7 hot springs towns in SA

We’re officially into the last month of winter and while we’ve endured some pretty cold, even snowy (for some), spells, the chills are still at large.

Nothing warms the body and invigorates the mind like a trip to warm baths.

Here are seven scattered around the country for a winter-warming getaway:

1. Riemvasmaak

Right near the Orange River border with Namibia, Riemvasmaak boasts an unusual, little semi-desert oasis if your skin and soul are thirsting for some solace in the warmth of a natural hot spring pool surrounded by the craggy orange Northern Cape landscape.

 

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2. Bela-Bela

Throughout various iterations of its name (Warmbad and Warmbaths), this Limpopo town can’t seem to escape its geography. The Tswana name ‘Bela-Bela’ means ‘the pot that boils’, and it boileth still.

 

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3. Badplaas

Much like Bela-Bela, Badplaas in Mpumalanga has also suffered through numerous names like eManzana (‘healing waters’) and eBhadini which all point to the town’s many sulphur springs, with its healing properties, albeit with a slightly pungent smell.

 

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4. Eshowe

This town in Zululand is home to Shu Shu Hot Springs on KZN’s wild Tugela River (nearer to Kranskop). Access to the springs is limited to a brief period during winter or when the waters are low.

 

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5. Isinuka

Isinuka is a Pondo village near Port St Johns on the Wild Coast. One of the more unique spots on this list, the Isinuka Mud Caves and Sulphur Pools promise rejuvenation that is skin-deep. While you may still want to wait for a warmer winter’s day before you take dip, the sulphur springs which give Isinuka its name (‘place of smell’) are the next stop for washing off the mud and continuing the healing.

 

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6. Calitzdorp

This Western Cape hot-springs town is a lot less conventional to the province’s many hot spring and spa options. Set in the Little Karoo, little Calitzdorp’s natural thermal springs can be accessed via a few B&Bs and guest farms.

 

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7. Amanzintaba in Bronkhorstspruit

Gauteng-dwellers needn’t feel left out when it comes to watery winter wonderlands. While it’s a drop in the warm bath ocean, the Amanzintaba Resort spa in Bronkhorstspruit offers a mountainous retreat with some soothing warm waters.

 

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Featured image: Cavan Images/ Getty