Every winter, there comes a point when the soul demands a sun-soaked holiday. And while the Northern countries battle frigid winds and scattered snow, Africa, owing to its unique location in the Southern hemisphere, enjoys the warm embrace of the sun. Winter in Africa is synonymous with migratory birds, savannah safaris, glamping, golden shores, and numerous other events that make this continent a must-visit destination.
Whether you embark on a jungle safari in Botswana, go snorkelling in Seychelles, or hike the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, balmy memories are guaranteed. We round up eight African jewels that promise a warm and toasty welcome this winter.
Best African countries to visit in winter
Tanzania (East Africa)
Live on a treehouse, savour spicy barbecued meat, and attend the Sauti za Busara Music Festival (February 9 to 11, 2024) in Tanzania. In addition to housing flavour and fervour, the country is renowned for its lush landscape and wildlife. If you fancy off-roading and jungle safaris, head to Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park. Here, you might encounter big cats, African elephants, fringe-eared Oryx, giraffes, zebras, and bohor reedbuck.
Next, stop at the Ngorongoro Crater — the largest intact, unfilled, and inactive volcano in the world. Home to over 25,000 animals, it is one of the easiest destinations to spot the Big 5, including the African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros. Additionally, thrill chasers can set camp at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 metres), the tallest dormant volcano in the world.
Club the jungle escapades with some sun, sand and shore by taking a ferry to Zanzibar. This archipelago houses some of the best beaches in the country, including Nungwi Beach, Paje Beach, and Jambiani Beach, to name a few. Zanzibar also delights with Freddie Mercury’s house and marine adventures like snorkelling and scuba diving.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti via Agoda.com
Seychelles (East Africa)
A tropical haven, and also a sought-after honeymoon destination in Africa, Seychelles is all about white powder beaches, luxurious resorts, and delectable local cuisine. Visit the capital city of Mahe for postcard-perfect beaches and granite cliffs. Mahe’s Beau Vallon Beach hosts an open-air food and crafts market on Wednesdays, bringing together tourists and locals on its crescent shore.
To witness the old-world charm of Seychelles, head to La Digue — a 10 sq km island that tourists can easily navigate on their feet, or better yet, cycle through! We recommend renting a cycle and pedalling to L’Union Estate, a reserve of takamaka and coconut trees, which is also home to giant Seychelles turtles, an ancient cemetery, souvenir shops and the Old Pier Cafe. Or, visit the popular Anse Source D’Argent Beach — scenes from the movie Cast Away (2000) were shot here. Lastly, partake in thrill-inducing water sports like diving, snorkelling, and kayaking at St Anne Marine National Park.
Book your stay at Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas via Booking.com
Book your stay at Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas via Agoda.com
South Africa
Whether you’re looking to surf, indulge in local cuisine or go whale watching, South Africa offers it all. For unmatched beaches and colourful streets, head to Cape Town. We recommend exploring the Boulders Beach (you can meet penguins here!), Muizenberg Beach, Scarborough Beach and Camps Bay Beach. For a dose of thrill, head to the city of Durban. Here, put your surfing skills to the test at Amanzimtoti and Warner Beach. Or visit the coastal town of St. Lucia, where you can witness the Sardine Run (millions of sardines swimming together towards the Durban shore), and partake in a whale-watching cruise.
To explore cultural landmarks, look no further than Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city. Revisit the tales of history at the Nelson Mandela National Museum, the Apartheid Museum, and Constitution Hill. Learn about the tribes and diversity of the region at Aha Lesedi Cultural Village, where you can see beehive huts, enjoy traditional dances, and savour local delicacies. Wildlife enthusiasts must head to the Kruger National Park, best enjoyed in the winter. Here, you can spot lions, elephants, cape buffaloes, and rhinos, among other fauna.
Lastly, if you fancy the quaint countryside, glorious vineyards, and wine trams, add Stellenbosch to your itinerary. Tour famed vineyards like Waterford Estate, Delaire Graff Estate, and Rust en Vrede Tasting Room, where you can swirl and sip indigenous wines, couple them with exotic chocolates and cheese, and even purchase a bottle or two as souvenirs.
Book your stay at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town via Agoda.com
Morocco (North Africa)
The Moroccan landscape promises blissful explorations in the pleasant winter weather. Start your journey in Fes, the country’s cultural capital. Explore the medina of Fes (Fes el Bali), the largest and oldest medina in North Africa, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We also recommend visiting the world-famous tanneries of Fes and the madrasas, meandering through the souks, catching a roof-top sunset, and investing in a traditional Fes carpet. Thereafter, embark on a desert tour from Fes to the popular city of Marrakech, passing through the Sahara Desert. Be sure to visit the Bahia Palace in Marrakech, brush through the pages of history at La Maison de la Photographie, and saunter under the winter sun at the Majorelle Garden. Adventure seekers can hike the High Atlas Mountains in the Ait Bougmez Valley.
