When the rains set in, enjoying activities with friends becomes a bit harder. Nobody wants to brave the cold and wet outside their door. However, just because the winter weather is miserable, doesn’t mean you need to forgo fun, and the best news is that there’s plenty to do in all the South African provinces!
Gauteng
- If you’ve ever wanted to go on a safari, then visit Gauteng in winter.  While those in the Western Cape suffer from rain, the north has drier days – meaning wildlife gathers at waterholes periodically throughout the day. This gives visitors a great chance to spot the animals up close, and the fact that there is no long grass over this period, makes sightings more frequent as well.
- Emerald Casino in Vanderbijlpark has an Aquadome – perfect for the whole family to enjoy! The heated pools are no less than 25°C, and the temperature controlled environment means regardless of the outdoor weather, you’ll be cosy inside. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the day and the fake beachfront is perfect for a volleyball game or three.
- If the rains have abated, and you’re an art lover with young ones, then the Goblins Cove Fantasy Restaurant in Hekpoort is the perfect destination. Here, stone creations from fantasy and myth are scattered about the lawn, fairy grove, and goblin cove. The birds in the aviary fill the air with song, the food is fantastic, and if you fall in love like many have, stay at their on-site accommodation.
KwaZulu-Natal
- Despite the fact that it’s winter, the warm ocean waters stay around 17°C, and draw visitors from all around the country, who are looking for hours of sunshine and numerous water sports. There are plenty of popular beachfront areas, like Ramsgate, Margate, and Uvongo, which have sheltered coves children can safely splash in.
- The Greatest Shoal on Earth visits this part of the world in winter, and you’ll often find families on the beach scooping up stray sardines to take home. The sardines migrate in their millions along the coastline and attract a variety of predators – from sharks and dolphins, to seagulls and gannets, and of course, man. Take a camera to capture the memories of this event.
- Horse riding along the coastline, on the beach, or within the mountains is a popular activity for couples to enjoy. There are plenty of operators across the region and after a relaxing breakfast, getting out and active (without breaking a sweat), is a great holiday indulgence.
Eastern Cape
- Known as one of South Africa’s crowning jewels, the lush Eastern Cape offers visitors some of the most picturesque scenery imaginable. Coastal forests, waves crashing on the shore, birds calling from the trees, and a few scattered game reserves make this area an all-round pleaser. The weather is generally quite agreeable though there are cold snaps, so ensure that you always have a raincoat within easy reach.
- Should there be frost in the air near the Rhodes area, a family trip to the Tiffindell Ski Club is in order. Despite having a moderate climate for most of the year, snow does occasionally grace the slopes. If there’s no snow, the snow machine will make up for the lack thereof, giving you a chance to snowboard and ski to your heart’s content.
- If you’re after something a little drier than a savanna, then a visit to the fourth oldest town in the country should be on your list Graaff-Reinet offers an otherworldly experience for visitors. It is ringed by the Camdeboo National Park and mountains, and stands a few kilometres away from the intriguing valley of desolation. Here, unique rock formations stand in stark contrast to the skyline and look as if they’re standing by magic or sheer force of will.
Author Bio: Roseanna McBain is a writer for TravelGround. She has a passion for travel, adventure, and learning as much as she can about the various cultures and histories of the world.
Images:
- A lioness heading out to hunt. By JAM Project (Flickr) – http://www.flickr.com/photos/jam_project/6352034061/06/4989538154/
- There are some great snorkelling spots along the coastline. By SKimchee (Flickr) – http://www.flickr.com/photos/skimchee/2554249483/
- Horse riding couple. By ActiveSteve (Flickr) – http://www.flickr.com/photos/activesteve/4884166546/
- Skiing is a great workout. By Serrechevalier (Flickr) – http://www.flickr.com/photos/serre_chevalier/5856976856/
