It’s the month of love and what better time to explore your city and show it some love. We have searched high and low to find the hidden gems and events in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban for you to explore alone, with friends or with the love of your life.

Johannesburg

For those looking for love or just looking for something to do with your friends, that is totally out of your comfort zone, then Saigon Suzy’s Singles party is the one for you. If the shaking of polaroid pictures, scribbles of digits and crowd karaoke is exactly what you enjoy then they have this in store for you this Valentine’s Day. Get all of your single Suzy’s together and prepare to paint the Cherry Blossom Garden red! 

But, if you are just looking to have a chilled time with your bae, all cosied up together, then perhaps a movie in the Modderfontein Park will be the cutest and most romantic option for the both of you. What’s more romantic than overlooking the Flamingo Dam with gourmet food and a Coffee and Freezo Bar. To kick things off, you can find a spot and enjoy some live music before the movie starts. All this will take place on Friday, 14 February 2020, and the movie, The Proposal, is the perfect end to a chilled and relaxed evening under the stars. 

And for those who are not really into the mushy love and romantic filled settings, then spending the day at the Locrate Market in Soweto, alone, with friends or even with your baby love, will be perfect to just share a laugh and make some memories by getting the true local experience. The Locrate Market has become well known for being the first lifestyle market where young entrepreneurs can showcase and sell their products, meet people, make connections and get the much-needed exposure they need in order to expand their businesses. There are plenty of tasty treats to enjoy from the many food stalls and a group of food trucks called the “Mother Truckers.” There are many new quality products to discover including fashion, local art, accessories and more. Entertainment includes live bands, poetry reading, bike tours and a kiddie’s play section.

Pretoria

A place to fall in love with, in Pretoria, is the Adventure Zone Cullinan, the home of the best adrenaline-pumping activities – which is perfect for all our adventure-seeking lovers. This is obviously for the risktaking friends, singles and couples looking to live their lives on the edge. With activities ranging from Zipling and abseiling to team-based activities such as Amazing Race, basically a variety of activities for all. 

For a more calm and romantic setting that does not require much adrenaline, head on over to French Toast where you will find Little Paris hidden in the heart of Hartbeespoort. To set the scene there is a lover’s bridge leading to South Africa’s very own miniature version of the Eiffel Tower. Surrounding this quint little square, are a gift shop, deli, boutique and cafe, for you to explore while taking in the love and romantic experience.

Although, a romantic setting is always a plus, why don’t we add some tranquillity and relaxation into the mix? The Amani Spa at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge, positioned in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, perched on stilts and blending into its location, each themed room provides uninterrupted views of the African Bushveld where you can indulge relaxing Spa massages, luxurious facials, manicures, pedicures and pampering Spa packages, uniquely designed to relax the mind, body and soul.

Cape Town

For the crowd at the shore, how about stepping outside and taking a breath of fresh air, with Cape Town Electrek, a local company renting electric bicycles and scooters out in Seapoint and Blouberg. You can enjoy an hour or more whisking through the streets and taking in the beautiful scenery of Cape Town, with family or friends. 

There are so many ways to see and experience Cape Town, but few are as exciting – or romantic – as riding in a hot-air balloon with Go Ballooning. Board a balloon at sunrise and float silently over the peaceful landscapes of the Cape Winelands for an hour. Enjoy the exquisite scenery and views of Table Mountain in the distance and check out the Winelands after, with your partner or even just a friend. Perfect for a date. 

But, if you are one to do it all, without missing a thing then getting the Iventure Pass is for you.  The Pass gives you access to over 90 of the most popular Cape Town attractions, tours and things to see and do, a large number of those being kids-friendly activities. Whatever your preferences are, there is really something for everyone with the Iventure Pass and the City of Cape Town. 

Durban

Spice things up in your relationship with an evening lifestyle cooking course at Fusion Cooking. Classes are hands-on and interactive. Classes include Thai, Mexican, Cuban, Greek, bread making, sushi and pasta making, with each class lasting about 3 hours. All you need to take along with you is a drink and a pen to jot down some recipes as you go along. If you can’t make a specific class, email them for a voucher and you can redeem it whenever you like.

For those seeking a breathtaking view, take a walk on the edge and Conquer the Arch along the northern arch of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. You’ll be amazed at the incredible view in all directions. Apart from the beautiful northern coastline and the city of Durban itself, you’ll also get a bird’s eye view into the King’s Park Rugby Stadium next door which is known as the Shark Tank.

For a little bit of romance spend some time at the Rooftop Musgrave Night Market. The delicious food and live music is the perfect place for a chilled-out date, where you can find everything from craft beer and artisan baked goods, to vintage clothes, home décor and jewellery. A good spot just to take it easy with your love and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.