South African vacations

We are often asked when is the best time to go to South Africa. Anytime! South Africa is a year-round destination that lends itself to beach and bush combos and multi-generational travel options to suit varied expectations.

South Africa's safari seasons

There are two weather patterns to consider:

Bushveld - Kruger National Park, Greater Kruger and Madikwe Game Reserve

Expect hot and wet summers (November to March) and cool and dry winters (April to October). Rainfall tends to be during brief thunderstorms in the late afternoon or evening. Temperatures will vary between 20–40 degrees Celsius in summer and 10–25 degrees in winter (with close-to-freezing temperatures sometimes, especially in higher-lying areas). November can be especially hot and humid, with relief when the first rains arrive.

Best time to visit: For avid safari fans, the best safari weather is when the lack of water and plant cover makes it easier to find and see animals - April to October. Of those months, the later, the better - with August to October and even early November delivering the best wildlife encounters.

Western Cape - Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route

The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, so expect hot and dry summers (November to March) and cold & wet winters (April to October). Temperatures will vary between 15–32 degrees Celsius in summer (up to 40 degrees now and then, especially inland) and 0–20 degrees in winter (snow in high-lying areas). This is the southern tip of Africa, so expect the odd freak weather system in summer, bringing rain and lower temperatures.

Best time to visit: For the warmest weather and best vibe, visit during the festive season (December to February) - but popular beaches and restaurants may be busy.

Bush and beach - the sweet spot

As you can see, bush or beach aficionados may visit South Africa at different times of the year. For those wanting to combine bush and beach, the sweet spot to aim for is either October to early November or March to April - the so-called ‘shoulder’ seasons.

South Africa is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), plus cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, wildebeest, and rare and seldom-seen species such as pangolins, aardvarks and servals.

YES, South Africa is safe for tourists. While there are crime hot spots in South Africa, these tend to be in cities or near informal settlement areas. South Africa is no different to the rest of the world - if you plan to spend time in a city, take precautions as you would in your home country.

Petty theft is common in cities, but physical attacks on tourists are rare. Crime rates in rural areas - where you will spend most of your time - are far lower and almost non-existent in wildlife reserves.

Safety tips for cities:

• don’t wander around the streets after dark;

• ask your hotel about unsafe areas and avoid them;

• leave expensive jewellery at home and wear a cheap plastic watch;

• don’t carry cameras and video cameras in full view;

• keep your money and passport in a money belt, out of sight, or in the lodge or hotel safe;

• dress like a local, or at least casually;

• use your cell phone discreetly and not while driving.

Our South African safari holidays typically include accommodation, all meals, game drives and other described activities, park fees, experienced guides, airport transfers and 24/7 support from our team. Specific inclusions vary by package – contact us for detailed itineraries.

South African safari costs vary from US$5,000 per person, depending on duration, accommodation comfort level, and activities. Our packages offer excellent value with transparent pricing.

We have been handcrafting experiential safaris since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?

Booking through a respected tour operator with many years of experience means that all you need to focus on is helping us design your safari and then having a superb vacation. The rest – all the nitty-gritty detail and admin – is done while you relax. Our 24/7 concierges take care of problems such as flight changes and missed flights, last-minute road transfer and lodge changes due to unexpected events, and itinerary changes requested by you.

Remember that you will not save money by attempting to book and manage your own safari, but you will encounter mistakes and problems that arise.

You only make your first payment when you book your South African safari holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.

Yes, your money is safe. Your payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT – protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability. See what travellers say about us.

By booking your safari with Africa Geographic, you make a significant difference because:

• We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level

• Your safari supports our conservation publishing efforts, which educate the world about Africa's incredible biodiversity and the local people who protect it

• Our chosen lodges support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. They also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited vehicle numbers and sustainable camp operations, which help protect the ecosystem

YOUR safari choice does make a difference – thank you!