“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing,” said Alfred Wainwright, the legendary hiking guidebook author of the 1970s. With this wise reminder, we at Dirty Boots don’t slow down our adventuring when winter rolls in — we gear up and dive right in! Winter in South Africa is actually one of the best times for outdoor adventures: cool, crisp air, far more blue skies than a European summer, and fewer crowds. Plus, our majestic mountains sometimes get dusted with snow, adding a magical touch to any high-altitude adventure.

From icy peaks to sheltered spaces, forest thrills to subterranean wonders — our winter adventure list covers every element and an activity for every kind of adventurer, perfectly suited to the cooler season!


Skiing and Snow Fun at Afriski (Lesotho)
Head to Afriski in the beautiful Maluti Mountains just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg for a truly surreal experience – alpine-style-high-altitude skiing and snowboarding right here in Southern Africa! You can carve down crisp, groomed slopes, take snowboarding lessons, try out bumboarding and even enjoy après-ski vibes and hot chocolate by the fire.


Welcoming Indoor Climbing Adventures
While we believe in getting outdoors regardless of the weather, indoor climbing gyms like CityROCK in Cape Town or Johannesburg do offer a great option for those truly frosty days. A cosy, safe space for the whole family to scale walls, tackle bouldering problems, and
burn off energy. The vibrant atmosphere at CityROCK offers more than just world-class climbing — it creates a warm, welcoming community that’s especially vital during the urban grey chill of winter.


Heat-free Multi-Day Hiking Trails / Slackpacking
It’s far easier to keep warm in chilly weather than to cool down on those blistering hot mountain days, that’s one of the reasons we love winter hiking. That said, South Africa is blessed with mild winter temps perfect for overnight hikes like the Whale Trail, the Leopard Trail in Baviaanskloof, or the Cederberg Heritage Route. Another reason to love winter hiking is that fynbos, our magnificent Western Cape flora is at its showy best in these cooler months.


Snug Caving and Underground Adventures
Get underground, weather becomes irrelevant! Head out on a winter road trip (usually low season discounts on accommodation) and explore the fascinating subterranean world of the Cango Caves (Western Cape) or Echo Caves (Limpopo). You’ll be snug as a mole and the breathtaking formations, huge scale and eerie acoustics are especially magical for kids.


Winters Best Visitors- Whale Watching
Whales love winter in the Cape— and so should you! Along South Africa’s Southern Cape coast, winter marks the start of prime whale-watching season. Head to Hermanus or De Hoop Nature Reserve, where you can spot these gentle giants from the land or join a boat-based tour for a closer look. In the Cape, cold fronts roll through in short, dramatic bursts, but between them, you’ll find long stretches of calm, crystal-clear days — perfect for adventures. Whether you’re cruising across Walker Bay or strolling along the breathtaking cliff paths with binoculars in hand, whale watching in winter is pure magic.


Sparkling Green- Ziplining through the Forest
Bundle up and zip through treetops with canopy tours in places like Tsitsikamma or Magoebaskloof. Forest ziplines are protected from our blustery winter winds and less humid in the cooler months. A recently rained on forest bursts into life- with happy birds squawking and new fern shoots unfurling. Definitely the best time for forest activities.


Crackling Clear Days- Walking Safaris
Explore the bush on foot with a guided walking safari in parks like Kruger or Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Winter’s cooler temps and clearer visibility make it the ideal time for tracking animals and learning about the smaller wonders of the wild without the need to find shade and rest out of the heat. In winter that camp fire becomes even more of a hub- huddling around the radiating warmth, wrapped in blankets, with the cold dark night and unknown at your back.


Winter Stillness- Hot Air Ballooning
Summer is considered the windy season in most of South Africa, so winter is the ideal time for hot air ballooning. Experience breathtaking views of winter landscapes, including snow-capped peaks of the Cape Fold Mountains and Drakensberg from a serene hot air balloon ride. Available in locations like Magaliesberg and the Cradle of Humankind.


Winter Visibility- Scuba Diving in Sodwana Bay
When you’re under the water who cares about the weather? In the tropical north, winter brings calm seas and stellar visibility ideal for exploring vibrant coral reefs and encountering turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Water temperature is cooler than summer, but only by a couple of degrees C. No wetsuit chills here!


Best Grip- Rock Climbing in Waterval Boven (Roc ‘n Rope Adventures)
This high-altitude climbing mecca, considered South Africa’s best sports climbing area, offers over a thousand easily accessible routes for every level. A summer rainfall region, in winter the humidity drops ensuring optimal rock friction and better climbing conditions overall. After conquering overhangs and cracks on dry golden sandstone, warm up around a cosy fire in town.