We are heading into the winter months here in South Africa and now is as good a time as any to have a look at what you can do in South Africa to keep busy and warm as summer slowly melts away. This is our season of whales and safari sightings, which means that although the temperatures are dropping, there is plenty to look forward to in the natural world!
Winter Safari
Embarking on a safari during the winter months is a very good decision. Being the dry season, the bush is a lot less dense and with fewer waterholes around, animal sightings are abundant! As this is outside of the peak season, you can look forward to lower rates but remember to book well in advance if you are wanting to visit places like the Kruger National Park as lodges do get booked up during this period for this very reason! There are some fantastic private game reserves in other parts of South Africa so please get in touch if you would like a customised itinerary.
Whale Watching
Between June and November, the southern right and humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to South Africa for breeding, birthing, and raising their young and one of the best places to view them is in Hermanus - a gorgeous town in the Western Cape, also known as the ‘Whale Watching Capital of South Africa’. Apart from the scenic cliff paths where you can see whales breaching while you walk, there is also a two-hour boat ride that departs from the harbour that will get you close-up sightings of these massive mammals. You can either visit for the day or choose to spend one or two nights in one of the beautiful boutique hotels overlooking the ocean, which is something we recommend! In fact, we usually include this destination on our customised Garden Route packages, and it is definitely a favourite among our guests.
Cape Winelands
If you are not quite ready to get on a boat or into a safari vehicle then the Cape winelands is another great option to combat the winter blues. Franschhoek – aka ‘The Food and Wine Capital of South Africa’ – is adorned with delightful wineries, boutique guesthouses and exquisite galleries showcasing South Africa’s local talent. Cozying up to a fireplace with views of the Franschhoek Valley is one way to get the spirits up! We offer day trips and overnight stays in the winelands and have included the very best for you to enjoy.
Visit KwaZulu-Natal
Not many people know this insider secret, but KwaZulu-Natal is the place to be in June and July and here's why: the weather is mild (you may even find yourself swimming in the Indian Ocean waters at one of the many golden beaches around); some of the best game reserves in the country can be found in this province (an approximate three hour drive from King Shaka International Airport); and the Drakensberg Mountains (World Heritage Site) offers excellent hiking trails and other outdoor activities to keep you moving as temperatures lower. Combining the beach, bush and berg into a 10 day South African adventure is, quite frankly, genius and we have a number of packages for you to choose from!
Two Oceans Aquarium
Sharks, penguins, finding nemo's, the Two Oceans Aquarium has it all! This is a beautiful place to be on a rainy day and spending an hour strolling between tanks large and small with a cappuccino in hand is our kind of fun. Your visit contributes to the work being done to protect our seas and as you will discover, the aquarium plays a huge role in educating people of all ages about the ocean by opening up colourful conversation about marine conservation. Two thumbs up from us!
We hope this has inspired you to consider visiting us during the winter months and we look forward to planning your South African Winter Holiday!