Top Destinations For Winter Sun

Top Destinations For Winter Sun

Now that the long winter months have arrived in full force, you can be forgiven for dreaming of some winter sun. We at Africa Travel say stop dreaming, and start planning! Our favourite continent has some excellent winter sun destinations on offer, and the classic safari/beach combination is sure to banish your winter blues. Book now for next year to beat the crowds, and to secure the best deals on offer.

Tanzania

A destination on the rise, Tanzania offers some brilliant winter sun experiences with temperatures reaching up to 31°C in December. Go on safari in the north of the country - you might witness the calving that happens at this time of year ahead of the migration – while staying at Singita’s Sasakwa Lodge, which combines spectacular views over the plains of the Grumeti Game Reserve with grandeur and opulence. A stay at Zanzibar’s most luxurious hotel, The Residence, will round off this winter sun escape perfectly. This island will exceed your expectations of paradise and is the perfect place to rest weary heads after the excitement of a safari. Once you’ve recovered enough to leave the comfort of the beach, Stone Town is well worth a visit. Get lost in the maze of winding backstreets and then reappear for a cooling drink by the water's edge.

Kenya

No winter sun list would be complete without this classic favourite. Experience the excitement of the iconic Kenyan landscape and its furry inhabitants, where the average annual temperature is 30°C. For something a bit different you can choose the ‘Thinking Man’s Safari’, which allows for a speaker on your topic of interest to come to the property to give a series of casual lectures, anyone from wildlife conservationists to political experts can be secured. After you’ve been sufficiently educated, head to one of the many fantastic beach properties on the country’s 300 miles of Indian Ocean coastline. Almanara and Kindondo Kwetu are firm favourites; beach-side luxury never looked so good. Alternate between paddling in the crystal clear water, lounging in the sun and tucking into the freshest seafood you’ll ever have.

South Africa

Winter sun holidays to South Africa are understandably popular (night flights, no jet lag, great exchange rate), so why not try to escape the crowds and take advantage of the wonderful boutique hotels and villas the country has on offer. Try to not to limit your holiday just to the Mother City, there’s a big beautiful country just a short drive away. Head a couple of hours outside of Cape Town to Robertson, on Route 62, a charming town in the middle of a thriving wine region. The Robertson Small Hotel is the perfect place to stay, combining stylish and comfortable interiors with great food – acclaimed chef Reuben Riffle has a restaurant here. For a safari with a difference head to Bushmans Kloof in the Cederberg, while they don’t have the Big Five they more than make up for it with 130 age-old rock art sites, beautiful flora and fauna – it is located within the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and a large number of different species of antelope that wander freely through the grounds.