Spending winter in
South Africa is a good idea. Perhaps even great! For one thing, the country is experiencing summer this time of year. South Africa's winter months are from June to August, right around the same time that the rest of the world is enjoying summer. And even then, the weather here is still milder compared to other places. So if you spend winter in South Africa, know that you can still go out and have a ball. Especially if you visit the likes of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Stellenbosch, Durban, and more!
Cape Town
The bustling city of
Cape Town is definitely one of the best places to spend winter in South Africa. Even with milder weather, the place stays sunny and bright, perfect for going out and having all sorts of adventures. So what does
a day in Cape Town look like? Well, you can spend time at the
V&A Waterfront and have fun in the many attractions there. Escape to the nearby mountains and go on a nature trail. Don't forget to take photos of those natural wonders too! And of course, you can also escape to the beach to really forget about the winter cold.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Stellenbosch
Technically, Stellenbosch is its own town in South Africa. However, since it's so near the city, it's largely considered a
neighborhood in Cape Town too. Either way, the place is best known as South Africa's wine country. The fields here can easily rival the more popular
vineyards in Italy or France, not just with their natural beauty, but also with the touches of luxury they offer too. Here, the wine estates provide a grand escape from bustling Cape Town and the rest of the world. It's a warm retreat that's perfect for a winter holiday!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Johannesburg
As the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is a must-see whether it's winter or not. It holds a lot of history and heritage, not to mention a bevy of city attractions you won't find anywhere else. For one thing, the city arguably has the best culinary scene in the country. Johannesburg is a treasure trove of restaurants, bistros, cafes, bars, and more where you can enjoy local food, exotic cuisines, and more. On top of that, there are many
South African safaris nearby, allowing you to experience the country's natural beauty up close and personal.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Durban
Out of all the cities in South Africa, Durban is arguably the best winter destination out there. It's a coastal city, which is already everything you need to know as to why it's perfect for a winter holiday. In contrast to the ice and snow taking over the rest of the world around this time of year, Durban offers sun, sand, and sea. Go surfing at Warner Beach and bring out your inner adrenaline junkie. Head to the Elephant Coast and go on a whale-watching cruise. And perhaps you're game for the Sardine Run too. It's a unique experience you won't want to miss.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kruger National Park
One of the
best tips for going on safaris, especially in South Africa, is to choose the right time to go. Many would argue that winter's milder weather makes it the perfect season for such adventures. If you do choose to go on a safari during winter in South Africa, where do you go? There's really only one answer: Kruger National Park. Located in the northeastern corner of the country, it's one of the biggest game reserves in the continent. Here, you'll see all the “Big Five” game—African buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros—in their full glory!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ freestock.ca
Sabi Sand Game Reserves
Another great safari to go on during winter in South Africa is the Sabi Sand Game Reserves, which is actually part of the Kruger National Park. If you already decided to go to the latter, you can easily head to the former too. Sabi Sand is among the most popular game reserves in the country. From leopards and lions to hippos and elephants, you'll find it easy to spot the most exotic and majestic animals in this part of the world. But at the same time, this reserve features luxurious accommodations too! What's not to love?
Source: Sabi Sand Game Reserves
Drakensberg
South Africa has many natural wonders and they're not all wildlife reserves or beautiful beaches. There are several mountains here too. One such is the Drakensberg mountain range, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. And when it comes to mountains and winter, you already know what's coming, don't you? This part of the country is your best bet to see some snow in South Africa. Around this time of year, the area is covered in a beautiful blanket of snow that you'd almost forget that you're still in Africa.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you want to spend winter in South Africa, go to places like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Drakensberg, and more. These places offer all sorts of excitement, beauty, and more around this time of year!
