When heat waves make the tarmac shimmer, and hazy afternoons send your thoughts scurrying to swimming pools, smoothies, and ice-cream sundaes, there’s honestly no better way to beat the rising temperatures than by heading to the following ice-cream parlours around South Africa!

1. Western Cape – Cape Town

Sorbetière, set within Side Street Studios, is one of my favourite hangouts in summer, and not only because of their delicious and ever changing flavour range. It is their commitment to using fresh ingredients, and organic local produce that has won me over, coupled with the fact that their servers are friendly, and their sorbets are delicious! Menu items include strawberry and black pepper sorbet, coconut sorbet, and an ice cream crunch – which is blended ice cream, sorbet and caramel splinters with meringue. The best news of all is that they can cater for events such as birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries! Follow them on Facebook, or pre-order your ice-cream by calling +27 (0)79 085 5607.  Check out a full list of ice cream spots in the Western Cape

2. Eastern Cape – East London

Friesland Milk Bar, in Quigney Beach has several different milkshake, ice cream, and frozen yoghurt options available – which leads to visitors enjoying a rich, sweet experience. Established in 1924, the “Guarantee of Goodness” promise has carried over the decades, and though they now have a much larger shop and range, their warm friendly service is still the same. Choose between 20 sensational styles which include butterscotch, caramel, and grape. Find them on Google+, or book a table by calling +27 (0)43 722 3260.

3. KwaZulu-Natal – Durban

Ci Gusta is a trendy ice cream parlour located along the food and party strip of Florida road. Their shop décor is a blend of modern decor, tempered with pastel tones, and they offer dozens of tempting icy treats. Good luck choosing between sundaes (chocolate or fruit), mascarpone topped with an espresso shot, Greek yoghurt topped with Astros, salted caramel and chocolate gelatos, or the sky-high parfaits. They also offer menu items such as soups, crepes, waffles, and other edible delights! Follow them on Facebook or book a table by calling +27 (0)31 303 7297.

4. Free State – Bloemfontein

Fresko Gelato is a fun little spot hidden in the heart of Bloemfontein, near the Loch Logan waterfront. Heath conscious visitors can enjoy an assortment of fruit smoothies, or soft serve, while milkshakes are geared for the adventurous with offerings such as Italian kisses, berry-berry nice, and coffee flavours. The freezo swirls are incredible, and include some of their most popular summer go-to choices such as nutty Nutella, peanut bomb, and banoffi. They can also do custom ice-cream cakes, ice cream log cakes, and meringue cakes. Follow them on Facebook or book a table by calling +27 (0)83 260 5442.

5. Northern Cape – Upington

Wakaberry, a frozen yoghurt bar, is tucked away in Kalahari mall. As real yoghurt is used in their produce, instead of yoghurt powders, you really can taste the difference – especially in the creamy aftertaste which differs from the usual artificial sweetness of store-bought products. Choose between products such as apricot, cookie dough, and candyfloss, or opt for classic crowd pleasers such as English toffee, crème soda, vanilla, and strawberry. Follow them on Twitter or book a table by calling +27 (0)54 331 2422.

6. Mpumalanga – Nelspruit

Mozart Ice Cream in Riverside mall offers a symphony of over 30 combinations for visitors to try, all made in the traditional Italian artisanal way. Pick from favourites such as banana split, mango, and toasted almonds, or try some of the more off-beat tastes available, such as crazy cow, rocky road, and their signature Mozart symphony. Visit their website, or book a table by calling +27 (0)82 553 8635.

7. Gauteng – Sandton City Shopping Center

For a customized and intimate ice-cream experience, we can highly recommend Paul’s Homemade Ice-Cream. After realising Johannesburg didn’t have an ice-cream culture, Paul decided to remedy this. Open Monday – Friday from 08:00 – 19:00 daily, you can get some delicious and unique flavours from the cosy little store near Victory Park. From the White Chocolate & Turkish Delight, and Banana Flambe, to the incredible Milk Stout Molasses flavours, Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream certainly has a taken ice-cream tastings to a new level. Visit his website to find out more, or book a table by calling +27 (0)82 885 9641.

Otherwise,  try Milky Lane. They’re a name synonymous with decadent, creamy goodness, and since they’ve been around since 1958, they know how to keep customers coming back time and time again. With everything from ice-cream sundaes and ice-cream birthday cakes, to ice-cream topped waffles, and banana splits, you’ll find a host of options to fulfill your frozen cravings. Visit their website, or book a table by calling +27(0)11 783 4503.

Let us know where your favourite South African ice-cream parlours are!

Main image credited to projector (Flickr)