In short
For a trip combining Cape Town and a safari, September and October are generally the best months. Kruger is dry and good for wildlife viewing, while the Cape is coming out of winter. Other periods can also work depending on your priorities.
- Kruger safariGenerally May to September (dry season)
- Cape Town and coastGenerally October to March (austral summer)
- WhalesJune to November, Hermanus to Plettenberg Bay
- Best avoidedLate December to early January: busy with locals
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
South Africa is a huge country, so there is no single season: the calendar changes by region. The austral summer, from October to April, generally brings the long, warm days of Cape Town and the coast. Winter, from May to September, is the dry season in the east, when animals gather around Kruger's waterholes.
Our Cape Town to Kruger: Vineyards and Safari trip brings both worlds together, which is why the shoulder seasons of September-October and March-April are often a good compromise for this kind of itinerary.
- JanPossible
- FebPossible
- MarGood
- AprGood
- MayGood
- JunPossible
- JulPossible
- AugGood
- SepIdeal
- OctIdeal
- NovGood
- DecPossible
Good to know
This calendar applies to a trip combining Cape Town and Kruger. For the Cape alone, the austral summer is generally better; for a safari alone, favour the dry season.
When should you go on safari in Kruger?
From May to September the vegetation is sparse and animals come to drink regularly, so wildlife is generally easier to spot. From November to April the reserve turns lush with the summer rains. It is beautiful, but animals hide more easily. To see the other ways to go, explore our African safaris.
What about the Garden Route, whales and the Drakensberg?
The coast is at its best in summer, with mild temperatures and generally less rain. From June to November, southern right whales can be watched from the cliffs of Hermanus, a highlight of our Garden Route road trip. Further east, our KwaZulu-Natal journey blends the Drakensberg peaks, Zulu culture and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
| Goal | Generally recommended period | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Kruger safari | May to September | Dry season, wildlife at waterholes |
| Cape Town and vineyards | October to March | Austral summer, avoid the festive season |
| Garden Route | November to April | Whales June to November at Hermanus |
| Cape + Kruger | September-October, March-April | Good compromise between both regions |
Our experts' tip
Avoid booking Cape Town between Christmas and early January: South Africans travel in numbers and accommodation is in high demand. Book early or shift by a few days.
Our trips to South Africa
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit South Africa?
It depends on your plans. To combine Cape Town and a safari, September and October are generally an excellent choice. For the coast alone, the austral summer works very well.
Can you see whales in South Africa?
Yes, generally from June to November, notably from Hermanus and along the Garden Route up to Plettenberg Bay.
Are there periods to avoid?
Christmas to early January is generally very busy in Cape Town. The summer rainy season also makes safari a little harder in Kruger.
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