There’s no argument that winter is one of the best seasons to visit and explore South Africa. The country has an abundance of idyllic winter destinations to suit every traveller. Imagine your ideal type of holiday and use our blog post to plan a dream winter break.
Successful safaris – You’ll have a much easier time seeing the Big 5
Game-viewing is known for being the perfect winter activity in South Africa, since it’s the dry season in the north where the most pristine game reserves are, and animals tend to congregate around waterholes and rivers more often. Local and international visitors alike love to go on safaris this time of year and because of that the Kruger National Park and surrounding parks are abuzz with families, couples and tour groups.
Quiet sights
South Africa’s peak tourist season is summer (November to March), when queues for the Table Mountain cable car and jam-packed accommodation are common. South Africa in the winter is a very different experience. On offer are refreshingly quiet museums in Cape Town, tranquil wine-tasting rooms in the Cape Winelands and peaceful beaches on the Garden Route. You might even have some of the country’s famous sights and activities to yourself.
Whale watching
Hermanus, South Africa is one of the best whale-watching places on the planet. You can see the whales with their newborn calves swimming past the seaside town any time from June to December. However, the wales are their most active around June and July. You can also add a few days onto your trip and drive up the Garden Route from Hermanus. There’s plenty of hiking trails (including the famous Otter Trail) and loads of adrenaline-inducing activities like bungy jumping, white river rafting, and scuba diving!
Scenic road trips
What’s better than scenic drives along winding roads and fantastic scenery to top it all off? The most popular winter road trip destination is magical Clarens or the picturesque Panorama Route with its quaint towns and jaw-dropping viewpoints. Go take an iconic snapshot of the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, The Pinnacle, and the many waterfalls along the way. Some other great recommendations for the ultimate winter road trip include the Midlands Meander with its rolling hills reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, welcoming towns, arts and crafts route, and a variety of foodie stops ─ perfect for a well-rounded family holiday!
South Africa is an incredible destination to visit year-round. But if you’re after deals on accommodation and incredible wildlife encounters, plan your trip to South Africa in the winter! If you’re looking for some exciting career opportunities in South Africa, please click through to our job section.
