Winter brings a special atmosphere to South Africa: mist drifts over mountain passes, fireplaces crackle, and the sparse vegetation makes wildlife viewing easier. This season is ideal for glamping, allowing you to enjoy birdsong and vast landscapes without sacrificing comfortable sleeping, a hot shower, or a wood-fired jacuzzi.
The growing demand for slow, experience-oriented travel is shaping the winter holiday trend. Travelers are increasingly preferring secluded, off-grid locations, wellness retreats, and nature stays over traditional hotel trips. Glamping perfectly aligns with this trend, combining outdoor adventure with amenities that make winter trips truly enjoyable.
No name is as strongly associated with glamping in South Africa as AfriCamps. This network features sites in various regions, including Cape Winelands, Garden Route, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, allowing for a stay tailored to any travel style.
Each boutique tent is equipped with real beds, a fully fitted kitchen, an internal fireplace, a private terrace, and a barbecue area. Many camps also offer wood-fired jacuzzis overlooking vineyards, mountains, or local forests. Winter is considered the best time to visit: cool mornings give way to sunny days, evenings are perfect for dining by the fire, and some camps offer special deals during quieter months.
Camp Canoe, located at the historic Boschendal estate among ancient oaks, offers a luxurious and relaxing boutique experience. Seven stylishly decorated tents are equipped with fireplaces, private patios, outdoor baths, or wood-fired jacuzzis, and the thoughtful interior makes rainy winter weekends especially cozy. Guests can explore Boschendal's walking trails, visit estate restaurants, taste local wine, or simply read by the fire overlooking the vineyards. Special offers for winter guests are also available.
For those seeking something completely different, Xaus Lodge in the Transfrontier Kagalo National Park is suitable. This lodge is situated inside the park and is run in partnership with the indigenous communities of the Homi San and Miere. It overlooks a vast salt pan where wildlife regularly gathers. Days are mild in winter, making safaris particularly productive, and evenings invite guests to sit by the fire under one of South Africa's clearest night skies. Lower temperatures make exploring this arid landscape much more comfortable than in summer.
If preferences lean towards barefoot luxury, the exclusive Tswalu tented camps in the North Cape offer one of the country's best safari experiences. Elegant canvas luxuries blend harmoniously into the surrounding red dunes, providing every comfort: spacious bathrooms, fireplaces, and private terraces with reserve views. Winter is peak safari season in the Kalahari: cool mornings encourage predators to remain active longer, and sparse vegetation aids in spotting animals. Stargazing here is unforgettable after the fire dies down.
In KwaZulu-Natal, at Manyoni Private Game Reserve, luxurious tented accommodation combines classic safari romance with sustainable tourism. The reserve is home to the Big Five and several endangered species, and the intimate tented camps allow guests to be close to nature without sacrificing comfort. Dry winter conditions improve wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, creating memorable safari opportunities throughout the season.
Forest Edge Nature Lovers’ Retreat, situated on the edge of the Knysna forest in the Western Cape, offers a quieter interpretation of glamping for those wishing to fully immerse themselves in nature. Handcrafted structures are nestled among tall trees, where mornings begin with birdsong and mist drifting through the forest canopy. Winter transforms the surrounding landscape into a peaceful sanctuary, ideal for walks, leisurely morning coffees on the terrace, and evenings by a roaring fire after exploring nearby forest trails.
Near Mossel Bay, at Gondwana Private Game Reserve on the Garden Route, luxurious safari adventures and tented accommodation overlooking fynbos-covered hills combine. Winter safaris benefit from cooler daytime temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing, while the reserve's cozy common areas and fireplaces provide warmth after sunset. The location is also convenient for road trips along the Garden Route, especially for those wanting to combine coast and savanna in one vacation.
Phelwana Game Lodge, located near the Greater Kruger region in Limpopo, provides access to one of South Africa's richest wildlife areas. Private terraces overlook bushveld where antelopes often roam, and comfortable interiors serve as a perfect refuge after morning safaris. Winter remains one of the best times to visit Lowveld due to dry conditions, pleasant daytime temperatures, and exceptional wildlife viewing.
