Best Summer Destinations in South Africa

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summer destination in South Africa
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If you want to enjoy a good summer adventure and exciting experiences, then South Africa is the place to be. SA promises an endless array of fun activities, especially during summertime.

 

SA has beautiful landscapes, a rich history, and, on top of that, the hustle and bustle of busy cities. South Africa possesses the allure to cater to any type of tourist desiring to have a perfect summer experience.

 

However, you need to know the right hotspot that offers this perfect summer experience. Here are some of the best summer destinations in South Africa that you must visit:

 

1. Cape Town, Western Cape

summer destinations in South Africa
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Cape Town is certainly a place that you should not miss if you are in South Africa. There are lots of interesting sights that you can visit and expendable leisure activities in Cape Town.

 

Cape Town boasts of 5 of the best beaches in Africa. It has a nice landscape like the famous Table Mountain. It also has colorful art and culture. A bird’s eye view of the city from the peak of Table Mountain can only be matched by but a few sites across the world.

 

During the, you can try out all kinds of outdoor activities like hiking, beach and water sports since there is plenty of natural light. During this time, there is no cloudiness, the sun is shining and the weather accommodating.

 

Cape Town has a face for everyone, so there will always be a place for anyone to hang out and have fun. It has a lot of history, hundreds of animals and plants also a slew of activities you can do with your family members.

2. Durban

summer destinations in South Africa
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Durban is a coastal city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Families enjoy visiting there, primarily owing to the exciting golden beaches and the pleasant water of the Indian Ocean.

 

Some of the attractions found in Durban are the uShaka Marine World Museum, Victoria, Market, and the Golden Mile Road.

 

If you wish to try new sports, Durban features water, like surfing, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddle boarding. Durban is a tourist destination and one of the best summer destinations in South Africa.

 

3. Port Elizabeth

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Port Elizabeth is also a popular coastal town, situated on the southeastern coast of South Africa. It is always a prime location for those who enjoy water sports such as fishing, surfing, scuba diving, or swimming.

 

In this city, you will find beautiful sites, museums and buildings that are dedicated to Nelson Mandela. No doubt, it is one of the best places to visit for historical enthusiasts.

 

In Port Elizabeth, you can create beautiful memories with your families. What is not like about Port Elizabeth? The locals are friendly and the weather is good all year round.

 

4. Kruger National Park

summer destinations in South Africa
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There is no better place for a real African experience than the Kruger National Park. The Kruger is home to the “Big Five”: lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos.

 

People of all ages can have their amazing riding experiences in a game drive and guided trips.

 

The best time to visit this park is during the dry season when most of the animals gather around the waterholes. You should expect to have some fantastic moments watching wildlife.

 

5. Garden Route

summer destinations in South Africa
Photo via Garden Route

The Garden Route stretches the coast of the Western Cape Province from Mossel Bay to Storms River. It’s just gorgeous. While visiting the island, you will have the opportunity to see beautiful little towns and walk through lush trees.

 

You can also take a whale-watching tour, particularly between May to September when these whales are breeding. You will also find the famous Knysna Head which offers you an amazing view of the shining seashore.

 

Truly, Garden Route is one of the best summer destinations in South Africa that offers you the best summer experience.

 

6. Jeffreys Bay

summer destinations in South Africa
Photo via Jeffereys Bay

The charming town of Jeffreys Bay is well-known for its beauty and is highly rated among summer destinations in South Africa. It is even regarded as the best surfing destination on earth. Jeffreys Bay is also an excellent place for family vacations.

 

In Jeffreys Bay, there are so many activities to indulge in. For example, you take surf lessons or do some sand boarding, kayaking, horse riding, or hiking, you name it. Close to its location, there’s a park called Addo Elephant Park where you can see many elephants, lions, and other wildlife.

 

7. Cape Winelands

Photo via Expedia

Cape Winelands in the Western Cape is best known for its vineyards, wineries, and wine festivals. The region has a huge reputation for its top-class wines.

 

You can enjoy wine tasting, wine tours, and food and wine pairing too. During summer, Cape Winelands hosts concerts and movie nights under the open sky. You can also visit popular wine estates like Delheim, Spier, and Neethlingshof.

 

8. Drakensberg mountains

summer destinations in South Africa
Photo via Expedia

The Drakensberg mountains have breathtaking views and a variety of cool outdoor activities for families. In the area, you can enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, and white-water rafting.

 

The Drakensberg is a perfect getaway summer destination for families scrapping for precious quality time. Unlike the dust web and chaos of city life, this place offers clean mountain air and numerous beautiful views.

 

9. Pilanesberg National Park

Photo via Saratov

Don’t miss the chance to experience the wonders of Pilanesberg National Park. The national park is located at a very fascinating game reserve in South Africa’s North West Province.

 

Covering 550 square kilometers, this park has the famous “Big 5” and more than 360 bird species. It houses these animals in a beautiful landscape that was formed by the ancient volcano. This malaria-free reserve will give you an unforgettable safari experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most appropriate time for a vacation in South Africa?

A great time to spend a good vacation in SA is between December and February

 

2. What fun activities can I engage in during the summer in SA?

Hiking, swimming, surfing, and whale watching or bird watching are but a few.

 

3. What are some cultural tips to keep in mind when visiting South Africa?

Be respectful about stuff like how they dress or their beliefs. You could also learn some words in one of their 11 official languages.

4. What currency is used in South Africa?

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

 

Conclusion – Best Summer Destinations in South Africa

South Africa has a huge array of summer experiences for you.  You can enjoy the dynamic city life of Cape Town, the quiet beaches of Durban, and the historic side of Port Elizabeth.

 

Do you love nature? Then you can enjoy the beauty of Kruger National Park.  What about adventure? The Garden Route or the famous waves of Jeffreys Bay is there for you. Are you a wine lover? The exquisite flavors of Cape Winelands awaits your visit.

 

With your family, you can enjoy the whooping beauty of Drakensberg. In summary, South Africa has the best destinations for a splendid summer vacation, no matter your interests. So why the wait? Plan your trip today.

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