The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about renewed interest in interprovincial travel and we have a few ideas on how you can get the most out of wet and windy escapades this winter.
Can you go on interprovincial trips right now?
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa observed marked improvements in our hospitalisation rates and along with his handlers and the ministerial COVID-19 advisory cluster, he decided to loosen the hatch and move the country down to Alert Level 3.
Under this adjusted level, the curfew has been moved to between 22:00 and 04:00, and social gatherings have returned at a limited capacity.
Gauteng has also been allowed to join the fray as an interprovincial travel destination after facing the worst of the third wave.
Interprovincial travel ideas for winter
South African road-trippers can finally pack up and explore the greater South Africa with an itinerary that includes a little more than camping indoors.
Here are five interprovincial travel ideas for you to explore this winter:
Hermanus, Western Cape
Hermanus is a seaside town nestled in the southeastern end of Cape Town. Why would you want to visit this holiday town in the dead of winter?
Well, a couple of reasons. Hermanus boasts a wondrous assortment of floral diversity and its surrounded by green forestry that is safe to explore.
Also, Hermanus is South Africa’s most intimate whale-watching destination and it is often towards the tail-end of fall that these majestic sea creatures pop up on the shores of the southeastern coastal town.
Popular activities to do in Hermanus include:
- shark cage diving
- hiking
- golfing
- bird watching
- fishing
- abseiling
- treetop tours
- quad biking; and
- horse riding
Accommodation is fairly cheap in Hermanus. There are a plethora of options one can choose from, ranging from boutique seaside hotels, self-catering houses and apartments and cottages.
Price ranges can swing from as cheap as R750 a night to the northern regions of R2 000. it all depends on the strength of your budget.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
if the cuisine doesn’t entice you to visit Durban, then its mild subtropical climate should pull your leg in winter. The metropolis of the Zulu nation is prime for outdoor activities this season.
It may not always be sunny but you can rest assured that more times than not, Durban experiences high humidity levels in winter.
Durban is South Africa’s third largest cities and for surfers, it is truly a haven.
Popular activities in Durban include:
- visit uShaka Marine World
- zip line across the Moses Mabhida stadium
- experience the spice trail and discover KZN’s true cuisine on Victoria Street
- visit kwaMuhle museum and Inanda heritage hood
- experience township dining
- explore Durban’s game reserves
Accommodation can be a bit pricey in Durban, as it is regarded as one of South Africa’s premium holiday destinations.
Hotels, self-catering homes and apartments, and AirBnBs can cost from anywhere in the lower R1 000 to more than R2 000 per night.
Montagu, Western Cape
Nestled in the western parts of the Little Karoo, Montagu is often missed by many road travellers. But this small town with a population size of a little above 15 000 is a dream destination in winter.
Montagu preserves much of its colonial history and is a great place to visit if the rise of the Cape Colony is something of interest to you.
It is also for romantic and family getaways. Chuffed that you can’t swim in winter? Well, Montagu boasts a number of resorts with hot spring pools.
Popular activities to get up to include:
- rock climbing
- golfing
- dried fruit tours
- visit a village market
- hiking
- bike trail riding
- wine tours
Montagu is an acquired taste in interprovincial travel. Therefore, accommodation is specialised for certain travel themes. You can score a lodge or self-catering house with ties to a number of wine estates. Or, you can book at a resort and enjoy hot spring pools.
Prices can range anywhere from R1 000 to more than R2 000 per night.
Johannesburg, Gauteng
A dark horse on this list, Johannesburg can be quite a treat in winter. it isn’t known as a destination of ‘discovery’ per se. However, if you know a local or two, you can experience a winter trip like no other in the buzzing streets of Jozi.
Africa’s richest city boasts a plethora of things to do, from discovering its diverse network of townships rich with history, to sharing a toast on the mezzanine floor of a five-star restaurant that overlooks the city of gold.
Popular activity you can get up to include:
- guided township tours
- visit the Maropeng cradle of humankind
- visit Maboneng art district
- visit the Apartheid Museum
- visit former president Nelson Mandela’s house on Vilakazi Street
Accommodation prices can be cheap in Jozi, if you know where to look. Booking trip packages on offer could save you a buck or two but the best way to explore this city is outside of the constraints of these strict tourist deals.
Haenertsburg, Limpopo
Perhaps, the most fitting winter destination is Haenertsburg, a village situated on the edge of the Great Escarpment in Limpopo.
If a trip to the Kruger National Park (KNP) is for the summer, Haenertsburg is a great stop along the way in the rainy season.
This is where you truly come to escape the buzz of city life. The town is lush with forestry and exhaustive landscapes. it is a prime destination for adventurers who seek the thrills of solitude.
Popular activities you can get up to include:
- zip lining in Magoebaskloof
- discover true African cuisine at village markets
- abseiling
- hiking
- farm tours
Accommodation is fairly affordable in Haenertsburg. While self-catering options are available, most travellers take trip packages from booking agencies, that include activity itinerary and other cool additives.