Written by seonghwa34

As the summer crowds thin out and the temperatures dip to a comfortable level, a whole new side of Mzansi emerges.

What better time to pack your bags and explore some of the incredible destinations in South Africa?

From wine tastings in the Cape to thrilling game drives in iconic Kruger National Park, from pony treks to stargazing under clear Karoo skies, here are six places to visit in autumn in South Africa.

Cape Winelands

Autumn in the Cape Winelands is all about cosy vibes.

The mountain slopes smell sweet with the fynbos coming into bloom while vineyards explode into shades of red, orange, and gold.

This is harvest time in the Cape Wine region, so head out to a winery or two to learn about the magic of winemaking. Many of the wineries release their new vintages at this time of year, so it’s also a perfect time to do a wine tasting!

Explore charming towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl for some epic shopping, sightseeing, and great food from an incredible selection of award-winning restaurants.

If festivals are your thing, visit the family-friendly Nuy Valley Festival, a celebration of award-winning wines and top-class olives of the Tulbagh Valley. The Nuy Valley Express tractor takes you between venues for live music, wine tastings, German dishes, craft beer, and much more.

Kruger National Park

Autumn brings a welcome change to Kruger National Park as the hot summer sun simmers down, to be replaced by milder temperatures that make those epic game drives much more comfortable.

The crowds from the peak summer season start to thin out, making this a great time to avoid the large tour groups and take advantage of good safari deals on offer during the ‘shoulder season’ before prices rise for the next peak season: June/July.

But, while the days are warm, nights and early mornings will be getting quite chilly, so be sure to pack layers of clothing so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.

There’s a noticeable drop in rainfall and the bush begins to dry, sparser vegetation revealing wildlife previously camouflaged by the lush greenery. Autumn is also impala, wildebeest and warthog rutting season, so be prepared for some X-rated game sightings as females come into season and male testosterone runs high!

This is also wild dog breeding season, so if you’re lucky, you may spot playful pups! And don’t forget to look up – vast flocks of migratory birds gather to begin their long journey to the warmer climes further north. 

The northern regions of the park tend to be much hotter than the south, so these cooler autumn temperatures make planning a budget safari in Kruger much more enjoyable.

Autumn sees elephants from Zimbabwe and Mozambique migrate to their winter grazing grounds in northern Kruger, making for some great sightings too. 

Lesotho

Okay, technically, Lesotho isn’t in South Africa, but this landlocked country makes an incredible road trip in autumn.

It’s the best time to take in the breathtaking rural mountain scenes around every turn.

Interesting fact: the mighty Maluti Mountains (as the Drakensberg are known in Lesotho) boast the highest lowest point in the world (intriguing, right?).  

Semongkong aka “The Place of Smoke” lies at the heart of the country, overlooked by the towering 3,096-metre peak of Thaba Putsoa and crisscrossed by the Maletsunyane River.

The Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa, creating a haze of smoky mist as the water plummets 186 metres into a spectacular gorge below. Adrenaline addicts will enjoy the world’s highest commercial abseil here.

The Basotho people have always relied on their ponies to get around the steep slopes of the countryside, and their traditional herding practices are still very much alive today. One of the best ways to explore the landscape is to take a pony trek.

If you’re a seasoned rider, you can embark on multi-day expeditions, staying in local villages for a true experience of rural life. Beginners can take shorter day trips for a glimpse into this world. For the Basotho themselves, ponies aren’t just a mode of transport, but a symbol of status and a source of respect within the community.

Traditional horse racing events are organised through the dry season, from May to September. These races are major social occasions, drawing people from all walks of life, and are a fascinating window into Lesotho culture.  

Karoo

Swap city stress for crisp, clear days and mild nights under a canopy of stars.

The Karoo is one of the best places to visit in autumn in South Africa because the scorching summer sun eases its grip, making it a perfect time for exploring the region’s vast open spaces.

Hantam Huis in Calvinia whips up traditional Karoo cuisine that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Fresh, seasonal ingredients take centre stage, think plump pomegranates, homegrown pecans ready for shelling, and the last of the sweet figs.

For a low-key autumn escape, head to Prince Albert for their annual ‘Journey to Jazz’ Festival. Musicians, dancers, and storytellers take over this tiny town, filling churches, theatres, and even barns with world-class music and performances.

Mix in some local flair, such as traditional riel dancing, sunrise yoga sessions, and guided nature hikes, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a relaxing and unforgettable Karoo adventure.

This is also the time for Afrikaburn, which takes place in the middle of the dusty Tankwa Karoo.

Like America’s Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert but set in the Karoo with lots of unique local flavour added, this festival is an amalgamation of art, music, performance, costume, themed camps, mutant vehicles (aka “mobile art”) and nightly bonfires, all created by the participants.

Be prepared to go off-script, off-grid and off-beat at this gathering, a true celebration of creativity and self-expression!

Golden Gate National Park

Golden Gate National Park’s sandstone cliffs, lying on either side of the valley, glow a rich ochre colour at sunset, giving the park its name.

At this time of year, the poplar trees are also particularly stunning, adorned in golden autumn foliage. The drier air chases away the summer haze to reveal breathtakingly clear skies perfect for stargazing.

Golden Gate National Park is one of the places to visit in South Africa in autumn if you’re looking for an outdoor escape. Tackle one of the many hiking trails, from easy rambles to challenging climbs, explore caves, or take a scenic drive to soak up incredible panoramic mountain views.

At 2,041 metres above sea level, the scenic Lichen Pass route winds through the Park, offering some spectacular views. Oribi Loop is a 4.2-kilometre one-way road where you can see roaming wildlife and the ‘Vulture Restaurant’, a bird hide offering a chance to view a proper vulture feast brought to you by the Vulture Feeding Project. 

For more adventure, go horse riding or visit a Basotho Cultural Village to meet the local chief. You can taste mqombothi (sorghum beer), and gain insights into traditional African spirituality. If you can handle cold water, seek out the natural swimming pool hidden in tall grass behind the Glen Reenen chalets for a refreshing dip.

And if all the outdoors gets too much, head to the quaint town of Clarens, just 20 minute’s drive away, to explore its quirky shops or dine out at one of the many restaurants. 

As you savour the essence of autumn in these diverse destinations, remember that this is just a glimpse of the myriad of adventures in South Africa. Whether you seek the tranquillity of mountain landscapes, the thrill of wildlife encounters, or the warmth of cultural exchanges, the region offers a tapestry of experiences to suit every traveller.