Spring Bucket List: Things to Do Before October Hits 🌸

Spring in South Africa has its own kind of charm. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons warm, and the streets and gardens burst into colour. But spring doesn’t linger for long. Before you know it, October arrives and the year-end rush takes over. To make the most of this short but beautiful season, here’s a South Africa inspired spring bucket list.

Chase the Jacarandas in Pretoria and Joburg

Nothing says “spring” like the purple carpets of jacaranda blossoms in Pretoria (aka Jacaranda City) and Johannesburg. Stroll down streets like Herbert Baker in Pretoria or take a lazy drive through Joburg’s leafy suburbs. These blooms usually peak in late September, so don’t miss the chance to see the city dressed up in lavender.

Picnic at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

Spring picnics hit differently when surrounded by waterfalls and wildflowers. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort is a favourite, complete with hiking trails and the chance to spot the resident Verreaux’s eagles. If you’re in Cape Town, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden offers equally magical spring vibes.

Refresh Your Home with Spring Energy

South Africans love a seasonal reset. Open the windows, bring in fresh proteas or wildflowers from a local florist, and swap out those winter textures for lighter tones. Even small touches like a spring-scented candle from a market can shift your space and energy.

Cook with Seasonal Produce from Bryanston Market

Spring means strawberries, asparagus, and tender greens. Stop by Bryanston Organic & Natural Market in Joburg or Neighbourgoods Market in Cape Town to stock up on fresh ingredients. Challenge yourself to make a bright seasonal dish, maybe a strawberry tart or a fresh salad with goat’s cheese and herbs.

Catch the Sunrise on Table Mountain or Signal Hill

Spring mornings are crisp but not freezing, the perfect excuse for a sunrise hike. In Cape Town, hike up Lion’s Head or catch the first light from Signal Hill. In Joburg, the Melville Koppies offer a gentle but rewarding sunrise walk with views over the city.

Wander Through Local Markets

South Africa’s weekend markets bloom in spring just like the gardens. Explore Hazel Food Market in Pretoria for artisanal bites, Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein for a buzzing atmosphere, or The Shongweni Farmers Market in KZN for farm-fresh finds. Markets are great for discovering new coffee blends, handmade crafts, or even spring-inspired home décor.

Plant Indigenous Blooms

Spring is planting season! Consider adding indigenous plants like aloes, strelitzias, or lavender to your garden. They’re beautiful, water-wise, and attract birds and bees, bringing spring energy right to your doorstep.

Road Trip to the Wildflowers in the West Coast National Park

September is wildflower season, and the West Coast National Park is nothing short of breathtaking. Fields of daisies and namaqualand flowers create a rainbow blanket over the land. If you’re up north, the Namaqualand Flower Route is just as iconic. Perfect for a spring road trip before the crowds of December.

Digital Detox Under the Jacarandas

Spring is the season to unplug. Leave your phone at home, grab a book, and settle under a blooming jacaranda tree or in your garden. Johannesburg Zoo Lake and Pretoria’s Union Buildings gardens are ideal for slowing down without leaving the city.

Do Something Bold and Seasonal

Spring is about renewal so try something new! Go strawberry picking at Mooiberge Farm near Stellenbosch, try a horse ride along the beach in Noordhoek, or join a pottery class at a local studio. Sometimes, the best spring memory is the one you never planned.

Spring in South Africa is brief but brilliant. Between jacarandas, wildflowers, sunrise hikes, and weekend markets, there’s no shortage of ways to make it memorable. Before October sweeps you into the year-end hustle, let yourself slow down, explore, and savour the beauty of this season.