Best Time to Visit
South Africa
South Africa dazzles with its diverse allure. It’s the urban charm of Cape Town and the thrilling wildlife in Kruger National Park. It’s the pastoral beauty of the Winelands and the untamed wilderness of the Elephant Coast. Our specialists, having explored South Africa from the northern reaches to the Cape Peninsula, are well-equipped to recommend the finest experiences tailored for you. Your South African adventure could include exploring the colonial history in KwaZulu-Natal’s battlefields, or delving into more recent history with a visit to Robben Island. Consider a leisurely road trip along the Garden Route, with its breathtaking coastal views, or embark on a Big Five safari in the Eastern Cape. For a unique perspective, rail journeys through South Africa’s mountains, grasslands, and the semi-arid Karoo Desert offer glimpses into the country’s more secluded regions.
South Africa's month-by-month visit guide
Visiting in January
As summer embraces the country, expect hot and sunny days, making coastal destinations like Cape Town and Durban enticing. This is the perfect time for beach outings, water sports, and wildlife viewing.
Visiting in February
Similar to January, with continued warmth, this month is ideal for outdoor activities, such as wine tasting in the Winelands or exploring national parks.
Visiting in March
While autumn arrives in the Western Cape, the rest of the country still enjoys warmth. It’s a great time for wine harvest festivals and safaris.
Visiting in April
Autumn spreads further north with warm days and cool evenings. Wine and food festivals, along with hiking, are popular.
Visiting in May
Autumn colors start to paint the country, offering comfortable temperatures for activities like whale watching in Hermanus and exploring the Garden Route.
Visiting in June
Winter begins for most regions, with cooler temperatures, especially at night. Cape Town can be rainy. Wine tasting and exploring historic towns are excellent options.
Visiting in July
Mid-winter sets in, while northern areas remain milder. Cooler and drier weather prevails, and snowfall in the mountains is possible. Winter wildlife viewing and visits to museums and galleries are perfect for this time.
Visiting in August
Winter continues with cool temperatures, especially at night, and low rainfall. Adventurous activities like shark cage diving and exploring the Cape Winelands are highlights.
Visiting in September
Spring emerges in the Western Cape, bringing warmer temperatures and vibrant wildflowers in Namaqualand. Enjoy whale watching along the coast and hiking trails.
Visiting in October
Spring spreads across the country, offering pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, including flower viewing and coastal exploration.
Visiting in November
Spring is in full bloom, with warm and sunny weather. It’s an excellent time for safaris, beach outings, and wine tasting.
Visiting in December
Early summer arrives, bringing warm and sunny conditions. Coastal areas are popular for beach vacations, water sports, and outdoor festivals.
Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years
Places to visit in South Africa
- Cape Town
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Sun City Resort
- Garden Route
"Every guide/driver was extremely nice and accommodating, we were truly blown away."
GoHeels10
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to South Africa.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.Â
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or WattsApp +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.Â
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250
Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Â
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.Â
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.comÂ
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256