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South Africa Safari

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Best Time To Visit
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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South Africa is often described as a “World in one Country” as it has so much to offer its visitors - extraordinary wildlife, buzzing cities, great food and wine and an endless range of things to do. Plus it is easy to get around, making it perfect for a fly-drive holiday, where you can explore this fascinating part of Africa at your own pace.

South Africa is well known for its first class safaris. Spectacular Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic safari spots. The surrounding private game reserves offer excellent Big Five luxury safaris, and the more intimate experiences found on malaria-free concessions on the Eastern Cape are great for families.

South Africa is the ultimate honeymoon vacation destination. Alongside your safari you can enjoy beautiful beaches, buzzing Cape Town or sample delicious wines from the vineyards along the stunning Garden Route. See penguins on Boulders Beach, whales in Hermanus or even do a cage dive to come face to face with a great white shark!

For an active vacation South Africa is hard to beat. There are many golfing holiday options which can be combined with a safari or beach. The dramatic scenery lends itself to spectacular coastal hikes and biking, or there’s surfing and paragliding and a huge range of watersports to enjoy.

Wherever the road takes you, you’ll always feel the warmth of true South African hospitality.

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South Africa is at the most southern end of the African continent. Known for its rich cultural diversity and spectacular wildlife. Good infrastructure, exquisite cuisine and friendly English-speaking people make it a great option if this is your first visit to Africa and will provide enough special memories to ensure that this isn’t your last trip to the continent.

Most visitors start or finish their trip in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Enjoy strolling along the buzzing Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, for shopping and great restaurants. A tour of Robben Island gives an insight into where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during the apartheid years. There are beautiful beaches to enjoy or take a fascinating tour to the Townships and of course no trip to Cape Town would be complete without a trip to the top of iconic Table Mountain.

Along the coast the scenic Garden Route has vineyards with excellent wine tasting and the pretty towns of Stellenbosh and Franschhoek to explore. Hermanus is known for its marine life with land based whale watching between August and November. Over half of all whale and dolphin species world wide can be found in Southern African Waters!

Hiking and mountain biking trails abound all the way along the coast to Port Elizabeth, with canopy tours and zip lining adventures in the Tsitsikamma Forest, bungee jumping, paragliding, horse riding, quad biking as well as a huge range of watersports including; surfing, fishing, scuba diving, sailing and swimming.

On the Eastern Cape, there are malaria-free private game reserves like Kariega and Amakala that are home to the Big Five. For dramatic landscape on an epic scale, head northeast to The Kruger National Park, home to all of Africa’s iconic safari land animals as well as more than 500 varieties of bird. The Kruger Park private reserves offer some of the best luxury safari experiences available; Sabi Sands, Thornybush, Timbavati and Kapama and Moditlo Game Reserve Estate that lies between the dramatic Drakensberg Northern Escarpment and the Kruger Park.

South Africa is a great year-round destination to visit with something to interest even the most seasoned of travellers.

What's the Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa?

Select the month below for more information on weather conditions and their potential impact on travel during that period.

January

January is peak summer in South Africa. Days are typically hot, with clear skies. Average high temperatures of 29°C/84°F, and average low temperatures of 19°C/66°F. Mornings are typically dry, but afternoon rainfall should be expected. However, it is still possible to enjoy morning and evening wildlife safaris in January and Kruger National Park sees fewer visitors at this time.

January is a great time of year for migratory birdwatching in South Africa.

February

Weather conditions in South Africa in February are similar to January. Expect dry mornings,
heavy afternoon downpours and high average temperatures of 29°C/84°F. There is a good
chance of seeing newborn animals whilst on safari, as February is calving season for many
antelope species. It is also a good time of year for birdwatching, particularly in Kruger National Park. Whilst rain should be expected, weather conditions in February shouldn’t impact a safari holiday in South Africa.

March

March in South Africa sees less rainfall than previous months and a slight drop in temperature.
Average high temperatures of 28°C/82°F, and average low temperatures of 18°C/64°F can be expected. Slightly cooler temperatures encourage big cats and other wildlife to venture out from the shade of the thick vegetation, so wildlife viewing opportunities on safari increase.

