under a solstice sky, whether at home or on a Midlands hill, becomes a ritual of calm.
Tea and homemade cake in the garden, a post-afternoon rain shower, and the lingering rain on the warm ground enhances the feeling of ‘the calm after the storm’.
Late Afternoons
As the day winds down, Midmar Dam has plenty of summer fun in store. The water is perfect for a lazy paddle, or an afternoon sail. Boaters, water-skiers, and sailors are out while families picnic on the banks and anglers cast out. A classic Midlands sundowner spot.
Pizza Thursdays
Treat yourself to a slice (or three) of joy every Thursday at The Pizza Place, where all pizzas are half-price from 15:00 to 19:00. This is the perfect late afternoon snack-stop after a day’s work or a Midlands Meander – especially with the Taproom serving up local craft beers and wines to match. A summer afternoon’s easy food at its best.
Summer Evening Activities
Cocktail Hour
Ease into the weekend evenings with Highgate’s laid-back Friday cocktail hour. From 16:00 to 18:00 every week, enjoy refreshing drinks and good company as the sun dips behind the hills. Whether you’re a classic G&T fan or in the mood for something more adventurous, it’s the perfect spot to toast the summer.
Farm Fridays at Sunset
There’s something delightfully local about a Friday at the farm. As the sun sets across the Midlands, Blueberry Brewery comes alive with good food, live music, and country charm. Enjoy half-price woodfired pizza and drink specials from 17:30, while the kids enjoy the half-price play area all day. It’s comfort, connection, and community wrapped into one perfect evening – where weekends begin under golden skies.
Springbok Fan Park
…And, of course, watch the rugby game on, apparently, the “biggest and best screen in the Midlands!” Gather around a braai on summer evenings at Stockowners’ very own fan park. This has outdoor excitement for all ages. There are ‘closest to the pin’ contests, prizes for the winners, prizes for best-dressed supporters, kids’ entertainment, face painting, and a spitbraai. The park opens two hours before the game for those who want to arrive early and enjoy late into the night.
15 November vs Italy 14:40, 22 November vs Ireland 19:40, and 29 November vs Wales 17:10.
This December, let the Midlands summer be your invitation to linger: amidst forests that breathe, vineyards bathed in gold, and community connections that light up the night.
Website: www.canopytour.co.za
Instagram: @maudmotion
Website: www.dargleconservancy.org.za
Instagram: @pigglypizzaplace
Instagram: @highgatewine
Instagram: @blueberry_brewery
Instagram: @stockowners_outdoor_park
Words: Accacia Foggin