Summer Events and Attractions in South Africa

The festive season is an exciting time to visit South Africa. Find out about the events and activities you can experience during the summer season

If you've decided to spend your year-end break exploring South Africa, great choice! There’s no better time to discover the country's beautiful provinces than during the summer, when a wealth of exciting holiday activities and seasonal events take place.

" is an exquisite place throughout the year, but there's something extra special about exploring the country during summer," says Patsy Hayter of Exclusive Getaways, a well-established South African travel consultancy.

"Throughout the summer months, there are exciting events that take place in each of the provinces. The weather is wonderful, the scenery is magnificent, and of course, the country features some of the world’s best beaches. All of this makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities, festivals and live shows. South Africans simply love the summer, and they're always eager to celebrate it and welcome visitors to local shores during this time."

If you're exploring during the summer, be sure to experience the popular events and activities below. Haven't booked yet? Exclusive Getaways has some fantastic year-end and last-minute travel deals. Visit the site now to check them out.

Top summer time events in South Africa

South Africa's provinces each feature a variety of festive season and summertime activities.

In the Western Cape, you can plan your trip around several popular summer festivals. The McGregor Apricot Carnival, Cap Classique & Champagne Festival in Franschhoek and the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts treat visitors to all the things that the Cape is famous for - culinary delights, fabulous weather and breathtaking scenery!

In Gauteng, visitors can spend the warm evenings enjoying carols by candlelight at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, or check out the Vodacom Jazz Festival in Kempton Park. The world-famous Nedbank Golf Challenge takes place in the North West Province during December, and is an absolute must for any golfing enthusiast.

One of the country's most popular summertime getaways is the Garden Route, where the Mediterranean climate and lush scenery attracts visitors from across the globe. One of the major attractions in the Garden Route is the Great Outeniqua MTB Tour, which takes place in George. The Hartenbos Wine Festival, Herolds Bay Beach Festival and Summer Sun Festival in Mossel Bay are other top seasonal attractions in the region.

Summertime beach and bush attractions in South Africa

Apart from the annual festival and events that take place each year in , there is also an abundance of travel opportunities during the summer months.

"Some of our most popular summer travel packages are our beach getaways and luxury safari holidays," says Patsy. "These types of holidays showcase some of the most beautiful attractions has to offer. All of our holiday packages include ultra-luxurious lodgings, like seaside villas and 5-star safari lodges, and all of them can be tailored to our travellers’ unique travel preferences."

Be sure to check out the Exclusive Getaways website for excellent travel deals and last-minute specials. Spend your holidays experiencing an authentic African summer!