Public holidays and long weekends often come with the same question: where to go that feels different from the usual escape, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Maarten van den Heuvel/Unsplash
Travelling in our country is as much about flavour as it is about scenery. Each region carries its identity through its food. Planning a trip around a cooking class adds structure to a getaway, giving you a way to engage with local culture while still leaving time to explore. These three destinations make it easy to combine both.
1. ONS (Karoo)
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In the quiet village of Prince Albert, ONS operates from the former African Relish Cooking School property, continuing its legacy as a destination for recreational culinary learning. The business runs cooking courses throughout the year, typically in half day formats, with full day options available on request.
Classes are structured around accessible, locally rooted themes such as Karoo On A Plate, Karoo Tapas, South African Classics, Vegan, and Kids in the Kitchen. Expect a focus on seasonal ingredients, regional flavours and practical techniques that reflect the Karoo’s food heritage.
The Karoo itself adds depth to the experience. This semi arid landscape is known for its wide open spaces, star filled skies and a slower pace of travel.
Other things to do:
- Explore the Swartberg Pass, a scenic mountain route popular with road trippers
- Visit local olive farms and taste small batch oils and preserves
- Take a guided stargazing experience in one of South Africa’s clearest night skies
2. Lekka Kombuis (Bo-Kaap)
In the Bo-Kaap, Lekka Kombuis offers intimate, home style cooking classes focused on Cape Malay cuisine. Visitors learn to prepare dishes such as curry, samoosas and koesisters while gaining insight into the cultural traditions that shaped this food heritage.
The experience is as much about storytelling as it is about technique, making it a meaningful addition to a Cape Town itinerary.
Other things to do:
- Walk through the historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and visit the Bo-Kaap Museum
- Explore central Cape Town, including markets, galleries and the V&A Waterfront
- Hike or take the cableway up Table Mountain for panoramic views
3. Food Jams (Johannesburg and Cape Town)
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For travellers who prefer a city based experience, Food Jams offers interactive group cooking events in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. These sessions are designed to be social and accessible, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and contemporary South African flavours.
Participants cook in teams, guided by chefs, making it a good option for couples, groups of friends or even solo travellers looking to meet people.
Other things to do in Johannesburg:
- Visit the Apartheid Museum for historical context
- Explore the food and design scene in Maboneng
Other things to do in Cape Town:
- Spend time at the beaches of Camps Bay or Muizenberg
- Visit wine farms in nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Why add a cooking class to your itinerary
Whether you find yourself in a Karoo kitchen, a Bo-Kaap home or a city studio, these experiences turn travel into participation rather than observation – perfect for a public holidays and long weekends.
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