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South Africa’s Best Spring Destinations
Author: Mishka Ramdas, Digital Copywriter
Now that the chilly wintery days have left us and spring has finally sprung, where should your next adventure take you? South Africa is known for its plethora of magnificent fauna and flora, and for those who enjoy the bursts of colour that our motherland has to offer, spring may be the best time for you to explore the Southern Hemisphere. The days are warmer and nights are blissful so why not pack your back for the weekend and head to one of these amazing destinations?
Venture Through The Garden Route
The Garden Route begins about four hours outside of Cape Town and boasts one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline. Taking this route will take you through infamous towns such as Witsand, Stilbaai and Albertinia as well as George, Sedgefield, Knysna, and following onto Plettenberg Bay, culminating in the Tstisikamma Forest. The best way to experience all that this rich route has to offer is to self-drive however, charter flights are available and transfers between lodges, boutique hotels and guest houses can also be arranged.
The Garden Route boasts a multitude of activities. Whether you’re a Golfer, Wine Connoisseur or Nature Enthusiast, there is something for everyone. The Tsitsikamma National Park is known for its coastline and its abundance of magnificent flora. One of our highlights is the Storms River Suspension Bridge, stretching for 77 meters. The bridge spans the swirling waters of the river mouth as they merge with the Indian Ocean. The hike towards the bridge is just as beautiful, so put on your walking shoes and take in the sheer beauty of this natural wonder.
Cape Winelands
This one is for our wine lovers. Nothing is more crisp and refreshing than a lovely glass of wine, and where better to experience the wonderful fruits of our land than our gorgeous Cape Winelands? The simplistic beauty of the perfectly manicured green valleys against the backdrop of the mountains is as much a treat for the eye as its cuisine is a delight for your palate. Sip, swirl and sample a selection of award-winning wines, paired with delectable dishes in a gourmet farm-style setting.
The Winelands are just an hour away from Cape Town however, it is worthwhile to spend a night or two at one of the vineyards. Your Perfect Africa has a wide selection of boutique hotels and farm-style guest houses set within the most picturesque Winelands in South Africa. Each of them offers superb accommodation and is within proximity to an array of activities for your tastebuds. Some of our favourites include, Brookdale Estate, Ludus Magnus, Lanzerac Hotel & Spa and The Cellars-Hohenort.
Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Best of Both
Maybe whoever coined the phrase “the best of both worlds” had a good narrative going for them. Natal truly is a gem of its own and is often overlooked as a perfect spring destination. When you compare it to Cape Town and the Winelands you might feel as though it does not have enough to offer but just image the perfect beach and bush holiday as your highlight of spring? I certainly couldn’t imagine anything more wonderful.
With lodges such as Makakatana Bay, Kosi Forest, & Thonga Beach Lodge in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, you really are spoilt for choice. These lodges offer a close and intimate experience with the surrounding greenery whilst also being a couple of steps away from the cooling waters of the ocean. Covering an area of 239,566 hectares, The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of the most outstanding natural wetland and coastal sites of Africa. Apart from this, there are also Big 5 Game Reserves such as the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve and Nambiti Private Game Reserve that offer you a full-on bush experience.
The Midlands Meander
Another great attraction is the Midlands Meander, situated just an hours’ drive from Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Set among rolling green hills of inland KZN, this is an intricate route of local roads that stretch for a total of 80 kilometres. The Midlands Meander is a region that stretches from just beyond Mooi River in the north, Hilton in the south, Karkloof in the east and the foothills of the Drakensberg in the west. Featuring over 160 different accommodation offerings, an array of shops and markets as well as dining and entertainment options, the Meander is bustling with life.
Wildflowers in Namaqualand
Spring is all about fresh flowers and the rest of nature coming out from the cold. Namaqualand is literally like stepping into a whole new world! The Namaqua National Park, within the Northern Cape is widely considered as one of the best places to see flowers in bloom throughout the whole of South Africa. There is even a separate reserve within it dedicated entirely to flowers entitled the Skilpad Wildflower Reserve. Other highlights to the area include the ‘Roof of Africa’ panoramic views and dedicated 4×4, mountain biking and walking trails as well as self-catering chalets and exclusive luxury tented camps.
We hope we have sprung some fresh ideas and destinations into your travel diaries. Each of these places offer a uniqueness and beauty of its own just waiting to be explored (responsibly of course!) Whether its you and your favourite person, or your close family and friends, each of the destinations above are bright and bold, boasting an abundance of activities. So, what are you waiting for? Lets get on the road!