Four Winter Essentials Every South African Needs to Survive #HiberNation
How to Win at Winter, Saffa Style
They call us the Rainbow Nation – and come winter, you could say we proudly turn into the #HiberNation, too.
Yes, we know our winters aren’t exactly Arctic. But if you know, you know – when that Highveld frost hits or the Cape rain rolls in sideways, it feels dramatic enough to cancel all plans.
Winter in South Africa is its own beautiful, hilarious experience. It’s our season for slow living, cosying up under too many blankets, and finding every excuse to light a fire (even if it’s just a scented candle pretending to be a fireplace).
Here’s our ultimate list of #HiberNation essentials – the simple pleasures every Saffa needs to survive.
1. A Warm Blanket That’s Basically a Second Skin
Your winter blanket is not just a blanket – it’s a whole personality. You’re either Team Fluffy Fleece (the bigger, the better) or you’re loyal to a quilt that’s been passed down like a family heirloom. Winter without your trusted blanket is impossible.
It’s the first thing you reach for when the temperatures dip, whether you’re binge-watching your favourite series or sitting at your desk, wrapped up like a burrito, trying to work from home.
Pro tip: Layer your blankets. One just isn’t enough during a true Joburg cold front or a Cape Town wet snap. That way, you can easily adjust your cocoon levels as needed.
Sure, our winters might not be as savage as New York, London or Moscow, but we definitely feel it.
2. A Friend with a Fireplace (or the Good Fortune to Have One Yourself)
Fireplaces in South Africa are like gold. Not everyone has one, but everyone knows someone who does. This is the season where those friendships truly pay off. “Hey, are you guys doing anything this weekend?” Translation: “Hey, can I come and defrost in front of your fireplace?” There’s nothing quite like the simple magic of a crackling fire: the smell of burning wood, and a hearty bowl of soup.
Pro tip: If you’re enjoying someone else’s fire, you contribute to the vibe. Always offer to bring something to eat, drink or both. It’s the unspoken rule of fireplace etiquette.
3. A Hot Water Bottle (or Three)
There are people who think they can survive winter without a hot water bottle. And then there are people who know better. We choose comfort over courage. Every time. Whether it’s tucked at your feet in bed, balanced precariously on your lap during Zoom meetings, or used as a makeshift back warmer on the couch, the humble hot water bottle is a national treasure. Bonus points if yours has a cute knitted cover.
Pro tip: If you’re a true #HiberNation citizen, you’ll never travel to the Free State during winter without your hot water bottle. It’s basically a lifestyle accessory.
4. A Quick, Hearty Recipe to Warm You From the Inside Out
When the chill sets in, nothing is quite as comforting as a hearty, home-cooked meal. But let’s be honest – no one wants to spend hours over a stove when it’s cold enough to see your breath in the kitchen. Take a look at these hearty Meatballs De Luxe. It will wrap your family in comfort from the inside out.
Meatballs De Luxe
Welcome to the #HiberNation
Sure, our winters might not be as severe as Canada’s, but as South Africans, we feel it in our own way – and we do it together. We light fires. We share soup. We check in on each other while our curry simmers. We lean into the cosiness.
So go on, make a whole moment of it with heartwarming stews, curries, pastas, and soups, because that’s what the #HiberNation does best. After all, there’s always room for one more around the fire.