While the traditional bush getaway and seaside escape still have their place, more travellers are searching for experiences that feel cosy and slightly unusual during colder months.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Zoe Stefanatou/Unsplash
Instead of simply chasing warm weather, many South Africans are leaning into winter itself. Search interest around cave stays, hot springs, remote cabins, stargazing escapes and wellness retreats continues to grow as travellers look for slower, more atmospheric holidays.
These are the unexpected winter travel trends people want right now and where to experience them.
Cave stays and rock hideaways
One of the biggest shifts in winter travel is the rise of cave accommodation and cliffside retreats. Travellers are seeking spaces that feel secluded, earthy, and deeply connected to the landscape.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the Cederberg remains one of South Africa’s best-known cave stay destinations, with suites built directly into sandstone formations. Winter brings cooler hiking weather, dramatic mountain scenery, and crisp night skies.
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Nearby, Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge offers a more luxurious take on the mountain escape trend, complete with fireplaces, hiking trails, and rugged views.
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For travellers looking beyond South Africa, Onduli Ridge in Namibia’s Damaraland combines cave-inspired suites with desert landscapes and exceptional stargazing.
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Hot springs and thermal escapes
Hot spring travel is having a major moment as travellers seek comfort-focused winter holidays.
Avalon Springs in Montagu remains a classic Western Cape winter destination thanks to its heated pools, mountain surroundings, and easy access to wine farms and hiking routes.
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In the Overberg, The Caledon Hotel and Spa continues to attract wellness travellers looking for mineral-rich thermal waters and spa treatments during colder months.
Further north, Warmbaths, A Forever Resort in Bela-Bela combines naturally heated pools with bushveld scenery, making it popular for family road trips and long weekends.
For something quieter, the Baths Natural Hot Springs near Citrusdal offers rustic cottages and outdoor pools surrounded by mountain landscapes.
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Remote cabins and off-grid weekends
Another major winter trend is the rise of remote cabin stays. Travellers are trading busy resorts for fireplaces, outdoor baths, and isolated mountain scenery.
AfriCamps has become especially popular for winter escapes, particularly locations in Robertson and the Drakensberg where wood-fired hot tubs overlook vineyards and mountain ranges.
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In the Koue Bokkeveld, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat offers eco cabins surrounded by fynbos and dramatic rock formations, while the Tankwa Karoo has seen growing interest in isolated farm stays and wilderness cabins designed for complete digital disconnection.
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Near Dullstroom, misty landscapes, trout fishing and cosy interiors continue to make the Highlands region one of the country’s favourite cold-weather escapes.
Stargazing escapes
Clear winter skies have also fuelled the rise of astro-tourism in Southern Africa.
Sutherland remains South Africa’s most famous stargazing destination, with travellers visiting the Southern African Large Telescope and staying in Karoo guesthouses built around astronomy experiences.
Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve, also near Sutherland, has gained attention for its dark sky status and remote luxury accommodation.
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In Namibia, the NamibRand Nature Reserve offers some of the darkest skies in the world, with lodges like Kwessi Dunes incorporating outdoor star beds and guided astronomy sessions into the guest experience.
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Forest retreats and misty mountain towns
Winter travellers are also rediscovering South Africa’s forested regions and small mountain towns.
Hogsback in the Eastern Cape becomes especially atmospheric during winter, with misty forests, waterfalls and toasty cottage stays creating the feeling of a remote mountain village.
Magoebaskloof in Limpopo continues to attract travellers looking for forest cabins and cool mountain air, while towns like Sabie and Graskop in Mpumalanga offer waterfall routes and cosy guesthouses along the Panorama Route.
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has also become a favourite for winter road trips thanks to its farm stays, craft breweries, country restaurants, and fireside accommodation.
Wellness retreats with a local twist
Wellness travel is no longer limited to luxury spas. More South Africans are searching for restorative experiences connected to nature and simplicity.
Retreats in the Overberg, Garden Route, and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands increasingly combine yoga, hiking, farm-to-table dining, and mindfulness experiences into winter wellness packages.
Places like the Retreat at Groenfontein in the Klein Karoo appeal to travellers wanting slower, quieter holidays centred around rest and reconnection.
Why winter travel is changing
Part of the appeal behind these unexpected winter trips is affordability. Winter often falls outside peak travel season, meaning travellers can enjoy quieter destinations and reduced accommodation rates. There is also a growing appetite for experiential travel. Instead of simply ticking destinations off a list, travellers want memorable and immersive environements.
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