It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your time off! Whether you’re on semester break, or just about to enter the weekend, there are plenty of fun things to do in winter in South Africa.
In this article, we cater to all homebodies and outdoor enthusiasts. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to hibernate indoors or adventure out in the trees, we’ve got something for everyone!
Read on to discover our list of the top 10 fun things students can do this winter:
Table of Contents
1. Have a Movie Night With Friends
Cost: +-R35 to R199
As far as fun things to do in winter go, one of the simplest (and cosiest) ways to enjoy the winter season is by having a movie night with your friends. Transform your living space into a cinema with warm blankets, popcorn and hot beverages (did someone say, “Milo”? Um, yes please!).
Choose a selection of your favourite movies to stream and spend the evening sharing memorable moments together.
The best part about having a movie night is that the only thing you’ll be spending money on is the snacks, making this one of the most affordable things to do this winter.
However, it may get more pricey if you don’t have a streaming service in your name. If you’re looking to get a streaming service before you start your movie night, you’re in luck! There are plenty of affordable options available for students in need of streaming services.
Feel free to view the price comparison sheet below in order to help you choose the streaming service that’s best for you.
2. Visit Your Local Zoo or Aquarium
If you’re looking for things to do outside of your home, then you’re at the right place. Winter is a great time to visit your local zoo or aquarium! Not only is it less busy, but it’s the perfect excuse to catch a bit of sun when the mornings are brisk and chilly.
From majestic lions and adorable meerkats to dolphins and whales, you’ll have the opportunity to witness fascinating creatures up close. Don’t forget to capture some Instagram-worthy moments to share with your friends!
In terms of price, the cost of visiting zoos and aquariums may vary, pending on where you stay. Don’t worry though, we’ve made it easy. Here’s a breakdown of how much it costs to visit the zoo or aquarium in some of the major cities in South Africa:
Zoo
Price
Province
3. Host a Game Night
Cost: Free
When it’s too chilly to venture outside, bring the fun indoors by hosting a game night with your college buddies. Dust off your board games and card decks and get ready to engage in friendly competition. Whether you enjoy the classics like Monopoly or modern card gut busters like Cards Against Humanity, there’s a game for everyone.
If you’re not sure which board game or card game to play or are looking to buy a new game altogether, then be sure to visit these stores, which have loads of games available for you to browse:
These are only some of the stores that have board games and card games available. Be sure to check out your local shopping centres to see what’s available (who knows, you may get something at an added discount!).
4. Reach New Heights at Acrobranch
Cost: R200 to R350
If you want fun things to do that cause an adrenaline rush during winter break, head to Acrobranch for an adventure-filled day. Challenge yourself with thrilling zip lines, conquer treetop obstacle courses and embrace your inner adventurer.
Acrobranch caters to all skill levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you’ll find plenty of excitement up in the trees.
Acrobranch isn’t badly priced either, starting at R200 for the beginner course. If you want to try the more advanced course, you can expect to pay up to R350 (pricing includes three big zip lines that you can go on).
You can learn more about Acrobranch by visiting the Acrobranch website. Happy climbing!
5. Bake Delicious Treats
Cost: Free
Winter is the perfect time to indulge your sweet tooth and unleash your inner baker. Experiment with mouthwatering recipes and fill your dorm room or home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats.
From warm chocolate chip cookies to gooey brownies, there’s no shortage of sweet indulgences to satisfy your cravings.
The cost of baking is entirely free if you already have the right ingredients. If you don’t, then it will depend on what you’d like to bake and how much of it you want to bake.
To get you started, here are some easy recipes with ingredients you should be able to find in your kitchen:
6. Explore the Inside of South African Caves
Cost: +-85 to R+-R320
For adventurers and thrill-seekers, a great thing to add on your list of fun things to do is cave exploration. Discover the hidden wonders beneath the surface by exploring the mesmerising caves South Africa has to offer. Plan a day trip and embark on a captivating journey through awe-inspiring limestone formations.
