Secret winter holiday destinations in South Africa

Excited for the winter months? We’re thinking of warm fireplaces and toasted marshmallows. It’s been just over a year since we were put into level 5 lockdown due to Covid-19, which meant absolutely no travel in the winter months of 2020. This year, we celebrate travel by showing you some incredible winter destinations to explore during the colder months.

Here are our top 10 winter spot picks!

The country’s now third-largest protected area in St Lucia includes Lake St Lucia and spans 280 km of coastline, a natural ensemble of lakes, swamp forest, ancient coastal dunes, and an estuarine system. 

One of the world’s largest game parks, Kruger is one of the country’s biggest draw cards, and even more so than during the winter months. 

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi lies in the heart of Zululand close to the village of Hluhluwe-Imolozi and manages to combine lush scenery with a network of hiking trails and camping deep in the bush.

When it comes to dramatic beauty the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third deepest canyon, is hard to beat. Combined with the Panorama Route it is a winter must-see.

This World Heritage site just outside Johannesburg is the world’s richest hominid site, so far producing 40% of the planet’s fossils of our human ancestors.

It may be in the northerly reaches of the country but this vast semi-desert wilderness, with its surreal landscapes, is almost twice the size of Kruger and incredibly hot between November to March. June to August (winter) is perfect but take the woollies along for cold early mornings and evenings.

The rugged and isolated Drakensberg Highlands lie in the Eastern Cape at the southern tip of this range of mountains. It is one of the country’s least populated areas and some parts are practically unnavigable. You can only reach this area via many mountain passes or hiking trails. It’s great for snow in winter.

One of the most likely spaces in the country to find snow on the mountains. Located just outside Ceres, Matroosberg is home to the highest mountain peak in the province.

The Swartberg Pass is one of the most incredible mountains passes in the world; a dirt road that winds its way up to a summit of 1583 meters above sea level. It’s in the Swartberg Nature Reserve, which is flanked on the north and west by other reserves that, combined, are one huge mountainous conservation area with snow on its peaks during winter.

Take the R303 between Ceres and Citrusdal and climb to where you’ll find local fruit farms in a valley with a climate so different it will inspire the poet in you. As its name suggests, there is usually snow up here during winter.

So, which one will you be choosing? Whichever destination you decide, remember to enjoy it, and stay safe South Africa! 

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