The cold has settled into the Mother City and our bones, and it’s not going anywhere soon. While Cape Town is a summer paradise, there are still plenty of reasons to be in one of SA’s top holiday destinations – be it vacation or staycation.
As we head towards the winter season, we enter into what’s called the ‘off-peak season’ if your well versed in accommodation jargon. This means it’s the ideal time for anyone looking to escape the city at a cheaper rate. But where to go?
If you’re looking for some great towns to escape to for the chilly season, here are a few stunning towns around the Western Cape:
Hermanus
Two words: Whale Season. The start of winter is often a great time for avid whale watchers to grab their binoculars and head to this seaside escape and catch a few sightings of these majestic ocean dwellers.
Whale watching season usually begins in early June and ends in early December, with Hermanus considered one of the best spots in the world to catch a glimpse of the Southern Right whale, it’s safe to say that this is a great location to kick up your feet with a hot cuppa as you gaze upon ocean views.
Paternoster
Come rain or shine, visiting Paternoster is always a good idea. With its white-stoned cottages sprawled along the beach, fishermen and tranquil atmosphere, this fishing village is a wonderful destination to call home for the weekend.
Grab your jacket and enjoy a walk on the beach, grab fresh fish and chips from the local restaurant, or listen to the sweet calls of birds as you enjoy some bird watching – sounds like a dream to us.
Ceres
The Western Cape isn’t exactly known as a snowy escape. But for those looking to enjoy snow-capped mountains and build a few (small) snowmen, the fruit-growing town of Ceres is the place to be.
It’s located near the Matroosberg Mountains, which receive heaps of snow each year, and sometimes this covers Ceres too. Situated 135 kilometres from Cape Town, it’s great for a day trip and a weekend stopover.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Located in the Overberg region, De Hoop Nature Reserve is a heavenly destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and spot some whales.
The De Hoop Collection offers a plethora of accommodations that suit every budget, with winter specials available for travellers looking to take full advantage of the off-peak season.
There are also a tonne of things to get up to, including hiking, bird watching, or exploring the sand dunes.
Citrusdal
Located about 160 kilometres from Cape Town, Citrusdal is a slice of paradise in the Olifants River Valley. It’s the perfect getaway for anyone looking to soak up all that Mother Nature has to offer. It provides incredible hiking trails and a range of accommodation options.
In winter, things tend to get a little chilly, so make sure you’ve packed a few extra jackets. If the thought of heading outside and bracing the chilly weather sounds like too much to handle, simply enjoy the gorgeous views of the snow-capped Citrusdal Mountain range.
Also read:
Celebrate the spirit of South Africa with a leg you can stand on this winter
Picture: Joris Beugels / Unsplash
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