Get your planning hat on – the December holidays are fast approaching! With so many SAA and SAA codeshare routes to choose from, we zoom in on six of the many destinations where you could be spending the festive season.
Compiled by: Leanne Feris
Planning a vacation is half the fun, and with so many different destinations at your disposal, you will be spoilt for choice.
Rio de Janeiro
While you might go to Rio for the Carnival, which you can enjoy by watching the samba schools parading at the sambadrome, or take part in street celebrations (each neighbourhood has its own favourite carnival group), there is so much more to do in this city.
Sights
Christ The Redeemer
The statue, located at the top of Corcovado Mountain, is an iconic Brazilian image. The Corcovado Railway takes you there.
The mountain is in the Tijuca National Park, one of the world’s largest urban forests and was replanted by man. The reforestation was done in the 19th century, after years of intense deforestation and planting, mainly of coffee. Visitors to the park will be able to appreciate mountains, caves, waterfalls, and trails through beautiful landscapes. For the adventurous, there are mountain climbing and hang-gliding opportunities.
Sugarloaf Mountain
The views from Sugarloaf are stunning and the Corcovado mountain, the Aterro do Flamengo, downtown Rio, the Guanabara bay, the fortresses of Santa Cruz, and Copacabana beach can all be seen from the top.
The Sugarloaf Cable Car connects Urca Mountain to Sugarloaf Mountain and was the first cable car in Brazil and the third in the world.
More to see
Take a tour around Botanical Garden and Lage Park, a ride on the Santa Teresa Tram, or visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Tomorrow. For theatre lovers, the Municipal Theatre is one of the main theatres in Brazil and Latin America. You might also want to check out Rio Star, the tallest observation wheel in Latin America, measuring 88 metres in height, and AquaRio, the largest aquarium in South America, containing approximately 3 000 animals.
Food
Santo Scenarium
Enjoy cocktails and food in this renovated mansion with religious décor. Live choro and samba music at night. 36 Lavradio Street, Centro, Rio.
TAU Bar Club
If you’re looking for outdoor seating, cocktails and a place to dance. 1417 Nossa Senhora de Copacabana Street, Copacabana, Rio.
Casa de Feijoada
Opened in 1989, this restaurant takes its name from the traditional Brazilian meal. 10B Prudente de Morais Street, Ipanema, Rio.
Night Life
The Lapa neighbourhood is Rio’s famous bohemian district with a vibrant nightlife. Go in a group and check out the many bars, clubs, and restaurants. This is also where you will find samba bands and performances.
Getting Around
Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy Rio. In addition to the Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon promenades, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon offers bike rentals, kiosks, toys for the children, a skatepark, restaurants, and beautiful views to forests and mountains.
You can also use the bus, subway, light rail, taxi or ridesharing. Visit visitbrasil.com for more information, or call tourist information on +55 (21) 3460 1746.
Lubumbashi
This is a new route for SAA, opening in October. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known as the Heart of Africa, while Lubumbashi in the Haute-Katanga province, is known as the copper capital.
Sights
Lumumba Tourism Site
Visit the site of Patrice Lumumba’s assassination in the village of Shilatembo, about 55 kilometres outside Lubumbashi. Lumumba was the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was actively involved in the Congo independence before his political assassination in 1961. At this site, a statue and mausoleum were built to commemorate his legacy.
Marché de la Kenya
Visit Lubumbashi’s largest market, the colourful Marché de la Kenya in Avenue du Marché. At the busy market you can buy anything from food, fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish to hardware, loincloths, dishes, and copper jewellery.
Lubumbashi Zoo
Visitors to the zoo will find giraffes, antelopes, lions, tigers, hippos, and more.
Cathedrale Saints Pierre et Paul
The imposing cathedral is one of the oldest colonial architectural buildings in the city.
The National Museum of Lubumbashi
The museum was opened in 1939 by King Leopold II of Belgium. Previously known as the Contemporary Art Gallery of the Lubumbashi Art Museum, it traces the history of different Katangese, Congolese, and African tribes. The museum offers visitors a view into the history of the DRC, the tribes, and its people.
Food
Lubumbashi Golf Club
Play a round of golf and enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant overlooking the 18-hole course. Spanning over 64 hectares and wooded with rare trees, it is home to 171 species of birds and is classified as an ecological heritage site.
Le Karavia
This restaurant is in the Pullman Hotel and serves both local and European cuisine. 55 Route du Golf, Quartier Golf, Lubumbashi.
Chez Marc
Great for families, this restaurant is part of a guest house and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a garden setting. Avenue Météo, Lubumbashi.
Night Life
It’s best to check with your hotel or tour operator for recommendations.
Getting Around
Use transport organised by a hotel or tour operator, and if using a taxi, use a privately booked one. Visit congolocalguides.com or tourisme.gouv.cd/officetourisme.cd for more information.
Harare
Before rushing off to go on safari, stay a while in Zimbabwe’s capital and get to know Harare.
Sights
Mukuvisi Woodlands
A 7 kilometre-drive from Harare along Hillside Road, the Mukuvisi Woodlands are one of Zimbabwe’s national treasures. It provides one of the few remaining large green spaces open to the public in Harare.
Lion Park
Lion Park, a sanctuary for lions just 30 minutes outside Harare, is perfect for a family outing. You will also be able to see many other game species as well as an ancient Galapagos tortoise. Activities include game drives, horse riding, feeding rhinos, and picnicking. Tel: (+263 772) 236 099 / (+263 772) 227 069.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
The gallery, located in the city centre, showcases diverse contemporary and traditional Zimbabwean art. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, serving as a hub for artistic expression and exchange. 20 Julius Nyerere Road, Harare.
Balancing Rocks
Located only 13 kilometres southeast of Harare, off Chiremba Road lies the Chiremba Balancing Rocks. The balancing rocks are beautiful natural works of art with giant boulders stacked on top of each other set in a natural breathtaking scenic environment. The site offers camping and picnic activities.
Food
ChopChop Grill
With breakfast, lunch and dinner on offer, you will find something you like, whether it’s a full English breakfast, burger, steak, pizza, or even a slice of cake and coffee. Corner of Fife Street & Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare.
Cafe Nush
While it’s located in an upmarket shopping centre, this eatery has outdoor seating. It has a few vegetarian options, a kids menu, and cocktails. Village Walk Shopping Centre, Borrowdale Road, Harare.
Chicken Hut
For a quick meal, Chicken Hut offers Portuguese-style flame-grilled chicken in a takeaway environment. 60 Bedford Road, Harare.
Nightlife
REPS Theatre
The REPS Theatre is known for vibrant theatrical productions. It offers a diverse range of entertainment and hosts workshops and events. Maasdorp Avenue, Harare.
Pablo’z Club & VIP
An upscale nightlife experience, Pablo’z Club & VIP offers a stylish setting with a dance floor, DJ nights, and themed parties. Dress up, dance, and enjoy cocktails. Borrowdale Road, Harare.
Explorers Bar
The Explorers Bar in the Hyatt Regency hotel offers an upscale, warm ambiance. In addition to drinks, savoury snacks, fresh salads, and loaded fries topped with brisket can be enjoyed. Corner 3rd Street & Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Ask your hotel concierge for more recommendations.
Getting Around
Walking is the best way to see the sights in Harare. Alternatively, ask the hotel to arrange a taxi, or use one of the e-hailing options. These are Hwindi, inDrive, and many more. Hwindi functions like a metered taxi, calculating the price based on time and distance, while inDrive uses a bidding system.
Sources: visitrio.com.br; visitbrasil.com; congolocalguides.com; zimbabwetourism.net.
