Are you considering a trip away to escape the demands of everyday life? To simply let go of your worries and unwind but you’re also worried about winter and the impact the season might have on your getaway plans? Here are the seven best destinations to explore in South Africa when winter arrives, brought to you by Stork:
1. The Golden Mile (Durban)
Durban is known for pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and is a heavenly retreat for water sports enthusiasts during the winter. Explore Durban’s bustling beachfront promenade dubbed ‘The Golden Mile’, which is a great starting point to discovering the heart of Durban. Visit Mini Town, an awe-inspiring pint-sized replica of Durban. The buildings in this mini-city are scaled down to 1:24 of their size!
2. Kruger National Park (Limpopo)
If you’re a fan of wildlife, head on over to the iconic Kruger National Park to revel in its vast landscapes and spectacular animals. Lions, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalos are seen more frequently in the park during the cooler, drier winter months. If you’re considering a trip during winter, jot down Kruger safari on the To-Do list to earn bragging rights by spotting all the Big 5!
3. Stellenbosch (Western Cape)
Picture snuggling up in front of a roaring fireplace whilst sampling the finest wines from local sommeliers. Wander through Stellenbosch at your leisure, enjoying the best of what the Winelands offers during winter. Be sure to visit The Glass Museum at Glenelly, which showcases pieces from the first century BC through to modern works created by some of the finest artists of the 20th century.
4. Barberton (Mpumalanga)
Barberton is a former gold-mining town that offers many unique attractions to visitors. Barberton’s rich history has earned it a well-deserved spot in the annals of history, and the Makhonjwa mountain range is recognised as a world heritage site. Explore the historic ghost town known as Eureka City in a 4×4 for an unforgettable adventure!
5. Sutherland (Karoo)
The highlight of visiting Sutherland is attending a stargazing tour. This little town, 110km north of Matjiesfontein, offers visitors a chance to discover the technology behind the Southern African Large Telescope. Its giant mirror gathers 25 times as much light as the previous largest African telescopes. If stargazing doesn’t appeal to you, why not hike up a volcano? Sutherland’s 1767m high volcano last erupted 66 million years ago, leaving the kilometre-wide lava ash field that you can still see today. It lies on the private Rogge Cloof estate, so you can do a four- to five-hour guided hike if you’re up for a challenge.
6. Maloti-Drakensberg
Hike at the Amphitheatre, one of the most impressive cliff-faces on Earth, stretching over a kilometre from its base. If you make it to the top of the mountains, you can look over Tugela Falls, the (disputed) second-highest waterfall in the world. Learn how to ski or get used to snowy conditions through Afri-Ski in the Maloti mountains and Tiffendell in the Eastern Cape Highlands.
7. Kaapsehoop (Mpumalanga)
Kaapsehoop is one of the quaintest villages in South Africa, situated in the heart of Mpumalanga Province in the Lowveld. Renowned for its majestic waterfalls, wildlife and forests, Kaapsehoop is a must-see. You can look forward to immersing yourself in its rich history dating back to the Anglo Boer War and South Africa’s gold rush period. You might even get a chance to see the town’s wild horses!
