5 Reasons To Visit South Africa in Winter

Sarah Michell

Winter has arrived in Cape Town and many locals will soon be leaving to warmer climates for our mid-year holiday. Although the locals are not fond of the winter weather in the Cape, this does not seem to put our international travellers off at all. Winter can be a great time to visit South Africa. One will find that most hotels and villas reduce their rates significantly during this time of year, the popular sites and activities are far less crowded and this is the best time of year to go on safari (June to September).

1. Best Rates

Because May to September is considered our “Low Season”, most hotels, guesthouses and villas reduce their rates substantially during this period. Be sure to contact us to find out which top hotels in and around Cape Town have specials running during these months.

2. Avoid The Crowds

​Summer in Cape Town gets especially busy over the festive season (Christmas and New Year). This is our high season for foreign travelers and local South Africans alike. Although the rest of our summer is not as manic as December and January, the country is full of tourists exploring our vast landscape and choice of activities. May through to September is when the crowds subside and one gets to experience the attractions without the crowds and queues.

3. Best Time Of Year To Go On Safari

​Although winter down south in the Cape is our wet season, up in the Kruger National Park and Eastern Cape region, it is their dry season with little to no rain. This means there is less vegetation, allowing for more visibility and frequent animal sightings. Due to the scarce rainfall, animals tend to gather around watering holes and rivers enabling us the high possibility of spotting all of the Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino) and more.

4. Whale Season

​Not only are our colder months a great time to go on Safari but it is also whale season in South Africa. Each year Southern Right Whales migrate from their feeding grounds off the coast of Antarctica to the warmer waters of South Africa. These magnificent giants can be seen from shore or boat for close encounters. South Africa is one of the top destinations in the world to watch and experience marine mammals.  From diving with Great White Sharks, kayaking with dolphins to watching the majestic Southern right and Humpback Whales mating and rearing their young.

5. Warmth In The Winelands

​Exploring the Cape Winelands during winter is also lovely. Often skies are blue and the sun is shining, however evenings and early mornings are generally always chilly, so be sure to pack a few warm jackets etc. And even on the ‘miserable’, cold, wet and rainy days we highly recommend visiting the Winelands for delicious food and spectacular wine tasting. Most estates that offer tastings during the winter will have a roaring open fire to keep you warm and comfortable whilst you enjoy some of the world’s best wines.

​Don’t let the milder months put you off.  There will be sun amidst the rainy days!
 
Contact us on [email protected] to arrange a romantic weekend away, cuddled up next to the open fire and enjoy our complimentary bottle of wine. Or let us put together your ultimate safari experience for you, so all you need to do is arrive and enjoy your perfect holiday.
 
And remember; we guarantee you won’t pay more when booking through us than you would if you made the reservation yourself.
 
(All photos featured in this post are property of BACK IN TOWN. All rights reserved)