Although summer often tops travel wish lists, winter holds numerous advantages. Lower temperatures make hiking, wildlife viewing, and other activities more comfortable, popular spots are less crowded, and accommodation discounts are common in many places. The season also enhances the glamping experience itself: fireplaces become essential, and wood-fired jacuzzis feel even more valuable, while cool evenings encourage travelers to slow down, disconnect, and spend more time outdoors under the starry sky. Increasingly, these slow, deep experiences are exactly what South Africans seek in winter.
The best glamping retreats do more than just provide a comfortable bed in the wild. They encourage you to linger over morning coffee as mist sweeps across the landscape, to trade screen time for stargazing, and to see familiar places at a slower pace. Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, winter is the perfect reason to see a different side of South Africa. Sometimes, a canvas tent, a crackling fire, and a landscape that reminds you why solitude is always worth it is all you need.
Although South Africa is often associated with summer holidays, the winter period showcases a completely different, equally attractive side of the country. The cooler weather facilitates exceptional wildlife viewing; during this time, migrating whales arrive along the coast, and the mountain landscapes take on a more dramatic appearance.
Instead of avoiding the colder months, winter offers numerous reasons to travel. Whether you are planning a safari, a scenic drive, or a cozy retreat in the countryside, it is worth considering this underrated season for your travel calendar.
Winter is considered the optimal time for safaris in many regions of South Africa. The dry season leads to sparse vegetation and reduced water sources, which compels animals to gather near rivers, dams, and watering holes, making them more visible during game drives.
Lower temperatures are also a plus: wild animals remain active longer, making morning and daytime safaris more comfortable compared to the summer heat. Among the best destinations for a winter safari are Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, and the Kaggalagadi Transfrontier Park, where visitors have excellent chances of seeing the Big Five and other iconic wildlife.
Every winter, southern right whales arrive along the South African coast to breed and give birth to calves in protected bays. From June to November, visitors can often observe these majestic mammals jumping, tail-slapping, or swimming close to the shore.
Hermanus is one of the world's best places to watch whales from land, but nearby De Kelders, False Bay, and Plettenberg Bay also offer incredible viewing opportunities. Combining a whale watching trip with coastal walks, fresh seafood, and ocean views quickly demonstrates why winter is one of the best times to visit the coast.
Winter transforms the mountainous regions of South Africa with misty mornings, babbling waterfalls, and, in some areas, snow. The cool weather also creates ideal conditions for hiking, photography, and outdoor activities. The Cederberg, Drakensberg, Hex River Valley, and Matroosberg regions are particularly beautiful in the colder months. Many cottages and guest farms enhance the experience with fireplaces, wood-fired hot tubs, and unobstructed mountain views. After a day outdoors, there is nothing better than relaxing by a crackling fire with a hot meal and a glass of local wine.
Winter encourages a more relaxed pace of travel. Instead of rushing between attractions, tourists can spend time exploring local cafes, browsing independent shops, and enjoying regional hospitality. Towns such as Grahamstown, Prince Albert, Montagu, Clanwilliam, and Dullstroom are especially appealing in winter. Visitors can expect cozy guesthouses, welcoming restaurants, and quiet streets that invite lingering. Many of these locations also host seasonal markets, wine tastings, and gastronomic events showcasing local flavors.
While some winter weekends can be busy, many attractions are noticeably quieter than during peak summer holidays. In Cape Town, the cool weather often brings clear views of Table Mountain after cold fronts pass. The Cape Winelands offer intimate wine tastings and hearty seasonal menus, and Garden Route feels more relaxed, making it easier to enjoy beaches, forests, and viewpoints without crowds. Fewer visitors also mean better photographic opportunities and a calmer travel experience.
The change of seasons gives many of South Africa's landscapes a fresh look. Winter rains make the Western Cape lush and green, waterfalls begin flowing again, and mountain passes become even more spectacular. Scenic drives along Route 62, through the Cederberg, over the Bainekloof Pass, or along the Garden Route are especially pleasant at this time of year. Further east, the Panorama Route offers cool, sunny days perfect for exploring dramatic vistas and natural wonders. Winter drives are also ideal for stopping at farmers' markets, village cafes, and hidden gems often missed during busier seasons.
