BEEKEEPING IN THE HIGHVELD

Beekeeping in the Highveld: Surviving the Cold Winters

This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.

The Highveld region covers parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State. With its high elevation, dry winters, and strong summer rainfall, beekeeping here is seasonal but productive. Proper timing and cold-weather preparation are key to success.

Climate and Rainfall

• Summer rainfall region with cold, dry winters
• Frost is common from May to August
• Most nectar flows occur from October to February

Key Nectar Sources

• Sunflower and cosmos (summer crops)
• Wildflowers and indigenous trees (spring)
• Eucalyptus and bluegum (urban and plantation areas)
• Fruit blossoms and lucerne (in certain valleys)

Honey Flow Periods

• Spring bloom: September to November
• Summer peak: December to February
• Little or no forage from May to August

Hive Placement Tips

• Avoid placing hives in frost pockets or low-lying valleys in winter
• Use windbreaks and morning sun exposure
• Locate near sunflower crops or wildflower belts

Regional Considerations

• Bees may cluster tightly and reduce brood rearing in winter
• Extra feeding is often required from April to July
• Beekeeping activity is reduced in cold months

Pollination Opportunities

• Sunflower, lucerne and fruit tree pollination (contract-based)
• Increasing demand in peri-urban farming zones
• Smaller-scale pollination for seed producers and vegetable farms

Challenges

• Theft and vandalism near cities and roadsides
• Fires during late winter dry season
• Cold snaps can kill weak colonies

Support and Community

• Strong beekeeper networks in Gauteng and Bloemfontein
• Equipment suppliers and wax processors in Pretoria and Johannesburg
• Beekeeping courses often held at agricultural colleges

Final Thoughts

The Highveld offers large seasonal honey crops and diverse flora, but requires attention to winter survival and forage gaps.

Beekeepers who prepare colonies properly and time harvests around rain patterns can operate successfully in both urban and rural areas.