Introduction to the Best Winter Holiday Destinations In South Africa
Winter refers to the coldest season of the year, which officially starts in December of every year.
It usually lasts for three months, ending in March.
But winter in South Africa typically begins in June and ends in August.
During this time, the weather becomes cooler and drier, with temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 20°C in most parts of the country.
However, it’s worth noting that the weather can vary depending on the specific region you’re visiting, so it is advisable to check the forecast before you travel.
While winter may not be the typical beach holiday season in South Africa, it’s still a great time to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and game viewing, as the cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to explore the country’s beautiful environment.
Also, the winter season is often less crowded, so you can enjoy the sights and attractions with fewer crowds and lower prices.
South Africa in winter might conjure images of chilly penguins and snow-capped peaks, but there is actually nothing to worry about!
So, in this article on Daily Migrant, we shall be discussing the 5 Best Winter Holiday Destinations in South Africa, including some of the most popular South African destinations like Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Durban, Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Stellenbosch.
We provide you with this information from our experience combined with interviews with locals we know and our continuous research online.
For your information, our team at Daily Migrant Travels has been to some of these places—not all, though—but we have it in our travel plans to tour every nook and cranny of South Africa during different seasons of the year.
So, let’s dive into the 5 Best Winter Holiday Destinations in South Africa!
Overview of what to expect when visiting South Africa during winter
Snowbanks and blizzards are not a concern when traveling to South Africa during the winter.
Johannesburg’s weather is like that of Atlanta; Durban’s is like that of Miami; and Cape Town’s is like that of San Francisco.
Here, winters are mild; the deep mountains are where the snowfall gets the most intense.
The low season is when South Africa’s prices drop, like they do in many other places.
First of all, South Africa is quite affordable, but winter is when the lowest costs are found.
It’s also important to remember that South African school holidays fall in the month of June or July, which can make some locations busier.
Ultimately, winter brings shorter days and an earlier sundown.
In many parts of South Africa, it’s unsafe to go out alone at night or even in the late afternoon. You need to be a little extra cautious when it comes to your safety.
So, be sure to keep that in mind.
Durban and Surroundings during winter
To be honest with you, spending a winter holiday in Durban is an unforgettable experience!
With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and very welcoming environment, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape the winter cold and embrace the beauty of South Africa.
One of the highlights of a winter holiday in Durban is the opportunity to experience the annual sardine run [when billions of sardines—or more specifically, the Southern African pilchard Sardinops sagax—spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa.]
From June to July, millions of sardines migrate along the coastline, attracting a variety of marine life, including whales and dolphins. It’s an incredible sight to behold and a must-see for any nature lover.
In addition to the sardine run, Durban offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors.
You can explore the Umhlanga Lighthouse, take a walk along the Golden Mile, or visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which offers panoramic views of the city.
And of course, no visit to Durban would be complete without tasting some of the cities famous foods!
Talking about;
- Bunny Chow Burgers
- Pap and Shisa Nyama
- Vetkoek
- Boti Kababs
- Fresh Seafood
- Chakalaka
- Samoosas
- Samp and Beans
Which one will you go for?
Let me know in the comment section!
As you can see, Durban offers a wealth of delicious dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
An example of a Flight deal you can get is flying from Johannesburg to Durban, which costs from R500 [26.67 USD] using FlySafair airlines
You can stay at the Cabana Beach Resort (Umhlanga), which costs from R1500 [80 USD] per night and offers family-friendly beachfront fun.
Kruger National Park is one of the Best Winter Holiday Destinations in South Africa
Speaking of the best winter holiday destinations in South Africa, the next place to visit is Kruger National Park!
Here, you’ll get to experience an open-air safari drive; you’ll have the opportunity to see elephants, lions, and maybe even the elusive leopard up close!
Amazing!
Again, the winter months bring clear skies and fewer crowds, making it the ideal time to witness the animals as they congregate around watering holes.
After a thrilling day of game viewing, you can return to your cozy safari lodge and relax by a crackling fireplace, sharing stories, and marveling at the starry night sky.
It’s interesting, isn’t it?
The Kruger National Park is easily accessible from Johannesburg, with a driving distance of about 330km (205 miles) or a short flight to nearby airports like Hoedspruit or Nelspruit.
Park fees are currently R330 per day for adults and R165 per day for children, and there are a range of accommodation options available to suit every budget.
For a luxury experience, consider Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, which offers elegant rooms and suites from around R30,000 per night.
Also, for a more budget-friendly option, Skukuza Safari Camp offers comfortable rooms from around R800 per night.
There are also many reputable safari companies that offer guided tours and packages, such as And Beyond, Kruger National Park Safaris, and Honeyguide Tours, which can help you plan the perfect winter safari adventure.
So, we can say that Kruger National Park is one of the best winter holiday destinations in South Africa!
The Garden Route is one of the best winter holiday destinations in South Africa
The Garden Route, located along the southern coast of South Africa, is known for its amazing natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and endless adventures.
It’s one of the best winter holiday destinations in South Africa, and our team at Daily Migrant Travels has visited there during the winter.
