South Africa Navigation

Best Time to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a fabulous all year-round destination so when you visit depends on what you would like to do.

The best time for game watching, for instance, is early spring (August to October). The southern right whales can be seen off our coasts from about mid-June to the end of October, and the humpback whales from August to December.

The diving is generally best from April to September, and so is the surfing, but these activities are by no means limited to these periods. Flowers are at their best in August and September. River rafting is better at the end of winter in the Cape; and in summer (late November to February) in KwaZulu-Natal.

In Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, activities are not quite as time-dependent but spring and autumn are best for hiking since summer can be very hot. If you want to lounge on the beaches, midsummer is the best time to do so, though bear in mind that everyone else will be there too. The beaches of KwaZulu-Natal are warm and sunny, even in midwinter.

How much time do you have for your trip?

Click on the tabs below to view overland tours that suits your time frame.

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Kruger Lodge Safari - 4 days

The jewel in South Africa's crown! Kruger National Park is this country's wildlife highlight and not to be missed!! Search for the 'Big 5' and the 'Small 5' with game drives, game walks and night driv...

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Kruger Safari - 4 days

A in depth look at South Africa's biggest and best National Park - and everything that lies within!

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Kruger Highlights - 4 days

Visit a Cheetah rehabilitation project and experience traditional Ndebele dancing en-route to the world famous Kruger National Park!

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Southern Classic - 20 days

This tour allows you to view the world famous Table Mountain in Cape Town, before exploring the ghostly Namibian desert. Wildlife lovers are in for a treat on the Etosha safari. Adrenaline junkies wil...

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Best of South West Africa - 20 days

Start at the bottom and work your way north on this trip covering the best south west Africa has to offer! From majestic Table Mountain via old deserts and the green delta, all the way to glorious Vic...

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Southern Africa Explored - 20 days

The classic Cape Town to Victoria Falls route is covered but add a extra twist or 2 and you have a true trip of a lifetime! Ancient deserts give way to the green of the Okavango Delta and this combine...

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Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam via Zimbabwe - 26 days

Start in the bustling city of Johannesburg, finish on a deserted beach on Zanzibar Island and enjoy everything this exhilarating continent has to offer you, in between these two extremes!

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Cape Town to Johannesburg Volunteering Experience - 23 days

Get your hands dirty! Make a real difference and have a bit of a holiday at the same time on this tour based on volunteering at 6 different local projects. Use your skills and learn some new ones as y...

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Central Africa Loop - 22 days

A round trip that encompasses most of Southern Africa's highlights. Meander through the Okavango's waterways, raft the mighty Zambezi or explore Zimbabwe ruins, a trip you will never forget!

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Eastern Trans Africa Expedition - 16 weeks

REAL overland travel at its best! If you want air conditioning, hot showers every night and a cook then this expedition is not for you. Expect to get "stuck in" on t...

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Cape Town to Nairobi with Gorilla Trek - 8 weeks

This is the Ultimate African Expedition! From the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean, from lush jungle to the Namib desert, from bustling markets to quaint villages, Africa will not cease to amaze you...

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Johannesburg to Nairobi - 7 weeks

Get a real feel for Africa on this mighty trip! Chat with the local tribes in their own homes, spot The Big Five in one of the many game parks or just enjoy the travelling through this exhilarating co...

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