When winter sets in, many of us just want to stay indoors and cosy up next to the fireplace or heater indoors.
But a select few South Africans prefer to go and explore our beautiful country by taking a road trip.
There are many advantages to winter travel. Namely, it’s out of season, so you will save on accommodation costs, you won’t need to blast the aircon to survive the summer heat, and there will be fewer crowds. But before going on any road trip, booking your car for a service and battery check is in your best interests.
Being stuck on the side of the road sucks, and this is amplified in winter.
Once your vehicle is properly inspected, you can explore the entire country with a clear mind. If you’re wondering where to go for your winter adventures, here are our top road trips to do during the colder months.
Southern Drakensberg
The Maloti Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site and is a must-visit for any South African.
The region is a true winter wonderland, home to the legendary Sani Pass, majestic landscapes, and snow-capped peaks.
While many destinations around the country offer visitors the opportunity to experience snow, none come close to the extent of the area.
The region has many accommodation options and fun attractions, such as Africa’s highest pub at the top of the pass.
Before you leave home, ensure that your vehicle can handle the terrain and that your battery is working. Extreme cold conditions can hamper your battery’s performance on start-up.
Unlike our other suggestions, winter will be a drawcard to the region, so be prepared for traffic. Another factor to remember is that most South Africans have never driven in the snow, so you’ll need to consider your own driving as well as those around you.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Situated outside of Clarens, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a must-visit for winter explorers.
The park’s mountains are home to ancient fossils and artefacts.
Also, due to the altitude of the mountains in the park, there is some snowfall within its borders. The park has multiple accommodation options, hiking trails, and the most spectacular views in the Free State.
If you’re just looking for a stone cottage, the charming town of Clarens has you covered, as it is a trendy getaway spot for those who live in Johannesburg.
Hogsback, Eastern Cape
Located 150km from East London, Hogsback is a little village high in the Amatola Mountains. The town is shrouded in mystical tales, which isn’t surprising when you take in the smells of the surrounding indigenous Afromontane forest, home to the endangered Cape Parrot and the Knysna Loerie.
Hogsback has several hiking trails and adventure experiences. The town also hosts a famous garden show where the public can view some hidden gems.
As you’d expect from a magical town like Hogsback, there are plenty of options regarding accommodation, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to see some snow.
The Karoo
For many South Africans, the stark landscape of the Karoo is simply hypnotic. The central region is vast, and temperatures can plummet to below freezing during winter.
But in this isolation and calm, many will replenish their soul. A popular town for many is Matjiesfontein. Recently, NASA announced they will build their new lunar communication facility for the upcoming moon missions here.
The small town is home to the famous Lord Milner Hotel, a time capsule from the 1800s. There is also an old London bus that takes visitors around town.
Matjiesfontein has established itself as an immersive destination for all, and during the chilly winter months will be an experience to be remembered.
Namaqualand
Late into the winter season, the west coast of South Africa is home to one of the world’s most majestic flower shows.
Timings for this natural display vary from year-to-year.
The flowers can be viewed from as far south as the West Coast National Park and continue along the N7 up to Port Nolloth.
Pre-booking this road trip is essential as it is popular with professional and amateur botanists.
For the best central point, it’s best to book accommodation in Citrusdal and Clanwilliam. The former allows easy access to the Cederberg mountain range and dirt mountain passes, while the latter has beautiful waterside attractions.
Be aware that due to the region’s winter rainfall and heavy truck traffic, taking dirt roads this late in the season means they will be challenging to navigate.
Jeffery’s Bay
The warm water of the Indian Ocean allows visitors to go swimming and watch some fantastic surfing, even in winter.
During the middle of winter, the world-famous surf spot becomes one of the globe’s longest breaks. Visitors come from far and wide to see the Corona Open, which hosts the world’s best surfers.
This event includes parties and festivals, perfect for those looking to party it up during the colder months of the year.
Winter in the Kruger National Park
June, July and August are the coldest and driest months in the park. This means many animals will share watering holes allowing visitors to see more variety.
Also, the cooler weather with lower humidity makes game drives a more comfortable experience. And lastly, fewer mosquitoes are around due to the frigid climate.
However, this is not a secret and will require you to pre-book your spot.
While all these destinations and road trips are incredibly exciting, it’s important to get your car’s battery tested before leaving.
Visit a SABAT Xpress Centre or Battery Fitment Centre to Replace The Battery
If you’d rather avoid the inconvenience of checking your battery; you can drive to a SABAT Xpress or a nearby retailer that stocks SABAT Batteries and get a new one.
Rest assured that you won’t have to wait, and you’re guaranteed that your car will start on the first attempt before heading out into the winter wonderland that’s South Africa.
