After months of colder weather and shorter days, spring is the perfect excuse to spend more time outdoors. In South Africa, September marks the beginning of spring, bringing milder temperatures, longer days and colourful blooms in many parts of the country.
Also see: 5 Spring wellness habits to try
You don’t need an expensive holiday or complicated plans to enjoy the season. From a morning walk to a picnic with friends, there are plenty of simple ways to make the most of the warmer weather.
Here are a few outdoor activities to try this spring.
1. Go for a morning walk
Start your day with a walk around your neighbourhood, local park or nearby nature trail. Morning walks can be a simple way to get some fresh air, move your body and enjoy the changing scenery.
If you’re in the Western Cape, spring is particularly beautiful, with wildflowers appearing across parts of the region, suggests Cape Town Travel.
2. Have a picnic
Pack a few sandwiches, fruit, snacks and something to drink and head to your nearest park or green space.
You don’t need an elaborate picnic setup. A blanket, good food and a few friends or family members can be enough to turn an ordinary afternoon into something special.
3. Explore a botanical garden
According to the above source, spring is an ideal time to visit a botanical garden and see plants coming back to life. Take a leisurely stroll, photograph the flowers or simply find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy nature.
Gardens such as Kirstenbosch are particularly colourful during spring, when many indigenous plants are flowering.
4. Try a gentle hike
South African Adventures suggests that if you’re looking for something more active, choose an easy hiking trail rather than immediately tackling a challenging mountain route.
Take your time, enjoy the scenery and remember to check the weather before setting off. Spring conditions can still change quickly, particularly in areas such as Cape Town.
Also see: Spring hydration: Simple ways to stay refreshed as the weather warms up
5. Take your workout outside
You don’t always need a gym to exercise. Find a quiet outdoor space and do some stretching, yoga, bodyweight exercises or a light workout.
Taking your exercise routine outdoors can also make it feel less repetitive.
6. Enjoy a bicycle ride
Dust off your bicycle and explore a nearby cycle path, park or quiet route. Keep the ride relaxed if you’re getting back into cycling after winter.
Don’t forget your helmet, water and sunscreen.
7. Go birdwatching
You don’t have to be an expert to try birdwatching. Find a quiet outdoor spot, take your phone or a pair of binoculars and see how many different birds you can spot.
It’s also a great activity for families because children can turn it into a fun nature challenge.
8. Take a scenic drive
Spring is a good opportunity to explore areas close to home that you might usually overlook. Pack some snacks, choose a scenic route and stop at viewpoints along the way.
In the Western Cape, spring is especially popular for flower-focused outings, with wildflowers transforming parts of the landscape, according to Cape Tourism.
9. Spend some time at the beach
You don’t necessarily have to swim. Take a walk along the shoreline, sit and listen to the waves, collect photographs of the scenery or enjoy a simple beach picnic where permitted.
Just remember that spring weather can still be cool, so check the conditions before heading out.
10. Start a small garden
Spring is also a great time to get your hands dirty. Plant herbs, flowers or vegetables in your garden, balcony or even a few containers.
Gardening can become a relaxing weekend ritual and gives you something to look forward to as your plants grow.
Also see: From garden to table: Making the most of your spring harvest
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