How to Do South Africa with Africa Aficionadas Mate Masie Curation

[title maintitle=”” subtitle=”Insider’s Guide: South Africa”]

What do you love about South Africa?

What I love about Johannesburg is the people! I have found Joberg and Soweto residents to be full of life, very interested in having conversations about politics, culture, art, and overall life.

Cape Town, the Mother City, is till this day the most beautiful place I’ve laid my eyes on.  The first site that attracts the eye is Table Mountain  and Lion’s head which sits directly in the middle of the city with clouds that sit around it like delicate lace. It truly is a spiritual experience as well to be on top. The coast line is dotted with beautiful beaches and breath taking mountains. The city is also very compact making it easy to get around and navigate.

And about the South African cuisine?

South African Cuisine is a gastronomic delight.  Cuisine is influenced by indigenous Africans, Europeans ( think french cooking techniques and wine in particular), and Cap Malay people (decedents of Indonesians servants and slaves).   You will also find the influence of neighboring countries like Mozambique. Outside of traditional South African food you can try a variety of high quality foods from across the continent and the world.  You also will find many award winning and world renowned restaurants.

The one dish everyone who comes to South Africa should try?

You cannot go to South Africa without participating in a Braai or Sisha Nyama which is the South African version of a BBQ.    People gather at a butcher,  buy their meat which is grilled to perfection, and people meet with friends and family and dance the day away. It is a cultural experience that extends way past the pallet and continues to be one of my best food experiences ever.

Your ideal Sunday would be spent…

Sunday is the day for markets! South Africa has amazing food and art markets on Sundays.   Two of my favorite markets are Arts on Main and the Rosebank Sunday Market.   Here you are able to try food and cocktails around the world at different stalls. A Dj is almost always in place and it really can turn into an all day event.

What would you recommend doing on the first day in South Africa?

After a long flight is complete gentle self care is in order.  My habit has been pretty consistent over the last few years and this means go take a shower and proceed to a spa for a day of pampering. My skin is dry from head to toe after flying and my body is aching. A massage an facial at one of Joberg’s beautiful Spa’s (my favorite being Pyramid Spa), is needed.  Then ending the day at one of Joberg’s fancy restaurants to celebrate my arrival.

What’s your favorite restaurant in town?

This is HARD.  Currently my favorite restaurant is the Codfather. Sounds pretty corny , I know but it is not anything close.   You are able to hand select a wide range of seafood cooked and seasoned to your liking.  My last meal there I had salmon, lobster, Kingklip (a type of white fish),  Langoustines (thing of something that looks like a shrimp but taste more like a lobster,  and King Prawns, along with more sides then I can count.  I finished it up with Malva Pudding which I would call the South African version of Bread Pudding

Where can we get a feel for local culture?

In my opinion, one of the best ways to get a feel for local culture is to enjoy South African night life.  In Joberg, Braamfontein is one of the best places to go at night for a laid back and fun experience.  It is home to the world famous The Orbit Jazz Bistro which not only regularly hosts some of South African’s most important artists but dinner and cocktail menu rivals any 5 star restaurant.  It is also a great place to bar and club hop.

What should we take home as a souvenir?

Wine or spirits.  Pinotage wine is exclusive to South Africa and can be picked up when touring wine country. South Africa also has an excellent selection of spirits , such as Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky which  was just rated best  Worlds’s best grain whisky by the World Whisky Awards. It is also the place where I started appreciating Gin. Try the Cape Town Pink Lady Gin which is infused with Hibiscus, Rose petals, and rose water.

Where should we go to find African print material or designer clothes?

In Joberg you can find African wax fabric in the fashion district along with tailors. It is important to remember that what people associate as African Fabric is really more of a west African tradition and important from west Africa , Europe, or China (yes China). You will not find the same volume or variety you will in lets say a city like Accra.   However, one of my favorite parts of traveling to South Africa is shopping for uniquely South African  clothes and accessories.  From malls to boutiques to markets you can find some very unique designers.   MaxHosa  is a Xhosa inspired knitwear line by designer Laduma Ngoxkolo.  Laduma uses traditional Xhosa patterns. Symbolism , and colors into his globally recognized line.  One of my favorite accessory stores is Hello Africa! on Main Street in Maboneng. You will find emerging artists from across the continent here and of course this speaks closely to MMC’s heart.

How do you select your curated pieces of art (Jewelry)?

We connect with artists and artisans through word of mouth and social media.  We meet with them to  find out more about them and what inspires their art. It is extremely important that we develop relationships with are artists.

One misconception about South Africa is…

Crime.  It is actually what kept me away from solo travel in South Africa for years. If you read certain forums places like Johannesburg can seem scary but my experiences have been anything but.  As with visiting many large cities (New York city for example) it is important to practice common sense safety. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t venture into isolated places alone, be careful with your valuables , etc. I am sad though that I talk to many people who limit or bypass Joberg all together because they will miss out on a lot.

Underrated spots worth a visit…

Soweto. It is so much more than just visiting Nelson Mandela’s house

13. How should we spend the final day of our trip?

Braai!  Get lost in the moment with good food and music and make some final memories

14. Where should we go to unplug?

Cape Town : Table Mountain, Chapman’s Peak,  Botanical Gardens

Joberg : Roof top Bar at the living room or 12 Decades, the Pyramid Spa for a massage and facial , Safari in Pilanesberg because nothing can get you closer to yourself then being in nature.

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