Winter is the perfect excuse to indulge in South Africa's cozy seasonal cuisine. Throughout the country, restaurants and guesthouses serve hearty dishes reflecting local traditions. Imagine slow-cooked Karoo lamb, aromatic Cape Malay curries, homemade soups, fresh bread, and traditional potjiekos eaten around a fire. Wineries also come alive in winter, offering cozy tasting rooms and unhurried food and wine pairings. Sometimes the meal itself becomes as memorable as the destination.
Outside of school holidays and peak safari periods, winter often brings attractive deals on accommodation and better availability in guesthouses and boutique hotels. Traveling during quieter periods can also mean less time spent in queues, more personalized service, and an overall more relaxed atmosphere. While prices vary depending on the destination, winter can be a smart choice for travelers looking to maximize their budget without compromising on experiences.
South Africa is a year-round destination, but winter offers experiences that are hard to find at any other time of year. From unforgettable safaris and whale watching to mountain hideaways, scenic drives, and hospitable small towns—this season rewards those willing to embrace the cooler weather. Instead of waiting for summer, consider planning your next adventure this winter. You can discover quieter attractions, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments that reveal a completely new side of South Africa.
Winter weekends are ideal for road trips. Whether you want to attend a rural wine festival, spend time in the theatre, or simply explore a new city, the South African events calendar is full of reasons to get out of the house, and we have selected some of the best options.
One of the most anticipated winter holidays in the Cape Town region will once again take place in Franschhoek, which recreates its French heritage. The town will come alive with streets decorated in blue, white, and red, and the festive atmosphere will spread from the wine farms to the village center. Wine connoisseurs can taste the best valley vintages while enjoying a food court, live music, and French-style dishes. Even if you do not plan to visit the official tasting area, the village itself is worth exploring over the weekend.
Families looking for entertainment during school holidays can enjoy the Disney On Ice show in Cape Town. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will take the audience on an adventure featuring characters from films such as 'Frozen', 'Moana', 'Coco', and 'Toy Story'. This show combines high-level skating, aerial acrobatics, and complex stage effects, being equally engaging for both adults and children.
Furthermore, at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, the musical 'Pirates of Penzance' by Gilbert and Sullivan can be seen until July 12. This beloved comedic opera returns to the stage with its characteristic wit, humor, and memorable music that has made it a classic for many generations. If you are looking for an evening activity after a day of walking around Cape Town, this live performance will provide much laughter and timeless entertainment.
Music lovers can immerse themselves in one of Africa's leading classical music festivals in Stellenbosch from July 8 to 17. The festival features world-renowned musicians alongside rising local talents. The program includes orchestral concerts, chamber performances, and educational workshops, creating a vibrant atmosphere in Stellenbosch throughout the festival period.
For those striving for a healthier lifestyle, the Thrive Wellness Expo is available in Johannesburg from July 10 to 12. This event brings together fitness experts, brands, nutritionists, and mindfulness practitioners for three days of interactive sessions. Visitors can check out exhibitors, participate in lectures and seminars, sample health products, and learn about the latest trends in health, making it an inspiring outing for anyone wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
On July 11, the Pretoria Pride Colour Run and Market will take place in Pretoria. This colorful event combines fitness, food, and community spirit, inviting participants to join a relaxed fun run and then spend the day exploring craft stalls, food courts, and live performances. Whether you participate in the run or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, it is a pleasant family trip in the heart of Pretoria.
As South Africa's largest arts festival draws to a close, the final weekend in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, offers a last chance to experience its incredible program. Here you can see everything: from theatrical performances and live music to fine art exhibitions, comedy, dance numbers, and deep discussions taking place in various venues across Makhanda.
These weekends prove that South Africa never lacks reasons to travel. Choose a destination, pack your coat, and let the road lead you.