Guided tours ensure a safe and educational experience for all, so grab your friends and embark on this unique adventure.
Not sure where to find caves in South Africa? Don’t worry, much like Indiana Jones, we raided the internet and explored its secrets. Here’s what we found:
Caves
Location
Price
7. Create a Fun TikTok Video
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for fun things to do that won’t require much effort, why not tap into your creative side and join the TikTok craze? Gather your friends and brainstorm ideas for entertaining and lighthearted videos. Showcase your dance moves, comedy skits or lip-syncing talents.
From viral challenges to creative trends, TikTok provides a platform for endless fun and a chance to showcase your talent to the world. What are you waiting for? Grab your phone, start filming and let your creativity shine!
Out of TikTok video ideas? You could post yourself doing any one of the activities in this article! You can also check out this article by Hootsuite for some tips on what TikTok videos to post.
8. Go to the Cinema
Cost: R+-39 to +-R195
When it comes to fun things to do in winter, going to the cinema is a classic venture that is not only affordable but also guaranteed to entertain. Treat yourself to a cinematic experience where you can relax in plush seats, munch on buttery popcorn and lose yourself in captivating stories.
Whether you’re into the latest blockbusters or independent films, the cinema provides a cozy retreat from the winter chill and a chance to unwind with friends.
There are two popular cinema companies in South Africa that provide endless cinematic experiences to students: Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro.
In terms of Ster-Kinekor movie ticket prices, tickets vary depending on the cinema and branch you choose to visit. To get an accurate price, be sure to visit the Ster-Kinekor website and browse the movies you’d like to see.
The Nu Metro cinema has a set list of movie ticket prices available on its website, which you can view below:
Cinema Format
Price
Regular 2D
R110
Regular 2D Wowza Wednesday
R77
Regular 3D
R135
Regular 3D Wowza Wednesday
R87
Price Freeze 2D/3D
R50
VIP 2D/3D
R200
Full VIP 2D
R160
Full VIP 3D
R175
Xtreme 2D/3D
R185
Xtreme 2D/3D Wowza Wednesday
R115
4DX 2D/3D
R210
9. Trek Along a Hiking Trail
Cost: R0 to +-R225
For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, winter offers milder temperatures and clearer skies, making it an ideal time for hiking. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa’s hiking trails.
Whether you choose the iconic Lion’s Head in Cape Town or the stunning Golden Gate Highlands in the Free State, immerse yourself in nature’s splendor and embark on an unforgettable journey with your buddies.
If you’re a beginner hiker, you may not be sure where to start your hiking. That’s where we come in! We’ve rounded up a list of some of the most popular hiking trails for you to explore:
Hiking Trail
Location
Price
10. Experience a Safari Game Drive and Adventure
Cost: R0 to +-R750
You might have to save up for this one. But let’s face it, no student experience in South Africa would be complete without a safari game drive and adventure. Step out of your comfort zone and venture into the wilderness to witness the awe-inspiring wildlife. From majestic elephants to graceful giraffes, South Africa’s national parks offer a chance to get up close and personal with nature’s wonders.
Book a guided safari tour and embark on game drives, where knowledgeable rangers will share fascinating insights. Alternatively, grab your hiking gear and venture through the bush for the day to see the amazing wildlife South Africa has to offer.
Wondering how much a safari adventure is going to cost you? Let’s take a look:
Safari Lodge/Reserve
Location
Price
Get Funding in South Africa with Fundi
Winter is a wonderful time to relax and unwind with some fun things to do. However, it’s also a good time to start planning for the next academic year. Starting the next academic year can be stressful if you don’t have the funds to pay for the costs that come with being a student.
If you’re worried about acquiring funding for your next academic year, then allow Fundi to help! Fundi gives you the funding you need to pay off all your tuition fees, accommodation, technical devices and more!
Keen to find out if you qualify for a Fundi study loan? Then be sure to try out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your educational journey today.
