Winter is over. Breathe a sigh of relief and get set for spring. And where better to celebrate this spectacular season than in the fairytale setting of Magoebaskloof in Limpopo. The crab apples are bursting out in a froth of pink and white, the azaleas are creating a blaze of glorious colour in a multitude of pinks, white, cerise, mauve, yellow and magenta. The Japanese flowering cherries are about to burst into bloom with fluffy pink and white blossoms, and competing with them are the voluptuous rhododendrons.
It is Spring Festival time in Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg and for nine days from September 18 to 26, visitors will be able to enjoy a spectacle of arts and crafts set in this scenic area with its indigenous forests and craggy mountains.
The Magoebaskloof Hotel will host a craft fair with a display of hand-made items ranging from Christmas decorations to pewter art in earthy and natural African themes, from hand-printed linen and cushions to designer clothing, from baskets made by the blind to wrought iron creations. There will also be gold jewellery, scenic calendars, hand-printed textiles, wooden toys and glass goodies, ceramic firepots, hand-painted ceramic bird panels and zany T-shirts painted by a local artist.
There will be workshops and demonstrations for those who want to learn how to create glass beads from recycled glass or to create mosaic and pewter artworks. A display of indigenous and exotic orchids will on show on the lawns of the hotel from September 22 to 26.
The Food Hall will tempt the palate with organic cheeses, preserves and pickles, dried fruit and nuts as well as cakes, sweets and biscuits. In the nearby village of Haenertsburg visitors can browse among stalls displaying table linen, bags and home décor. There will be children's books, essential oils, herbal and aromatic products.
Food stalls will offer anything from curry and rice to chip sticks and donuts.
Gardeners will enjoy the plant and gardening section. Fun events include hula hooping sessions, a logging competition, pony rides and face painting.
Not to be missed is the chance to visit Cheerio Gardens where visitors can roam among pathways lined with cherry blossom, crab apples, azaleas and rhododendrons.
The indigenous Woodbush Forest Reserve is a birding hotspot with a number of rare birds such at Cape Parrots and Bat Hawks.
- For more information contact Anne-Marie Brook on 015 276 4828, or 082 883 449. Accommodation: Tourism Magoebaskloof: 015-276-4880.