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Mild winters offer up special experiences
Winter in South Africa
Horse riding in St Lucia Wetlands Park
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
?The South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland is home to the Southern
African Large Telescope (SALT) - the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere.
Winter in South Africa is pretty mild in most places, with day temperatures averaging between 16 and 18 degrees Celcius. There are certain areas where it gets much colder, like Sutherland in the Northern Cape - one of the best places to stargaze in South Africa. Temperatures can also plummet in the Drakensberg mountains area of KwaZulu-Natal, where the mountains often get snow in the winter months.
While many people flock to South Africa during our summer season from mid-October through to mid-February, there are many reasons to visit the country in our June through August winter months. The South African winter season is one of the best times to view game, when water is scarce in the reserves and animals flock to waterholes.
Hiking the Thukela Waterfall in KwaZulu-Natal is also best done in autumn or winter, when temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall. The Thukela Waterfall is the second highest in the world and in the uKhahlahamba-Drakensberg National Park you’ll find some of the best mountainous scenery in South Africa. You'll also find over 30 000 examples of San rock art. Adventure activities include climbing, hiking, camping, kayaking, paragliding and birding.
Winter in South Africa is also the ideal time to visit the Northern Cape when temperatures are mild. Home to several transfrontier parks, you can interact with the San Bushmen and see rare black-maned lions in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.The San Bushmen will guide you on trails, and share their tracking skills and stories with you. The Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, in north-western Namaqualand, is home to the Nama people who live off the land. It's popular among 4x4 enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Every year in June and July walkers from around the world converge on the Northern Cape for the 10-day Kalahari Eco Ultra Marathon Walk, a 301km route which consists mainly of Jeep trails and gravel roads. Some of the walk highlights include visiting the Augrabies Falls National Park, the Naftali Freesian Horse Stud Estate, taking a moonlight bath at the Riemvasmaak Hot Springs, and as having breakfast at the Bazalel Brandy, Mampoer and Witblitz Distillery.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Northern
Tel: +27(0)53 832 2657/2643
Email: northerncapetourism@telkomsa
Sutherland Information
Tel: +27 (0)23 571 1405
Email: info@sutherlandinfo.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)31 366 7500
Email: kznta@iafrica.com
Get around
Hiring a car and driving around is one of the best ways to explore South Africa. Be aware that in some of South Africa's national parks, an off-road vehicle is needed to travel around.
What to pack
Winter warmers like coats and sweaters. Gloves can also be useful. Also pack a few T-shirts and if you're visiting Durban, bring a bathing suit because some days can be warm enough to spend at the beach.
Best buys
Look for local arts and crafts in the area you're travelling in.