April

South Africa’s rainy season is drawing to a close by April, so expect a lot less rainfall and lower humidity levels, particularly in the reserves in the north and east of the country and at areas of higher altitude. Temperatures drop to average highs of 27°C/81°F, and average low temperatures of 14°C/57°F. April is an excellent time of year for birdwatching in South Africa as species gather before migrating north. Away from the national parks, April is a great month for trekking in the Drakensberg Mountains and snorkelling off the Indian Ocean coast.

May

May sees the return of drier weather in South Africa’s northern and eastern reserves, however rainfall should still be expected in Cape Town and the south during May. Days are typically clear and bright; temperatures drop to a more comfortable average high of 25°C/77°F, and average low temperatures of 10°C/50°F. It’s worth packing warm layers for early morning and evening game drives. As the foliage thins out, wildlife viewing opportunities on safari increase.

June

June is one of the driest months of the year across South Africa. Expect clear skies, sunny days, and comfortable average high temperatures of 23°C/73°F. Average low temperatures drop to a chilly 6°C/43°F, so bring layers for those early morning game drives. Favourable weather conditions make June an excellent time of the year to visit South Africa for a safari, particularly in Kruger National Park where the wildlife is abundant. Away from the reserves, visit Hermanus and you might be lucky to witness the whale migration.

July

July is an excellent time of the year to visit South Africa for a safari holiday: advance booking is recommended. Expect sunny, dry days and comfortable average high temperatures of 23°C/73°F. Clear skies at night lead temperatures to drop to 6°C/43°F or lower, so bring layers for those early morning game drives. The weather in July is perfect for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around scarce water sources. July is also an excellent month to observe southern right whales off the coast at Hermanus.

August

August is another excellent month for a safari holiday in South Africa. Weather conditions are similar to July: days are typically warm and dry; evenings are chilly with clear skies. Average high temperatures of 25°C/77°F and lows of 9°C/48°F can be expected. August is considered to be one of the best times of year to see South Africa’s Big 5, particularly on safari in Kruger National Park, as low water levels force animals to flock around scarce water sources. Consequently, accommodation is at a premium, both in terms of price and availability. Advance booking is recommended!

September

September is officially the last month of South Africa’s dry winter season. Expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine. Rainfall is minimal although showers can be expected as the month progresses. Average temperatures rise slightly, with highs of 27°C/81°F, and lows of 12°C/54°F. Dwindling water sources and sparce vegetation makes September an excellent month for wildlife viewing on safari. It is a particularly good time of year to see black-maned lions in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

October

October sees the return of rain to many regions of South Africa, particularly as the month progresses. However, rainfall typically occurs in the afternoon, so shouldn’t impact morning and evening safaris. Temperatures increase slightly but are still pleasant, with average highs of 27°C/81°F, and low temperatures of 14°C/57°F. There is a good chance of seeing newborn animals whilst on safari in October, as it’s calving season for many mammal species.

November

Wetter weather can be expected across South Africa in November, particularly in the northern and eastern reserves. As summer season kicks in, the temperature creeps up: expect average high temperatures of 27°C/81°F, and average low temperatures of 17°C/63°F. Whilst the weather and growing vegetation makes it more difficult to locate wildlife, it’s still possible to enjoy a safari in South Africa and there is the chance of observing newborn mammals at this time. November is the last month to spot whales off the southern coast from Hermanus.

December

Wet weather continues across South Africa in December, bringing the bush back to life and turning the landscape green. Days are typically hot and humid with average high temperatures of 28°C/82°F, and average low temperatures of 18°C/64°F. December is a great time of the year for migratory birdwatching in South Africa. Despite less than ideal weather conditions, December is a popular month for a safari holiday in South Africa, for both tourists and locals, so advance booking is essential.

Must-see in South Africa

South Africa has many highlights, these are our favourite 'must-see' moments

Spot lions on the prowl at Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

The vast preserved natural wilderness offers outstanding wildlife viewing and a real luxury safari experience

Find your new favourite wine

Enjoy fine dining and some of the best wine tastings in the area amongst the picture-perfect Cape Winelands.

See elephants from a saddle

Get closer to the wildlife on a thrilling horse riding safari experience.

Learn how to pronounce Hluhluwe-Umfolozi!

Widely credited with saving the highly endangered white rhino in the wild, this is also the oldest nature reserve in Africa

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Safari Company - a subsidiary of The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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