A Winter Wonderland in the Karoo

Are you heading to Cape Town in the near future? No trip to the Western Cape would be complete without experiencing the unique Karoo landscape- and it’s just a short drive away! With Buffelsdrift Game Lodge right here to give you a touch of home while you travel, there’s plenty to enjoy and explore locally in the cold weather. Here’s just a few ideas!

Is a Karoo Winter Cold?

The Karoo is a semi-arid climate, which is what makes it so unique. Even close-lying Cape Town has a totally different look, and it’s a biome you’ll find nowhere else on earth. Winter in South Africa can be a bit chilly, although visitors used to deep snows will laugh at the idea. Unlike most of the Western Cape, we’re a summer rainfall zone, so you’re near-guaranteed clear skies and bright views. Bring something warm for the cold temperatures overnight and come and enjoy.

Will I See Wildlife?

Winter is actually one of the best times to head out for game viewing! Because our winters are dry, water becomes a bigger problem, and wildlife flock to the watering holes. Likewise, the hunt is longer, foraging is leaner, and the local vegetation gets sparser, so it’s easier to find the animals. Even nocturnal animals come out to play more, as they hunt earlier to avoid the coldest overnight temperatures. Plus, as it gets later in the winter, you’re likely to spot expectant mamas in the bush. Who knows, you may even see an early baby or two!

Can I Do Things Around the Reserve in Winter?

The Karoo is a hub of vibrancy no matter what time of year you visit, so don’t think you’ll be bored, either. This is even the time of year that the eccentricities of our local Burning Man, AfrikaBurn, hit the road.Many local farmers have delectable goodies for sale, all harvested from the last autumn harvests. The local grape harvests mean that delicious new vintages are in the bellies of their oak barrels, waiting for the newest bottles, and local wine farms have plenty to share.Our Heritage Natural Walk is more beautiful than ever, with aching views to capture your heart, and cooler temperatures to keep you happy. Because most of the Karoo’s best attractions are also living, working endeavours, everything is open to you year-round, so if you were hoping to explore the Cango Caves, see ostrich farms, or explore local living, it’s all waiting for you. Plus, of course, the nearby Swartberg Nature Reserve offers you yet another face of Africa to enjoy- with the chance of seeing rare snow-capped mountains, too! Cap it all off with a toasty treatment at the day spa to warm back up, and you’ll be ready for round two.Nowhere else in the world can you explore so many different landscapes so conveniently close to each other, so if you’re heading to the Cape, be sure to add the Karoo to your list, too. Africa’s vibrant beauty shines at this time of year, and you’re sure to love what you find.