Top 5 things to do in South Africa in August

Check out Wanderlust's top five tips for things to do in South Africa in August

1. Meander through mountains

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga

Winding through pine plantations, majestic quartzite columns and deep ferny gorges, the  Blyde River Canyon Road makes for a spectacular half-day’s driving.

2. Take a warm dip

Riemvasmaak, Northern Cape

As winter falls, the nights in the Kalahari grow cold. Riemvasmaak’s natural thermal springs, however, remain toastily temperate – and are the perfect spot to wash away the dust of the desert every evening.

3. Spin your own fairytale

Hogsback, Eastern Cape

Up in the peaks of Hogsback, conditions range from bright, warm, sunny days to snowy blizzards. But whether you’re taking a ramble through indigenous forests or curling up in front of a roaring log fire, always keep an eye out for the mythical Hogsback fairies…

4. Tackle the slopes

Tiffindell Ski Resort, Eastern Cape

Come winter, the eccentric Tiffindell is transformed into South Africa’s only ski resort. The climate may be mild, but artificial snow is brought in to bolster the slopes.

5. Take a township tour 

Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng

A township tour is a safe, informative way to catch a glimpse of life on South Africa’s margins – and in Soweto there’s the opportunity to visit the house that Nelson Mandela shared with his wife Winnie.