In 2020, families across South Africa were forced to cancel their Easter plans as the country went into hard lockdown. This year, however, we’re once again able to come together again for the holiday weekend (safely and sensibly, with all the relevant precautions, of course).
However you choose to celebrate Easter, the long weekend is traditionally a time for family ‒ which is perhaps more important than ever after many long months of social distancing from loved ones.
People are understandably hesitant to plan too far ahead these days. But with Easter now just around the corner, whether you’re planning on staying at home, taking a trip, or going out for the day itself, there are many ways to put a Easter bunny hop back into your step this year.
Here are five suggestions for ways to have some fun this Easter Weekend - and yes, they all include Easter eggs!
Beat the blues
It’s been a tough year for many people. Banish the blues by hopping on down to Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront for their “egg-citing Easter” family-friendly lunch.
Whether you live in Cape Town or you’re visiting for the Easter Weekend, you couldn’t ask for a better location for Sunday lunch.
Often dolphins will quite literally frolic in the beautiful ocean in front of the restaurant. The famous buffet receives an on-theme twist this year with a chocolate inspired dessert offering and a (spoiler alert) surprise visit from the Easter bunny.
The buffet includes an impressive variety of starters, mains and the chocolate dessert offering, plus a drink on arrival, for R455 per person. What makes it especially family-friendly is that it’s half price for children under 12, and under-fives eat free.
Share a meal at home
Cook up a feast for a festive Easter lunch at home, and enjoy family time cooking, baking and even cleaning together.
Get each relative or friend to take on a task to alleviate the pressure of taking charge of all of the preparations solo. Whether you have a casual braai or a roast with all the trimmings, the quality time together is invaluable.
You can also use the opportunity to support small local businesses, like your neighbourhood butcher, nearby farms, markets and online delivery services selling ready-made food or fresh produce.
In Cape Town, for example, Yebo Fresh is a tech startup that has really taken off during lockdown. The innovative online service delivers affordable groceries across all areas of the city, including those that have traditionally been under-served by many retailers.
Travel back in time
Having been home much more than usual for the past year, many of us are rightly tired of the sight of our own walls. So why not get out and take a road trip across the country?
If you find yourself enjoying the great outdoors at the Kruger National Park over the Easter Weekend (or any other time for that matter), the Kruger Station is a family-centric lifestyle destination that oozes old world charm.
The refurbished railway station, once the gateway to the park by rail, offers something for everyone. You’ll find restaurants, bars, a 360° cinema where you can learn about the park’s rich history, a playground and, for those necessary Easter sweet treats, an ice cream cafe and a petit four bar.
Explore your South Africa
Wherever you are in South Africa, act like a tourist in your own city and visit your local attractions, take a tour or eat at your favourite restaurant, or that highly-recommended establishment you’ve heard so much about.
Local businesses need your support more than ever before, especially without the patronage of international tourists. In fact, a recent Cape Town Tourism report found that the organisation’s members alone have lost a total of R2 billion in revenue, and shed 12000 jobs, since the start of lockdown.
While these statistics may well apply only to Cape Town, businesses across the country are struggling to keep their doors open. A little support now will go a long way to ensuring a future for local businesses.
Get hoppy
Whether you’re away or at home, it’s not Easter until you’ve hopped around searching for chocolate eggs ‒ getting enough exercise to earn all of those treats.
Easter egg or scavenger hunts are fun for the whole family, and an egg-celent opportunity to create memories together - and make up for missing out last year.
Hide chocolate, toys, or whatever your heart desires for children young and old. Just remember to take plenty of photographs to enjoy for many years to come. And, hopefully, missing Easter plans together is a thing of the past!