You have heard about the Namaqualand and Northern Cape flower wonderlands of spring and summer, but have you ever been leaf-peeping?
What is leaf-peeping you ask?
Leaf-peeping is a phrase coined somewhere in the USA, and means taking a relaxing road trip during the autumn months, simply to experience and admire the beauty of natural foliage colours as the seasons change.
Autumn is for slowing down.
This easter you have the perfect opportunity for an Autumn road trip and it might just be what this year needs.
While it’s a phrase linked to the northern parts of the USA and southern parts of Canada initially, that doesn’t mean South Africans will miss out. Between the vineyards of the Western Cape, the majestic beauty of the Drakensberg and the charm of little Mpumalanga towns, there are more than enough opportunities for us to stay local but experience majesty of the changing seasons.
According to our exhaustive research…(Done because this is our plan for Easter as well!) the following South African spots are great for peeping at those golden amber hues.
Cape winelands:
You know the drill, you know the magical spots, and you know why this is by far one of our countries most celebrated spots. Pick a vineyard, any vineyard, book a cottage and go for walks, drives or bike rides, drinking in the magic of Cape foliage.
Magoebaskloof
A lesser known but breathtaking gem in the South African holiday destination jewellery box, this wonderful area not only boasts amazing walking/hiking and biking trails, but also offers a break from the usual coastal holiday spots.
Kwa-Zulu natal
Those in the know are said to head to KZN as the days get shorter and the air colder. This mostly tropical space goes into overdrive as the seasons change with blooming trees and great weather. Autumn is a perfect time to head here, because the stifling heat has dissipated along with the maddening December holiday crowds.
City Life
If you want to stay at home and just venture out for the day, Joburg, Durban and Pretoria also sport some pretty colours as winter approaches and a stroll through Cape Town’s many gardens can give you just enough of the crisp autumn vibes to get you in the mood for fireside chats, red wine, and good curries.
If the leaf–peeping bug has bitten you, you now have the time to plan your international trip (Remember, the northern hemisphere only gets their autumn in the later part of the year.)
Bust your budget for the year and buy the ticket! (You have time to sort out the Visa)
Lake Bled, Slovenia
A wonderful lake, with forests all around, a mysterious island and castle and great photo-ops of amazing autumn colours.
Japan (all islands)
Generally, the season’s viewing starts in Mid-September on Hokkaido, the northernmost Island, but then spreads south all through October and eventually even early December.
USA
Northern USA as a whole is well known for it’s beautiful autumn (or as they call it – “fall”) foliage. From Connecticut to the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be treated to amazing views from as early as September and all the way until snow starts.
