The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea

This is our case for why the colder months remain the best ones.

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea

It wasn’t that long ago we were all cranking our air conditioners up to full blast, and taking cold showers to battle against the stifling summer heat. But now, only a few weeks remain before we get to experience the delights of South Africa in winter.

Some of us have already dusted our finest knitwear off in a bid to beat the spring chills. A quiet majority have almost certainly dragged the electric blanket out of the bottom of the cupboard by now, too.

But when the mercury plummets, the list of reasons to be cheerful skyrockets. Rainy days don’t ruin any parades in Mzansi, they just force us all to take the party indoors. So if you’re visiting during a cold snap, here’s what you’ve got to look forward to.

Reasons to visit South Africa in winter:

1. Winter warmers weather…

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
Bobotie cooked to perfection (Flickr.com/JonMountjoy).
  • Bobotie – Curried minced meat with a creamy golden topping
  • Cape Malay Curry – Mango, coriander and cumin all join forces in this chicken dish that puts the fire in your belly.
  • Potjie – A cast-iron pot where meat and vegetables are stewed, and occasionally mixed with dutch spices.

2. Lekker getaways at a fraction of the full price

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
(Kings Lodge / RoomsforAfrica)

Anywhere between May – August will see rates for luxury guest accommodation drop alongside the temperatures. There is nothing that feels more homely than an affordable stay in a hideaway lodge, with roaring open fires and beds fit for a king, a queen, or the whole damn monarchy.

3. Gluhwein

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
The mulled wine is a certified cockle-warmer (File)

This is a personal favourite of ours. The fruity mulled wine has become a permanent fixture on the winter wine lists, particularly in Cape Town. One sip of the hearty blend will have you sinking back into the comfort of your seat, nourishing your whole body with warmth.

4. Walk in a winter wonderland

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
300km out of Cape Town, a snowy paradise awaits (Jean Bruning / flickr)

We still find it quite funny when you tell non-South Africans that you get snow here every now and then. They seemingly recoil in horror. In the Western Cape, the Ceres Mountains and Sutherland receive regular dustings. The Eastern Cape is also good for a flurry of flakes.

5. Coastal walks on moody afternoons

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
Onlookers are in awe of the size of the Seapoint waves that invade South Africa in winter (Gallo Images/Foto24)

The sea is a cruel, unforgiving mistress. Something to be feared, but also admired. If you’re near the coast on a particularly stormy day, it is totally worth throwing on your layers and hitting seafront promenades.

Those in the Northern or Western Capes have the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean for company. Visitors based in the Eastern Cape or KwaZulu-Natal can indulge their sea-viewing pleasures with the Indian Ocean. It’s a wonderful, therapeutic way to spend your time and it doesn’t cost you a cent.

6. Prime time for a safari

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
Accommodation at Kruger National Park (KNP)

The winter months in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal are the dry months. Dry months mean limited water supply and sparse vegetation. In terms of game viewing, both of these are gold to Big Five hopefuls.

As water becomes scarcer to these majestic creatures, they are more likely to gather round well-known, vast watering holes; bringing together a collection of animals so diverse, it makes the Madagascar films look positively pedestrian.

7. Temperatures still hover around 20C…

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
Boulders Beach, Cape Town (SA Coastline / Chantelle Flores)

Yes, we do get increased rainfall and overcast hues. But, for the most part, the temperature is never far away from the 20-degree mark. It’s an alien concept to a South African, but visitors – from Europe, in particular – see this as perfect weather for the beach. Hell, the British don’t wear tops for weeks on end.

Clear skies and blazing sunshine still dazzles across Mzanzi’s coastlines, and with smaller crowds and fewer visitors here, it really does maximise your ability to chill.

Here’s a fun fact for you: South African sea waters on the south and west coasts are warmer in the winter. That’s because the summer heat melts Antarctic ice, which then drifts up to SA and cools the water.

8. Great excuse to visit wine cellars

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
Red wine-heaven is a place on earth, at Paarl’s KWV Wine Emporium (TSA / Tom Head)

Well, if you do get a miserable day, you best write it off nice and early to give yourself the best possible chance to sample the delights of wine country.

Whether it’s a tasting, a cellar tour, or a “f*** it, let’s just get steaming in a bar” type of affair, the grey skies give you ample opportunity to hunker down with a bottle of the good stuff.

9. Whale watching season

whales
The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea

From the Western Cape’s False Bay right round to Hermanus and Gansbaai, whales – much like European tourists – make the most of the warm seas, rather than the clement weather.

The beasts of the deep can be spotted from June onwards, before the peak of their season culminates with the Hermanus Whale Festival at the end of September.

10. Flower Power

The 10 reasons why visiting South Africa in winter is a good idea
These flowers flourish for South Africa in Winter (Protea Flower Show).

Proteas, conebushes and serrurias are all in bloom during the winter chill. You don’t have to be an avid horticulturist to enjoy these picturesque plants, and they make one hell of an Instagram upload if you’re that way inclined.

Just don’t ruin it with any filters, yeah?