Foodies - South Africa is your oyster

South Africa is a country whose natural bounty has enabled the development of an extensive and diverse cuisine. The long and varied coastline brings fresh seafood in astonishing quantities; the fertile soils and good climate produce superb agricultural products and fine wines, and the diversity of cultures has led to a fusion of cuisines and specialities – from hamburgers and Ostrich steaks to sushi.

Cox & Kings invites you to celebrate South Africa’s cuisine on a visit to the country this summer. Time your visit with one of the following foodie festivals for an unforgettable culinary experience.

26 JUNE – 19 JULY: MIDLANDS MEANDER SLOW FOOD FESTIVAL
Taking place in the rolling green hills of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, the Slow Food Festival celebrates cuisine that is ‘fresh, local and fair’. Spread over a distance of 50 miles, the Meander routes are dotted with over a hundred shops showcasing locally handmade tapestries, clothing and ceramics, plus food specialities such cured meats, cheeses, microbrewery beers, ale and cider. Restaurants, country pubs and wine cellars abound in the area.

Book it: Travel on Cox & Kings’ 10-night self-drive Drive Through Kwa-Zulu Natal private journey. Stay two nights at Cleopatra’s Farmhouse, the region’s leading gourmet lodge, for the festival and also take in the Drakensburg Mountains, the Anglo-Zulu battlefields, Phinda Game Reserve and Umhlanga Rocks. From £3,095 per person.

3 – 12 JULY: KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL
Knysna is renowned for the quality of its oysters, which are celebrated each year during the Knysna Oyster Festival. Found in the protected lagoon that spreads out from the town, Knysna’s oysters are some of the tastiest on the planet.

Knysna Oyster Festival is one of South Africa’s longest-running festivals, and offers a jam-packed programme of sport, entertainment and more than 200,000 oysters. During the event there are numerous competitions to enter or watch - sporting events including a full marathon and cycle race - as well as oyster-related activities including oyster shucking (opening) and of course plenty of eating.

Book It: The 10-night Taste of South Africa private journey combines two nights at Belvidere Manor in Knysna with Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Oudtshoorn. From £2,595 per person. Also available on a private basis.

7 – 9 AUGUST: HERMANUS WINE & FOOD FAIR
First held in 1997, Hermanus Wine & Food Fair features more than 250 varieties of wine – the produce of over 60 wineries. Kicking off with a cocktail evening and dinner on the Friday evening, the weekend gets into full swing on Saturday, when dozens of food stalls, art and craft stands and live bands set up to entertain visitors. There is a marquee dedicated to gourmet cuisine and a coffee and brandy tasting lounge.

Book it: Cox & Kings organises tailor-made travel to Hermanus and throughout South Africa. It recommends the Relais & Cheateau accredited Marine, a historic hotel overlooking Walker Bay. The hotel’s two restaurants, The Pavilion and Seafood at the Marine, serve gourmet cuisine.

For more information, prices and bookings, visit Coxandkings.co.uk.