When people are planning a trip to a foreign country one of the first things they do is hit the Internet to find out the best season to be visiting. Spring in Japan to see the Cherry Blossoms, a romantic visit to Paris during the Autumn or a trip to Maine in the United States during fall to see the magical palette of leaves changing color or a summer holiday on a tropical island.
If you are planning a trip to South Africa – don’t panic about the season you choose.
A now defunct marketing campaign enticing foreign visitors to the country’s shores once had had a payoff line ‘A World In One Country’. That’s not far off the truth. South Africa has several regions – each with it’s own wonderful climate and unique cultural identity.
For instance, a visit to Cape Town in the summer allows for lazy days on the beach or exploring the magnificent natural flora and fauna of the Cape coast – all under the benevolent eye of the African sun. Of course cocktails on the edge of the Atlantic as the sun sets the ocean on fire with all the colors of an African rainbow are all part of what makes Cape Town one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.
But Cape Town can charm in the winter as well. It does rain, but it’s never freezing cold. And the comfort of visiting a wood paneled old world style pub with a roaring fire should not be underestimated.
Winter – cold, perfect for a visit to one of the magnificent national parks in the country. Kruger National Park, one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations is best visited during the dry season – which is winter. the reason is that this is when animals congregate around watering holes. visitors can then see the majestic beauty of African fauna gathered in a single place.
Want to visit the pulsating economic heart of South Africa – Johannesburg? Go during summer when the thunderstorms gather in the evenings and then provide a light show that is difficult to match. Wait for the rains to pass and dine at some of the best restaurants in the world or enjoy a cocktail that will rival anything provided by the best bartenders in the world as you watch the spectacle of the city come alive with light and excitement.
Winter? Plan a trip to the Natal Midlands in the shadow of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and if you are lucky the snow will begin to gently fall as you sit in front of that roaring fire at a cozy inn and enjoy a craft beer or a glass of one of South Africa’s world famous red wines.
A frosty early morning is ideal for those who want to test themselves against the trout that are a feature of the Midlands landscape are part of what attracts fishermen and women from across the globe to South Africa.
A hop skip and a jump away from the Midlands one will find one of South Africa’s premier oceanfront playgrounds. Summer is what it’s all about in Durban, Kwazulu Natal. Long lazy walks on the beach as the Indian Ocean laps at your feet or enjoying regional foods like what some have called the best curries outside of India. Or choose a luxury hotel and just bask at the poolside before sitting down to fresh seafood.
In short, South Africa has something for everyone. The season for visiting depends entirely on your preferences – but no matter what time of year you visit, you can be sure of one thing – South Africa will never disappoint you.