A Case for a Winter High Five 

 

Let’s be honest, winter can leave us feeling – a little under the weather. The icy temperatures, the short days and long nights, and layers of clothing, leave us feeling like a deflated Michelin Man. Luckily, there are things we can do to beat the winter blues – also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder). 

 

We think a great pick-me-up is to pack up and escape to a destination that takes you out of your winter routine. Whether it be a warmer, sunnier spot – than the one you’re in – or a cosy log cabin up in the mountains – you can be sure, the change will be as good as… well, a holiday.

 

Here are five destinations that get our Winter High Five. Pin them onto your travel map – to track your adventures and keep your travel memories alive. 

 

Pin 1. The Elephant Coast

 

KwaZulu Natal's Elephant Coast stretches from the world heritage site of Lake St Lucia in the south to Kosi Bay, close to the Mozambique border. It is home to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a world heritage site. With its subtropical climate, the area sees average winter temperatures between 7º  and 20º C. 

 

Offering everything from game drives and boat cruises to fascinating historical sites, fabulous restaurants, and coffee shops, The Elephant Coast is a place worth pinning this winter. 

 

Pin 2. The Maloti-Drakensberg Route, 

 

Encompassing the Eastern Free State, Lesotho, Eastern Cape Highlands, and the uKhahhlamba Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, The Maloti-Drakensberg covers some of the most beautiful areas in Southern Africa.

 

From scaling the dizzying peaks of a World Heritage site to hiking or horse-riding past some of the oldest rock paintings in the world, this extraordinary route has got to be one of the most uplifting local winter adventures.





Pin 3. The Northern Cape

 

Rough Guides tells us, “South Africa’s giant Northern Cape is a wild and sun-seared landscape of rugged lava mountains, rolling red desert, sandy plains – and acres of solitude, where huge skies explode with stars after sundown.”

It continues,  “See lions prowl in the Kalahari Desert and wildebeest gather on the plains. Tap into history at a 19th-century diamond mine, paddle the Orange river, and hike to South Africa’s largest falls.”. 

https://www.roughguides.com/articles/10-reasons-to-choose-northern-cape-for-your-south-africa-holiday/

 

If that doesn’t put a spring in your heavy winter footsteps, nothing will. 

 

Pin 4. Dullstroom

 

From its unique winter festival to its whisky-tastings, sitting next to a roaring log fire, there’s nothing dull about Dullstroom is winter. Situated in Mpumalanga, halfway between Jozi and the Kruger Park, this tiny village, is known for the five F’s: fly-fishing, fauna and flora, fine food, and fresh air.

 

Whether visiting the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre or the Anvil Ale Brewery,  you’re sure to feel your spirits soar, in Dullstroom.

 

Pin 5. Kruger National Park

 

Our final Winter High Five goes to the home of the Big Five. According to Safari Bookings, “The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry winter months... At this time, the bush thins out, and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers.” https://www.safaribookings.com/kruger/best-time

 

So if you like it, you should put a pin on it, then pack up and head off into the winter sunset.

 

Some cool luggage and bags, to accompany you on your travels:

Polo New Iconic

Cellini Spinn

Polo Lyon

Cellini Origin