With mild temperatures in many regions, fewer crowds and off-season discounts, winter in South Africa (June to August) is one of the best times for a family adventure.
The best part? Whether you’re looking for a safari, a beach escape or a cultural experience, you can enjoy a family trip on a budget this June/July school holiday. Here's how to make memories for life, for less, this winter:
While South African winter weather is often better than summer weather in some northern climes, it’s still considered off-peak tourist season. This means many hotels, lodges and attractions offer significant discounts. Here’s where to save:
Safari Lodges & Game Reserves: Many private reserves and national parks offer reduced winter rates. Check for family packages that include meals and game drives.
Accommodation Deals: Hotels and guesthouses often drop their prices in winter. Be sure to look for midweek specials, breakfast inclusive rates, or stays at self-catering lodges to save on dining expenses.
Attractions & Tours: Popular attractions, such as Cape Town’s Table Mountain Cableway and Robben Island, offer winter promotions for families. Always do your research in advance to secure the best deals.
Winter is arguably the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes and the vegetation is less dense. However, while June/July is a popular time for safaris, a winter wildlife adventure doesn’t have to blow your budget if you follow these insider tips:
Self-Drive Safaris: Instead of booking a pricey lodge, opt for a self-drive safari. A rental car (or your own car) and a day pass are much cheaper than guided game drives, so you can adventure for less through Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, or any of the 19 public parks managed by SANParks.
SANParks Accommodation: South African National Parks offer affordable chalets and campsites within reserves, perfect for a budget-friendly family safari. Just be sure to book in advance as SANParks accommodation gets booked out quick!
Lesser-Known Parks: Explore smaller reserves like Pilanesberg, Karoo National Park or Mountain Zebra Park, which have lower entrance fees but great wildlife sightings.
There are plenty of activities that won’t cost much – or anything at all – but still offer incredible experiences for the family:
Hiking and Nature Walks: The Drakensberg, Table Mountain and Tsitsikamma are just a few of South Africa’s natural wonders that offer family-friendly trails with breath-taking views.
Beach Days in Durban: While Cape Town’s beaches are chilly in June/July, Durban and the Wild Coast have warm, sunny weather perfect for a winter beach holiday.
Whale Watching in Hermanus: Instead of booking a boat tour, enjoy free whale-watching from the shore, as Southern Right Whales often visit close to the coastline in winter.
Museums and Cultural Sites: Many museums in Johannesburg and Cape Town have free or discounted entry days. Check out the Zeitz MOCAA, Apartheid Museum and Iziko Museums, to name a few.
Transport costs can add up quickly, even on domestic trips. If you’re not doing a roadtrip with your own car, save money by:
Using Public Transport & Ridesharing: In major cities, use MyCiTi buses (Cape Town) or Gautrain (Johannesburg) for affordable transport.
Renting a Car for Road Trips: If exploring outside cities, renting a car is often cheaper than booking tours. Look for early booking discounts, and check our online booking portal for deals.
Considering a Campervan: For longer road trips, renting a campervan can save money on both transport and accommodation.
Dining out can be expensive, but there are ways to enjoy amazing food without overspending:
Visit Local Markets: Try budget-friendly, delicious meals at places like the Rosebank Sunday Market (Johannesburg), iHeart Market (Durban) or any of Cape Town’s glut of foodie markets, like the Old Biscuit Mill, BlueBird Market, Cape Point Vineyards Market and Lourensford Market. Here you’ll get great culinary fare at a fraction of the cost of a sit-down restaurant, and the vibe is often more fun!
Eat at Family-Friendly Spots: Many restaurants offer kids-eat-free specials or meal deals in winter. Check their websites for deals, and be sure to look at deal aggregation websites like Daddy’s Deals and Hyperli for dining deals throughout South Africa.
Self-Catering Accommodation: Buying groceries and cooking at your guesthouse can cut costs significantly.
Breakfast Included: A solid breakfast can last for most of the day, saving costs. Look for accommodation that includes breakfast in the daily rates (start by looking at hotel deals on a B&B basis here).
With off-peak deals, affordable safaris and plenty of free activities, you can create unforgettable memories without overspending. Plan smart, travel wisely, and enjoy the adventure!
Top Tip: Sure Travel has multiple discount offers for South Africa this winter. Check out our website for the latest deals, such as:
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to book!
