Travel during shoulder season? Here’s why it’s the best decision you’ll ever make
Let’s not call them secret seasons – low and shoulder seasons have just as much to offer as peak travel times of the year, including popular festivals and events. Every month has something special in South Africa. Perhaps you just need a guide to what’s going on in the months that may have fallen through the travel brochure cracks.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite shoulder- and low-season holiday spots below so you can take advantage of the lower rates, fewer crowds, and milder temperatures these times of year offer.
Winter – Garden Route
So much to choose from. The mid-year Knysna Oyster Festival presents plenty of oysters and bubbly, plus oyster shucking and potjiekos competitions, marathons, and markets that light up the town for ten days. (You may have missed it this year, but it’s never too early to start planning next year’s Garden Route road trip.)
Hermanus is a particularly popular spot for whale-watching, though seaside towns all along the Garden Route coast – Stillbaai, Mossel Bay, Wilderness – offer great viewing too. Catch southern right whales while they’re migrating from June to November.
Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunsfees in Oudtshoorn at the beginning of April is one of South Africa’s biggest national arts festivals, bringing together Afrikaans productions, drama, music, dance, and visual arts. Another popular event in Oudtshoorn, the Klein Karoo Klassique music festival in August combines concertos and quartets with wine, cuisine, arts and performances.
Where to stay:
Queen’s Hotel by BON Hotels is at the heart of the Garden Route in Oudtshoorn. A classical gem for ‘Klassique en Kuns fees’, it offers family rooms, a café, a restaurant, and buckets of old Karoo elegance.
Spring – KwaZulu-Natal
In spring (September-October), Elephant Coast and Zululand temperatures haven’t yet soared, and the weather is just right for exploring the region’s incredible seaside towns, mangrove-fringed estuaries, and mountainous landscapes. The Zululand Bird Route winds through Empangeni, Richards Bay, Kosi Bay, and St Lucia to name a few spots, and boasts over 650 species of birds. It’s a great way to tour the area and do something fun with the family.
Where to stay:
BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay is your go-to for sea views, surf, and cocktails by the pool. And if you want to stay a little bit off the beaten track and more towards the interior, BON Hotel Empangeni has you covered. Both hotels have on-site restaurants, stylish rooms, and stellar service.
Summer – Kruger National Park
For summer holidays (November-March), head to the Kruger National Park. Winter is peak season in the bush, ostensibly for better viewing opportunities, but it really depends on what you want to see. Many key migratory birds can only be seen in summer, like the Steppe Buzzard and the European Roller. For those who love flora, the warm rainy season sees all the wild flowers in bloom, including rare species like the Swazi lily.
Where to stay:
At Shishangeni by BON Hotels, you can feel the warm breeze and soak up lush green bush views from verandahs and luxurious suites. Swim in the pool or laze with a cocktail after game drives.
Autumn – Cape Town and the Winelands
An unexpected bucket-list view? The Cape Winelands in shoulder season (April-May). The vines turn orange and red, coating the hills with a rusty hue. Against the mountains and dotted with Cape Dutch architecture, it’s picture-postcard, write-home-about-it beautiful. The weather is mild and the wind has calmed down, so exploring Cape Town’s attractions is a treat – especially as you don’t have to compete with the crowds. Plus, beach days basking in the sun are still on the cards.
Where to stay
Protea Hotel Durbanville for the Winelands. It’s right next to wine farms and the award-winning D’Aria Wine Estate. If you want apartment-style living in Cape Town, Majorca Apartments by BON Hotels is just the ticket. It’s located in Century City on palm-fringed canals, has access to restaurants and an indoor pool, and sports those Miami-esque vibes. It’s also pet-friendly so you can bring your pooch along.
Ready to get seasonal? Start planning your break and contact us today!
