Winter is on its way out and the warm days of Spring are on the horizon, and with it South African Tourism Month where we all get to celebrate the incredible diversity of our country's tourism offering. Get ready to pack your bags and indulge in one or more of these 10 great ways to make the most of that oh-so-welcome South African sunshine.
Whale-watching season is already in full swing (July to December), and De Hoop Nature Reserve remains one of the best places to spot southern right whales as they migrate to calve. The beaches of Struisbaai and Cape Agulhas, along with the cliffs of De Kelders, Gansbaai and Hermanus, also offer excellent vantage points to spot these giants of the sea. Don’t forget that the Hermanus Whale Festival is scheduled for 29 September 29 to 1 October this year, promising a fantastic celebration of these magnificent creatures.
Go Here with Sure: Check out our online booking platform for more Western Cape hotel deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands continue to offer a lush, green and serene Spring escape. The Karkloof forests provide thrilling zip-lining opportunities, while trout fishing remains a popular activity in the area and the Midlands Meander art and foodie route always offers up stunning accommodation, locals arts, artisan crafts and fine cuisine.
Go Here with Sure: Explore the KZN midlands via two-night stay at the 3-star Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, priced from R 3,506 p/p sharing (full details here), or via a two-night stay at the Alpine Heath Resort, Drakensberg, priced from R 1,770 p/p sharing (full details here). Or how about a two-night stay at the 3-star Little Switzerland Resort Drakensberg, priced from R4,344 p/p sharing (full details here)?
Closer to Durban's CBD, check into the family-friendly Wild Coast Sun on the South Coast for two nights, from only R2,286 p/p sharing (full details here), or head up the coast for a three-night stay at the 3-star Blue Marlin, Scottburgh, from R 6,176 p/p sharing (full details here).
Check our online booking platform for more KZN hotel deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) has become huge in Cape Town and the perfect way to explore the city’s waterways in Spring. SUP Cape Town offers rentals and lessons at the V&A Waterfront, while Intaka Island in Century City is another great spot for beginners.
New this Spring season is The Waterfront Duck, South Africa’s first amphibious bus, which is perfect for non-SUP visitors who want to explore the canals with zero effort. The Waterfront Duck takes visitors on a 30-minute tour of Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard before transforming into a boat for a 30-minute tour of the V&A Waterfront’s harbour area.
Go Here with Sure: Explore the best of the Mother City from the luxury of a three-night Family Affair package at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, priced from R19,716 pps (full details here). Or set up base, for less, in the CBD, with a two-night stay at the Pepper Club Hotel and Spa, from R3,752 p/p sharing (full details here).
Check our online booking platform for more Cape Town hotel deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
The Wild Coast is as inviting as ever during the Spring season. Mkambathi Nature Reserve and Silaka Nature Reserve remain top choices for experiencing breathtaking coastal landscapes, with their unique combination of beaches, forests and waterfalls. For a more luxurious experience, Prana Lodge and Miarestate Hotel & Spa offer exquisite stays along the southern Wild Coast.
Go Here with Sure: Kick-off your exploration of the Wild Coast with a two-night stay at the 4-star Wild Coast Sun, priced from R2,286 p/p sharing (full details here).
Check our online booking platform for more Wild Coast hotel deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
Exploring Soweto on a bike is a fantastic way to experience the vibrant history and culture of this iconic township. Busi Khambule’s Cycle in Soweto is a top choice, offering tours that include visits to key historical sites like the Regina Mundi Church and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Thrill-seekers can end their cycling trip with a death-defying bungee jump from nearby Orlando Towers.
Go Here with Sure: Check our online booking platform for more Soweto and Johannesburg hotel deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
It wouldn’t be Spring in South Africa without Cape Town’s annual wild flower spectacular along the West Coast. Namaqualand is the place to go for the most spectacular displays, especially around Kamieskroon and Skilpad in the Namaqua National Park. Vanrhynsdorp and Nieuwoudtville also remain top spots for wildflower enthusiasts, with plenty of charming B&Bs available for a cosy stay. If you’re staying closer to Cape Town’s CBD, you can head to the West Coast National Park for a bounty of blossoms on a day trip.
Go Here with Sure: Check our online booking platform for more West Coast hotel deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
Slackpacking is a convenient way to hike some of South Africa’s most beautiful trails in the Springtime. The Cederberg Heritage Routes offer stunning mountain scenery, while the Green Mountain Eco-Route in Elgin Valley combines fynbos views with wine tastings. Further up the coast, in the Eastern Cape, The Strandloper Trail and the Wild Coast Walk are perfect for those seeking coastal beauty without the burden of carrying heavy gear.
Go Here with Sure: Before/after your Cederberg slackpacking, why not splash out on a three-night stay at the 5* Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve (full details here)?
Check our online booking platform for more Cederberg, Overberg and Eastern Cape hotel deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
South Africa's scenic rail journeys are captivating in the Springtime. The Blue Train and Rovos Rail continue to offer luxurious travel experiences with updated itineraries, while Premiere Class provides a comfortable alternative for those on a budget. The classic routes between Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as the journey through the Drakensberg to Durban, remain popular for their stunning views.
Go Here with Sure: Check our online booking platform for latest luxury rail deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
Sun City has seen significant upgrades with its recent R1 billion renovation. The Cabanas Hotel and Sun Vacation Club have been refreshed, and the new Sun Central entertainment centre offers a range of activities for visitors. The Valley of Waves water park now features new rides, while Adrenaline Extreme continues to deliver heart-pounding adventures.
Go Here with Sure: Sun City has a range of packages to suit various budgets, from a two-night stay at the 3-star Cabanas from R1,860 p/p sharing (full details here) to two-nights at the Sun City Hotel from R2,844 p/p sharing (full details here). And, if you have a bit more budget, how about a two-night stay at the 4-star The Cascades from R3,086 p/p sharing (full details here), or a two-night stay at the 5-star The Palace from R4,544 p/p sharing (full details here)?
Check our online booking platform for more Sun City deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
Spring may be the best time for a safari in South Africa. With drier conditions and sparse vegetation, wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals gather around waterholes. There are a variety of lodges to choose from, catering to different budgets and offering unique experiences across South Africa’s top game reserves.
Go Here with Sure: In-between spotting the Big 5, stay for two-nights at Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, Pilanesberg, from R5,456 p/p sharing (full details here), or a two-night stay at Safari Plains, Waterberg, from R6,529 p/p sharing (full details here). Or you can splash out on a luxury two-night stay at Lukimbi Safari Lodge Kruger National Park from R14,976 p/p sharing (full details here).
Check our online booking platform for more Safari lodge deals, or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest deals. Find your nearest Sure Travel Agent here.
Sure Travel has a range of special offers for travel around South Africa for Spring. Have a look at our online booking platform for latest offers, and/or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for deals.
