Escape the winter chill and immerse yourself in the soothing warmth of South Africa’s best hot springs! These geothermal gems offer multiple benefits like soothing muscles, relieving certain skin conditions, and rejuvenating the mind.
Whether you’re a seasoned hot spring enthusiast or this is your first rodeo, we’ll guide you through the best hot springs to visit locally in winter. Let’s go!
1. Bela-Bela, Limpopo
We may know the area as Bela-Bela now, but this spot used to be called Warmbaths. Bela-Bela can be translated to “the pot that boils’. Located at Bela-Bela is Warmbad or the Klein Kariba ATKV resort. The location offers a host of family fun too, like putt-putt, hiking and riding.
2. Caledon, Western Cape
Credit: Facebook/The Caledon
Keen for a luxury break in 12-meter cascading Khoi San pools with their natural 44-degree C warmth? The Caledon Hotel and Spa in the Overberg is just the place. If you’re a guest at the hotel, you’ll have complimentary access to the Victorian Bathhouse, as well as the warm and cold pools. Alternatively, book yourself in for a spa day and splash away the stress.
3. Montagu, Western Cape
Credit: Facebook/Avalon Springs
Side by side, the resorts of Montagu Springs and Avalon Springs are but a hop, skip, and a jump apart. While Montagu Springs is for paying accommodation guests only, day visitors are allowed at Avalon (some restrictions apply). If these don’t take your fancy, the Goudini Spa Resort is just 100km away near Rawsonville. There are plenty of options in this neck of the woods.
4. Gooderson Natal, KZN
Credit: Facebook/Gooderson Natal
Between Vryheid and Paulpietersberg, The Gooderson is about 3.5 hours from Durbs. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave – there’s a restaurant, bistro, two bars, a wellness centre, several accommodation options and plenty for the kids to enjoy. And, of course, warm water to soak in.
5. Riemvasmaak, Northern Cape
Credit: Facbook/Riemvasmaak Hot Springs
Relax in the warm water in the shade of 80m-high stone cliffs. Riemvasmaak is another good spot for those wanting to ‘get away from it all’. Visitors can challenge themselves on the 4×4 trail or simply enjoy the tranquillity. At just under 200km from the Namibian border, it’s also a possible stopover point on your travels north.
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Also see: Exciting things to do in winter