Book your stay at Royal Mansour Marrakech via Booking.com
Book your stay at Royal Mansour Marrakech via Agoda.com
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Kenya (East Africa)
For a no-holds-barred tryst with wildlife, Kenya takes the cake! Head to renowned national parks like Tsavo, Samburu and Amboseli to spot lions, antelopes, elephants, and the Big 5. The most popular, however, is the Masai Mara National Park with over 536 km of coastline. This park lets you hop on a hot air balloon, walk with Masai warriors, and explore the African bush on a 4×4 safari.
In addition to wildlife escapades, Kenya also captivates with its tranquil beaches. For a memorable tropical experience, count on Diani Beach (Mombasa), Lamu Kenya Beach (Lamu Island), Watamu Beach (Watamu), and Bamburi Beach (Mombasa), among others.
Book your stay at Elephant Bedroom Camp - Samburu via Booking.com
Book your stay at Elephant Bedroom Camp - Samburu via Agoda.com
Mauritius (East Africa)
Begin your Mauritius holiday in the Le Morne village — a cultural and historic site flanked by the ocean and mountains. The coveted Le Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, extends into the Indian Ocean in southwest Mauritius. You can hike to the summit of this mountain and admire the breathtaking views — the round trip takes approximately 4 hours.
Elevate your getaway by hitting Le Morne Beach, a tropical paradise fringed by palm trees and white sand. Just 13 km from the beach lies the village of Chamarel. Here, delight in the highest waterfall of Mauritius (Chamarel Waterfall), the Ebony Forest Reserve, and most importantly, visit Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth — a region of volcanic earth dunes that boast rainbow-coloured hues.
Adventure seekers can partake in kite surfing (and newbies can sign up for private lessons) on the Le Morne and La Prairie beaches. Additionally, you can go snorkelling or scuba diving with renowned dive centres like ScubaCaribe – Diving and Water Sports and Mauritius Dive Adventures. Another option is to soar in the sky on a seaplane flight, which departs from La Prairie Beach and skirts over the entire South West Region. You’ll fly over the Le Morne Brabant, the Black River Gorges National Park, and the iconic lagoon with its underwater waterfall. For bustling beaches and nightlife, we recommend Grand Baie, located in the Rivière du Rempart District.
Book your stay at Constance Prince Maurice via Booking.com
Book your stay at Constance Prince Maurice via Agoda.com
Botswana (South Africa)
A treat awaits wildlife lovers in Botswana. The Chobe National Park and the Moremi Game Reserve promise jungle safaris, luxury lodges, and otherworldly sights of African elephants (among other fauna). The next port of call is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve — 12.4 million hectares of wilderness that houses black-maned lions, oryx antelope, and ground squirrels. Next, visit the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock paintings, shelters, and caves.
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Some of the drawings on the rocks date back 30,000 years, and archaeologists believe that humans have inhabited the region for as long as 100,000 years. We also recommend visiting the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Parks. The region presents a lush lakebed and migrating wildlife between November to April. November and December are also the perfect months to witness the longest zebra migration (620 miles) in the world, from Namibia to Nxai Pan.
Book your stay at Jackalberry Chobe via Booking.com
São Tomé and Príncipe (Central Africa)
Visit the lesser-known islands of São Tomé and Príncipe for a rare and exotic trip. Touted to be the African Galapagos, the region offers beaches, jungles, and epicurean wonders. The islands are home to more endemic species per square foot than the Galapagos islands. Trek through the forests of Obô Natural Park, where 700 plant species and 143 different types of birds will greet you. Or witness the sheer remoteness of Príncipe from a propeller plane that departs from São Tomé. Thereafter, explore the pristine white sands, massive boulders, and crystal clear waters at beaches like Praia Banana, Praia Boi, and Praia Bateria.
The region is also a crucial breeding (and feeding) area for five out of the seven species of sea turtles. The turtles reach the coastline of São Tomé around November and lay eggs until February. In the following weeks, travellers can catch a glimpse of the hatchlings’ maiden meeting with the ocean.
Book your stay at Sundy Praia Lodge via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sundy Praia Lodge via Agoda.com
(Main and Feature Image: danm12/Shutterstock)
Related: This South African Town Is Perfect for a Day-Drinking Day Trip
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the weather like during African winters?
African winters are generally warm and toasty, presenting the perfect climate for beach escapades, jungle safaris, and hikes.
– Can I go whale watching in Africa during the winter months?
The Humpback and Southern Right whales can be spotted along the southern coast of Cape Town to Mossel Bay, between the months of June and December.
– What clothing is suitable for winter in Africa?
While winter in Africa is predominantly warm, the mornings and nights witness a slight drop in degrees. We recommend carrying light thermals, a jacket, a scarf, and a beanie that you can layer based on the time of the day.
– Is it a good time for wildlife viewing in African game reserves during winter?
Yes, the winter is a good time for wildlife viewing and witnessing migrations in Africa.
– Can I still enjoy beach holidays in Africa during the winter?
If you’re seeking a beach holiday in the winter, look no further than Africa. The country’s tropical climate and unique location in the southern hemisphere promise a warm winter, perfect for soaking some sun and sand.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
