A GUIDE TO AFRICA
10 REASONS TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA IN WINTER
Being based in South Africa, we at Pembury Tours, are slightly biased towards our beautiful country. But we’re glad to see the world’s travellers are in agreement with us. A global survey recently named South Africa as the most popular post-COVID 19 destination among travellers. South Africa may have been chosen for its incredible diversity – safaris, wine tasting, immersive cultural experiences, leading hotels, beautiful landscapes, to name a few.
What many of you might not know is that South Africa in winter is wonderland destination, offering up some stunning vistas and world-class experiences. Here are 10 reasons to visit South Africa in winter.
1. Safaris
Although most people go on safari in South Africa during the summer, winter is actually prime safari time. In Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, to name a few, the winter months are drier which results in more game clustering around the waterholes in search of water. The sparse vegetation also makes for easier game viewing – good news for Big Five hopefuls! A winter safari is the chance to spot African wildlife at its best. Not to mention, there won’t be a queue of safari vehicles trying to catch a glimpse of a good sighting because the parks are much quieter.
2. Whale-Watching
Winter in South Africa marks the start of the whale-watching season. Hermanus is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations and June and July are some of the best times to see these gentle giants up close. One of the best things to do in Hermanus is the 12km long Cliff Path. This is a hiking trail that runs from the Harbour to Grotto Beach and offers breathtaking viewpoints from which to watch the whales.
3. No Crowds
South Africa in the winter is a very different experience – it is much quieter. Peak tourist season is in the summer, where you’ll find yourself queuing for Table Mountain’s cable car or having to make restaurant reservations far in advance. Winter offers a refreshing experience of South Africa – crowd-free landmarks, peaceful beaches, tranquil restaurants and vineyards, and exclusive-feeling safaris.
4. Affordability
A winter in South Africa means less crowds, it also means more affordability. Low season means there are always winter specials and travel deals to be had. You are also likely to steal deals on accommodation and flights. For the best bargains, book three to six month ahead of travel. Air fares tend to increase slights during the South African winter school holidays (June / July).
5. Spectacular Landscapes
You might think of South Africa as being synonymous with golden beaches, blue skies and hot sunny weather. However, winter brings its own share of spectacular landscapes. A trip to the Drakensberg will offer up stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains. The Karoo semi-desert sparkles under frost making for a stark and strikingly beautiful landscape.
6. Minimal Malaria Risk
Many parts of South Africa, such as the Eastern Cape and Madikwe Game Reserve, are malaria-free. Although malaria is present in Kruger and the other northeastern areas of South Africa, the risks of contracting it are much lower in winter. The colder temperatures make for less favourable breeding conditions for the mosquitoes. We recommend taking the usual precautions, just to be safe!
7. Comfort Food
South African cuisine is a melting pot of flavours and dishes from a number of cultures – we are the Rainbow Nation after all! Some of these dishes are best enjoyed in winter when their spices and flavours are sure to warm you up from the inside out. Some of our favourite South African winter dishes are bobotie, Cape Malay curries and potjie.
8. It’s Not That Cold
South African winters are typically mild – the mornings and evenings tend to be very cold but the day-time temperatures are not nearly as extreme as those in the northern hemisphere. For example, the average winter day time temperatures in the Kruger area range from the 11 to 23 C (46 – 73 F).
9. Flowers
Spring is often considered the season of flowers. However in the winter, you will see some of South Africa’s best blooms come to life. South Africa is home to the richest floral kingdom in the world which is made up in part by fynbos. Fynbos at its best in winter and one of the best spots to see it is at Kirstenbosch National Gardens. The Kirstenbosch Gardens merge seamlessly in with the indigenous slopes of Table Mountain National Park. Between July and August, the slopes come alive with flowering proteas, sugarbushes, pincushions and cone bushes – a gorgeous array of colour and new life.
10. Stargazing
Lower temperatures mean clearer skies which means for spectacular stargazing. A night-sky safari will offer a glimpse into the bright night sky and unrivalled stargazing opportunities. Sutherland, chosen for its remote location and freedom from light pollution, is one of the planet’s best stargazing destinations.
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