Exploring South Africa in Winter
South Africa is celebrating Nelson Mandela's centennial this year and encouraging visitors to follow in Madiba's footsteps with a host of experience suggestions across the country. And while Africa's southernmost country is amazing to visit yearround, going in winter can score you lodging discounts and fewer crowds in both cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg although you'll have to bundle up a little (it isn't beach weather, but it is still nothing like a northern hemisphere winter). This is also the best time of year for a South African safari, as it's easier to spot animals during the winter months (June-August) when they must trek to holes for water. Here are some suggestions on where to wander in this fantastic country, for more check out South African Tourism's Madiba’s Journey app.
V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
On returning from a very eye-opening trip to Robben Island, I decided to stop at one of the nearby restaurants for a quick drink before heading back to the apartment. The sunsets are amazing anywhere in Cape Town, but the V & A Waterfront is...
Walking into the lobby of The Michelangelo Hotel is a giddy experience, even when severely jet-lagged. The opulent Renaissance style, five star property is build around a central atrium bedecked in marble arches and columns that is sparkly clean...
Diepkloof Zone 6, Diepkloof, 1862, South Africa
A great dining experience can be found at the foot of the iconic Orlando Towers in Soweto in the form of Chaf-Pozi. Chaf-Pozi, is a traditional Shisa nyama. Shisa nyama is a Zulu phrase literally meaning "hot meat". It is a term used to describe...
Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
"To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." -Nelson Mandela, June 1999 Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum is a powerful and extensive museum documenting the rise and...
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Hazyview, 1242, South Africa
Everyone expects to sample great South African wines in the Western Cape, but Singita's safari lodges in the Sabi Sand offer some of the most sought-after wines in the entire continent. A wine tasting in the cellar with one of Singita's few, hand...
73 Juta St, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
This semi-outdoor market on Juta Street in Joburg's Braamfontein neighbourhood is fun fun fun. Eat oysters from Namibia, drink craft beer from South Africa, and devour paella, gelato, cheeses, chocolate...a food lover's paradise! Open on...
Pass Road, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Just outside of Cape Town, there are several wine-producing areas set among beautiful mountains and greenery. In Franschhoek we stopped to eat at Le Petit Ferme (the photo is from the terrace in front of the restaurant). We sampled the Snoek pâté...
17 Pepper St, Ferreira Town, Jeffreys Bay, 6330, South Africa
This is the view from our balcony at African Perfection in J-Bay. We awoke to perfect waves, well-designed rooms, and a laid-back atmosphere right on the point. With the kids snuggled in bed, I was able to snap a few shots each morning from our...