Our visit to the Garden Route in the winter.
In 2022, as winter approached around June, we were already fully prepared and excited to tour as many African countries as possible.
Both for tourist purposes, recreation, sight-seeing, and above all to gather first-hand experience to consolidate our travel research at Daily Migrant.
So, we flew into George Airport, which is conveniently located along the Garden Route and offers easy access to the surrounding attractions.
The airport is served by several domestic and international airlines, including South African Airways and Mango Airlines.
We stayed at the Tsala Treetop Lodge, a luxurious and eco-friendly accommodation option nestled in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest.
The lodge offers spacious and comfortable treehouses with private decks, perfect for enjoying the stunning views of the forest.
The winter season on the Garden Route typically runs from June to August, with temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 20°C.
While the mornings and evenings can be chilly, the days are usually sunny and dry, making it an ideal time to explore the area’s many outdoor attractions.
During our trip, we visited several popular attractions, including Tsitsikamma National Park, where we went hiking and zip-lining through the dense forest canopy.
Also, we visited the Knysna Heads, a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the Knysna Lagoon.
As though that was not enough, we visited the ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, where we saw these majestic birds up close and learned more about their breeding and farming.
The Garden Route is known for its fresh seafood and local produce, and we had the opportunity to try some delicious dishes during our trip.
Personally, some of my favorite foods at the Garden Route included grilled calamari, Cape Malay curry, and traditional braaivleis (barbecue).
So, visiting the Garden Route during the winter was an unforgettable experience for me in particular.
With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and delicious cuisine, we can say confidently that it’s one of the best winter holiday destinations in South Africa.
Traveling to Drakensberg Mountains during the winter
The mountains, also known as the “Dragon Mountains,” offer a stunning winter wonderland that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
I mean, the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa are a wonderland during the winter!
The Drakensberg Mountains offer a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.
For a luxurious experience, you can consider staying at the Champagne Castle, which offers breathtaking views and an infinity pool overlooking the valley.
The prices at the Champagne Castle start at around R4500 [238.74 USD] per night.
If you’re looking for a mid-range option, then the Cathedral Peak Hotel is a great choice.
With a cozy fireplace and delicious buffet breakfasts, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of travelling and exploring.
The prices at the Cathedral Peak Hotel start at around R2000 per night.
Then, for a more budget-friendly option, I will advise you to consider staying in one of the self-catering chalets in the Royal Natal National Park.
These rustic chalets offer a true mountain experience and are an affordable way to explore the Drakensberg.
However, their prices start at around R650 per night, which is much cheaper compared to many other options.
One of the best ways to experience the Drakensberg Mountains in winter is by hiking the Mahai-Washie Trail.
This trail offers breathtaking views and rock pools, and it is a great way to take in the beauty of the mountains.
Another popular winter activity in the Drakensberg is fly-fishing in the icy streams.
The clear, cold water offers excellent fishing opportunities for those who don’t mind the chill.
For the adventurous, the AfriSki Mountain Resort is a must-visit destination.
It’s the only ski resort in South Africa, offering a unique opportunity to hit the slopes in the middle of Africa.
No trip to the Drakensberg Mountains is complete without indulging in some traditional South African food.
Of course, you know that!
Don’t you?
Rooibos tea is a popular drink in the area and is the perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring.
Another popular food item is the boerewors roll, a traditional South African sausage served on a soft roll.
It’s a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for fueling your adventures in the Drakensberg.
Addo Elephant National Park is one of the best winter holiday destinations in South Africa.
If you’re planning a winter trip to South Africa, a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park is a must because it’s one of the best winter holiday destinations in South Africa.
The park is located in the Eastern Cape Province and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos.
The winter season in South Africa runs from June to August, and the weather in the Eastern Cape during this time is typically mild and dry.
Daytime temperatures average around 18°C (64°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 6°C (43°F).
So, it’s important to bring warm clothing for early morning and evening game drives.
Winter is an excellent time to visit Addo Elephant National Park for wildlife viewing.
This is because the cooler weather means that animals are more active during the day, and the lack of vegetation makes it easier to spot them.
The park is home to over 600 elephants, as well as lions, rhinos, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species.
Also, the park offers a range of accommodation options, from camping and self-catering chalets to luxury lodges.
Their prices vary depending on the season and the type of accommodation, but during winter, you can expect to pay around R800 (approximately $50) per night for a self-catering cottage and around R3,000 (approximately $190) per night for a luxury lodge.
In addition to game drives, the park offers a variety of other activities, including guided walks, horseback safaris, and 4×4 trails.
The park also has an excellent visitor center with interactive exhibits and a restaurant.
The park’s restaurant offers a range of South African dishes, including braai (barbecue), curries, and seafood.
You can also bring your own food and use the park’s braai facilities to cook your own meals.
Conclusion
As you can see, South Africa offers a wealth of winter holiday destinations that cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets.
This article on Best Winter Holiday Destinations in South Africa has shown you that:
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a chance to relax and unwind, South Africa is the perfect destination for your winter escape!
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to explore all that this incredible country has to offer!
