Whether you’re passionate about cheese, whales, oysters, or music, South Africa is a hot spot for it all. Each year, South Africa hosts a variety of exciting festivals that attracts travelers from around the world who share common passions.

Below are some highlights of South Africa’s best festivals:

Image taken from http://www.cheesefestival.co.za/

South African Cheese Festival

The annual South African Cheese Festival is arguably the best cheese festival in the entire world. With more than 200 different cheeses, a wide selection of dessert wines, savory cured meats, and delectable chocolates, the South African Cheese Festival calls in all cheese-die-hards for spectacular tastings and family fun.

Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, this delightfully cheesy event continues to bring cheese lovers and world renowned cheese masters together to share rich culinary delights under one roof. Here, attendees can learn from world-famous culinary and wine masters themselves, and meet international entertainment and travel icons. And don’t forget to visit the Ladismith Cheese Music Gazebo for some fresh oysters and eclectic music before taking a break at the beer lounge.

Dates: This event takes place in the Stellenbosch Winelands in April.

Hermanus Whale Festival

Image taken from http://www.whalefestival.co.za/

As the only Enviro-Arts Festival in South Africa, the Hermanus Whale Festival brings travelers from around the world together to celebrate marine wildlife preservation and the return of the glorious Southern Right Whales. During this five-day event, families can enjoy the sounds of African music, partake in marine environment protection programs, participate in the Whale Festival Half Moon Marathon, watch the Whales ‘n Wheels Vintage Class Car Show, and, of course, whale watch at Walker Bay.

Dates: This festival lasts for five days and takes place at the end of September / early October.

Image taken from http://www.oysterfestival.co.za/

Knysna Oyster Festival

For some sports entertainment, family fun, and fresh oysters, Knysna’s 10-day oyster festival is a must! With over 100 sporting events to participate in and watch—including cycling, marathons, golf, soccer, fishing, and night biking—families can enjoy bonding time while competing in fun sports. Other events include wine and whiskey tastings, gala events, oyster-shucking competition, oyster eating competition, and the famous Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras. There are also a variety of kid-friendly programs including the youth theater, puppet shows, arts and crafts workshop, cooking classes, and sports.

The festival takes place in the stunning Garden Route of South Africa and is the perfect place to enjoy culinary delights, world-renowned oysters, beautiful scenery, and exciting events.

Dates: This festival is held annually during the month of July and lasts for 10 days.

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Photo from Black Marlin Website

While visiting Simon’s Town, South Africa this past month, we stopped at one of the area’s most celebrated seafood restaurants for a taste of local lobster, prawns, and mussels. Located just outside of Simon’s Town, Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant sits along the magnificent coastline of South Africa and provides its guests with tranquil views of the ocean and fabulous seafood dishes.

Where else in the world can you indulge in delectable, fresh seafood and witness Brydes, humpback, and southern right whales swimming freely in Cape Town’s stunning False Bay, than at Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant?

Aside from its impeccable views, Black Marlin provides each and every guest with an award-winning wine selection, superior service, and world-renowned dishes. Although famous for its seafood, Black Marlin offers a wide selection of other dishes that are sure to keep you coming back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Below are just a few spotlights on some of Black Marlin’s Restaurant’s most delectable dishes straight from the menu:

Breakfast spotlights:

• French Toast
• Sunrise: Grilled bacon, pan fried mushrooms, tomato and eggs with toast and preserves
• Pancakes

Starter spotlights:

• Prawn Spring Rolls: Deshelled and lightly steamed then wrapped in a spring roll pastry. Deep fried and served with sweet chili orange and coriander sauce.
• Lobster Bisque: A specialty laced with brandy and cream.
• Saldanha Mussels: Local black mussels prepared with cream and white wine.

Photo From Black Marlin Website

Seafood spotlights:• The Marlin’s Specialty: Cubes of fish wrapped in bacon and grilled on a skewer with a choice of lemon butter, chili or honey mustard sauce, served with crushed baby potatoes & seasonal vegetables
• Seafood Platter: An exciting combination of 1 medium crayfish, 4 queen prawns, half a line fish, 6 mussels and calamari rings served with herbed rice, seasonal vegetables and trio of sauces.
• Cape Malay Seafood Curry: Medley of seafood: prawns, mussels, calamari, linefish and clams in a Cape Malay curry sauce served on a bed of rice, with poppadoms and sambals.

Meat and Poultry spotlights:

• Karoo Lamb Cutlets: Succulent and tender lamb glazed with honey and rosemary with potato wedges or fries and salad or vegetables.
• Asian Style Duck: Tender duck breast seared to perfection served with Thai crushed baby potatoes and sautéed vegetables with honey and soy glaze.
• Grilled Sirloin: Choice sirloin steak grilled with a choice of potato wedges or fries and salad or vegetables.

Pastas and Vegetarian:

• Tomato and Olive Penne: Tossed with roasted Rosa tomatoes, olives and garlic pesto.
• Salmon Tagliatelle: Topped with a cream based sauce and delectable, lightly cured salmon.
• Mushroom Curry: Mushrooms sautéed in a Cape Malay style curry sauce served on rice with poppadoms, sambals, yogurt, and Mrs. Balls chutney.