9-Day Foodie Itinerary in Ficksburg, South Africa: Celebrating the Cherry Festival

Day 1: Fly to Ficksburg

Ficksburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Flight from Madagascar to Johannesburg

Board your flight, taking in the beautiful views while embarking on your foodie adventure.
Flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
USD200, 3-4 hours

12:00PM

Travel to Ficksburg

Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport and pick up your rental car for the scenic drive to Ficksburg.
Drive via the N1 and N5 to Ficksburg.
ZAR800 (for fuel and tolls), 3.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation and take some time to relax before exploring.
Drive to your hotel, preferably near the town center.
ZAR1200, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Cherry Tree Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring cherry-infused dishes, such as Cherry Glazed Chicken.
A short 5-minute drive from the hotel.
ZAR250, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Festival Exploration

Ficksburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ficksburg Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and strong South African coffee.
Short walk from the hotel.
ZAR100, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cherry Festival Opening Ceremony

Join the locals as they kick off the Cherry Festival with music, dance, and delicious cherry-based treats.
10-minute drive to the festival grounds.
ZAR50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Food Tasting at the Festival

Sample a variety of cherry dishes, from desserts to savory items, at the various stalls around the festival.
On-site at the festival.
ZAR200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Attend the Cherry Recipe Competition

Watch talented chefs compete in creating the best cherry-inspired dish while you taste their creations.
Located within the festival area.
ZAR75, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Boereplaas

Enjoy classic South African braai (BBQ) with cherry salsa on top, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
15-minute drive from the festival.
ZAR350, 2 hours
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Day 3: Local Food Exploration

Ficksburg, South Africa

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café W

Savor a classic South African breakfast with eggs, bacon, and cherry jam spread on toast.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
ZAR120, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Local Farmer Markets

Stroll through the local farmer markets to pick up fresh produce and artisanal cherry products.
10-minute walk from breakfast.
ZAR0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Wild Cherry

Delight in a cherry salad topped with feta and walnuts, along with fresh lemonade.
5-minute drive from the markets.
ZAR200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cooking Class with Local Chef

Learn how to incorporate cherries into traditional South African recipes during a fun hands-on cooking class.
10-minute drive to the chef's studio.
ZAR500, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Heritage Lodge

Experience a curated meal featuring the best local dishes including cherry chutney as a side.
15-minute drive from the class.
ZAR400, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cherry Festival Continued

Ficksburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fruit platter with cherries and yogurt to energize for the day.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Artisan Cherry Product Stalls

Browse through unique cherry products hand-crafted by local artisans at the festival.
On-site at the festival.
ZAR100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cherry Lane Bistro

Taste their cherry-infused burger paired with homemade fries.
Just a short walk from your activities.
ZAR250, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Live Cooking Demonstrations

Watch renowned chefs demonstrate innovative cherry dishes, with tastings to follow.
Still within the festival area.
ZAR100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Green Lantern

End the day with a cherry and mint lamb dish served with seasonal vegetables.
10-minute drive from the festival.
ZAR350, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature and Culture

Ficksburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Flavours Café

Indulge in a cherry smoothie bowl topped with granola and fresh fruits.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
ZAR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit to the Ficksburg Museum

Learn about the history of Ficksburg and its relationship with cherries.
5-minute drive from breakfast.
ZAR30, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Potjie Restaurant

Warm up with a traditional potjie (stew) flavored with cherry barbeque sauce.
5-minute drive to the restaurant.
ZAR200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hike at Entabeni Nature Reserve

Explore the stunning landscapes of the reserve to stimulate your appetite ahead of dinner.
20-minute drive from the restaurant.
ZAR100, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Country Club

Enjoy grilled fish with cherry salsa, reflecting the local flavors in a relaxing atmosphere.
15-minute drive to the Country Club.
ZAR300, 2 hours
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Day 6: Exploring Local Wines

Ficksburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Country Kitchen

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast comprising eggs benedict with a cherry twist.
10-minute drive from the hotel.
ZAR180, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wine Tasting in Local Vineyards

Visit nearby vineyards for a cherry-flavored wine tasting session.
20-minute drive from your breakfast spot.
ZAR150, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Grapevine

Dine on a charcuterie board featuring local cheeses and cherry preserves.
10-minute drive from the vineyards.
ZAR250, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk Among the Vines

Enjoy a tranquil walk through the vineyards after lunch, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.
On-site at the vineyards.
ZAR0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Wine Pairing Dinner

Savor a multi-course dinner, with each course perfectly paired with versatile local wines.
Return to The Grapevine for dinner.
ZAR600, 2 hours
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Day 7: Art and Crafts in Ficksburg

Ficksburg, South Africa

8:30AM

Breakfast at Blueberry Café

Enjoy fluffy blueberry and cherry pancakes topped with syrup, setting a delightful tone for the day.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
ZAR150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Local Craft Markets

Discover beautiful handmade crafts and cherry-themed souvenirs at the vibrant local markets.
5-minute drive from the café.
ZAR0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Craft & Cuisine

Savor a cherry salad with grilled chicken while enjoying views of the local artisans at work.
10-minute drive from the markets.
ZAR200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Cherry Craft Workshop

Participate in a workshop where you can create cherry-inspired art and crafts.
On-site at the craft market.
ZAR250, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Heritage Restaurant

Unwind with cherry barbeque ribs accompanied by locally brewed craft beer.
15-minute drive from the workshop.
ZAR400, 2 hours
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Day 8: Relaxation and Reflection

Ficksburg, South Africa

9:00AM

Leisurely Breakfast at The Green Lantern

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast buffet with various cherry options available.
10-minute drive from the hotel.
ZAR200, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Spa Treatment and Relaxation

Indulge in a cherry-infused spa treatment to rejuvenate after a week of culinary delights.
5-minute drive to a local spa.
ZAR800, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blossom Café

End the day with simple cherry-tomato pasta and a light salad, appreciating the local flavors.
15-minute drive from the spa.
ZAR220, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Leisure Time at Cherry Park

Take a peaceful walk in Cherry Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery and your cherry-filled experiences.
5-minute drive from lunch.
ZAR0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Royal Hotel

Celebrate the end of your trip with a cherry wine paired dinner featuring a three-course meal.
10-minute drive from the park.
ZAR500, 2 hours
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Day 9: Departure Day

Ficksburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Final Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast featuring cherry yogurt and muesli, cherishing the memories of your trip.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Pack and Check-out

Gather your belongings and check out of the hotel, ensuring to take home some cherry products as souvenirs.
Return to the lobby for check-out.
ZAR0, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Take a final stroll around Ficksburg for cherry-related products and enjoy your last moments.
Access shops within walking distance.
Variable, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Travel to Johannesburg for Departure

Drive back to Johannesburg to catch your flight back home, full of culinary experiences.
Drive to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
ZAR800 (for fuel and tolls), 3.5 hours

4:00PM

Departure Flight

Say goodbye to South Africa as you board your flight back home, reflecting on your beautiful cherry adventure.
At O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Variable, Variable
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