Now that the warmer weather is taking hold of our beautiful country, and providing bright colourful hues across the landscape, we thought to share our top 20 reasons for absolutely loving spring! A wonderful season full of light, colour and new life – what’s not to love?
1. Wildlife
Spring is known as the season of new life and everywhere you’ll start seeing snowy white lambs frolicking next to their dusty mothers, baby birds trying out their wings for the first time and wildlife everywhere sporting fluffy offspring. Head to one of our beautiful game reserves or sanctuaries to witness our youthful wild.
2. Wildflowers
We’ve covered some awesome spots to view our stunning country’s beautiful wildflowers along the west coast, so you have all the more reason to head to this gorgeous part of South Africa. Alternatively you can turn your steering wheel in the direction of Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve, or Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve for equally stunning opportunities to snap some shots of the colourful carpet of spring.
3. Whale Watching
At this time of year, whales often have their calves alongside their giant bodies as they travel along SA’s coastline. If you position yourself correctly, you can watch the new happy families frolicking together in the surf all the way from Hermanus up to Port St. Johns. There are plenty of other marine safaris around the country as well so you are sure to be able to see the giants of the ocean along with their smaller counterparts if you plan accordingly.
4. Photography
With the darkness of stormy weather in our wake and soft flattering sunshine becoming the norm, dust off your camera and take to the outdoors for stunning sunrise photographs, happy snaps of wildflowers, and cutesie couple photographs in dappled light.
5. Sunshine
After the shivering cold, icy mornings, snow-capped mountains, and bucketing rain this winter, having sunny days interspaced with the odd cold one is infinitely better than the gloomy grey days that winter forces us to become accustomed to. Sunshine calls for outdoor fun so pack a picnic, pull on your hiking boots or dig deep in your drawer for your almost-forgotten swimsuit. Summer is getting closer with each sunrise!
6. Wine Tasting
Though winter wine tastings can be delightful next to a crackling fire, nothing really beats being out in the sunlit vineyards with a crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc in hand. Spring is for fresh, fruity flavours so we suggest perhaps opting for a crisp white wine and fruit pairing.
7. Cocktails
Cocktails are the perfect accompaniment this spring! Indulge in cocktails in Camps Bay or along the Durban coastline, prepare a tamer version like mocktails for the office, or break out your blender and whip up a frozen delight to end your day off on a sweet note.
8. Cycling
With hundreds of trails around South Africa, enjoy the fresh outdoor air as you take an early morning or afternoon bike ride. Nothing says spring like a cool morning ride to celebrate the change of season.
9. Ziplining
Considered to be one of South Africa’s ultimate adventures, ziplining in spring allows you to enjoy those early morning sunrises painting the rugged terrain in soft hues. There are ziplining venues in Piekenierskloof and loads more all around SA. You can try the Tzitsikamma Zipline on the Garden Route, the Waterberg Zipline in Limpopo, Ama Zwing Zwing Zipline in North West and the Karkloof Canopy Tour in KZN.
10. Botanical Garden Visits
South Africa is blessed to have some absolutely beautiful national botanical gardens. With beautiful flowers, unique fynbos, and winding pathways edged with herbs, spring is a great time to explore the flora around you. Head to your nearest botanical garden for an explosion of indigenous flora and a picnic or leisurely stroll.
11. Hiking
Spring offers some of the best weather for hiking with sunshine but without the all-encompassing heat that summer generally brings. Grab your backpack, friends, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and head to one of SA’s glorious hiking trails – or up the adventure level by trying a moonlit hike at night!
12. Horse Riding
Enjoy crisp mornings on a galloping horse riding adventure as your trusty steed canters through mountainous terrain, the countryside, or forests. Pick your favourite spot, remember your safety gear and trot out to meet the new season.
13. Picnics
While you’re out and about in the beautiful weather, spend some time amongst the spring blossoms with a picnic basket packed with home-made sandwiches, cheese and fruit, a selection of cold meats, and some sparkling grape juice. Nothing is better than soaking up the new sunshine on a checkered blanket with tasty treats close by.
14. Braai
As soon as the sun gets rid of its cloudy blanket and rises to the occasion, it is every true South African’s instinct to light a braai fire. South Africa boasts some wonderful public braai spots where you can celebrate spring in an authentic South African fashion.
15. Stargazing
Enjoy the cloudless skies, and plan a stargazing evening outdoors. Remember to pack a book on astronomy, download a stargazing app, and then go ahead and enjoy some quality time with your partner, family, or friends. While stargazing, keep an eye out for meteor showers!
16. Fruit picking
Make the most of sunny weekends by going fruit picking with your loved ones. Children will delight in getting to eat berries straight from the bush – or trees – and couples can spend the time bonding as they fill baskets together.
17. Weekends Away
What better way to celebrate the coming summer days than by grabbing your girl friends or guy friends for a weekend adventure? Round up a few of your favourite people and choose one of the many stunning getaway places to welcome the springtime.
18. Surfing
Although surfers get to enjoy their sport all year round thanks to wet suits, spring is a great season for helping those wanting to learn how to surf. With a few months’ practice under your belt, you can look super professional by the time the beaches become crowded in summer.
19. Heritage Sites
Tourists visit South Africa in summer because we are blessed with a great climate. This means that everywhere is generally crowded come the end of the year. So plan a mini getaway to that place on your to-go list and visit one of our wonderful heritage sites before the throngs of tourists descend. Some of our favourite options include Robben Island, the Sterkfontein Caves, the Cradel of Humankind and the Vredefort Dome.
20. Cable Car Rides
The 360° view from Cape Town’s Cable Car, as you inch up the side of Table Mountain, is one that will stay with you long after your trip down. The best time to go is in the evening, just as the sun sets, as you can capture some stunning sunset pictures! Alternatively, visit Harties Cableway in Hartbeespoort.
What are some of your favourite ways to celebrate spring in South Africa? Snap some shots of your springtime adventures and share them with us along with your stories.
