(0)

Call: UK: 020 7843 3500    US: +1 888 228 3417 Enquire Now Enquire Now

The Best Time To Visit South Africa

Enquire Now

The Best Time To Visit South Africa

Jan
FebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor

The best months for viewing wildlife in South Africa are during the dry season from May to September. To avoid the crowds, South African school holidays are best to be avoided. May and September are a brilliant time to visit as it is less cold and in particular, September is excellent for wildlife viewing. 

Best Time
May to September (All parks)
High Season 
October to March (Does not feel overly crowded except for Kruger during school holidays)
Low Season
April to September (This is due to the timings for the best viewing of wildlife) 
Best Weather
April and May and September to October (High Temperature with the occasional afternoon storm that rarely interferes with safaris) 
Worst Weather
June to August (Cold temperatures)


May To September

Dry Season

  • Animals are easier to spot due to the fact they are concentrated around waterholes and rivers where there is less vegetation
  • Mosquitoes are on the decline at this time as there is little to no rain; skies are clear and most days are sunny
  • This is the low season and so parks are less crowded, except for Kruger during the school holidays
  • Be aware that the mornings and evenings are cold 


October To April

Wet Season 

  • The scenery is green and beautiful
  • Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its best
  • Rains are mostly short afternoon showers and are unlikely to have a negative impact on your trip
  • Wildlife can be more difficult to view as the bush is thicker
  • It can get very hot during December, January and February, with parks being crowded in the school holidays

Best Time to go to South Africa by Major Park

The majority of the parks offer an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. However, wildlife viewing is at its best during the Dry season as it is easier to spot.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi GRJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Kgalagadi TPJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Kruger National ParkJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mala Mala GRJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Phinda Game ReserveJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sabi Sand GRJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec


Africa Travel Latest

News

Chris Wain Named One Of The World's Top Travel Specialists 2026 By Condé Nast Traveler

Africa Travel's Chris Wain has once again been named one of the world's top travel specialists by Conde Nast Traveler.

Read more
Travel

From Cricket To Safari: How To Turn Your South Africa Tour Into A Once-In-A-Lifetime Holiday

Chris Wain

Turn your Cape Town cricket tour into a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Combine exclusive Newlands hospitality with a luxury South African safari.

Read more
Travel

Talk Cricket With The Experts: Inside The Exclusive Nick Hoult Q&A & Cape Town Tour

Chris Wain

Join Africa Travel for the ultimate England vs South Africa cricket tour in Cape Town (Dec 2026). Enjoy luxury hospitality and an exclusive Q&A with The Telegraph's Nick Hoult.

Read more
Travel

The Best Hospitality Experience At South Africa’s Finest Cricket Ground

Chris Wain

Experience the ultimate Cape Town cricket tour. Get exclusive Newlands hospitality tickets, Executive Suite access, complimentary bar, and 5-star accommodation.

Read more
Travel

Planning Your Cape Town Cricket Tour: DIY vs. The VIP Package

Chris Wain

Planning a Cape Town cricket tour for England vs South Africa 2027? Compare the stress of a DIY trip with the luxury of a fully-catered VIP package.

Read more
Travel

Travelling Solo For The England vs South Africa Cricket Test Match: Why An Escorted Tour Is The Perfect Choice

Julia Melim

Join our escorted cricket tour to South Africa as a solo traveller. Enjoy VIP Newlands tickets, seamless logistics, and make new friends along the way!

Read more
Travel

What To Expect On The VIP Cape Town Cricket Tour

Julia Melim

Discover what to expect on our VIP Cape Town Cricket Tour (Jan 2027). Enjoy 5-star hotels, NYE celebrations, and Newlands Executive Suite hospitality.

Read more
Travel

Race For Newlands 2026/2027 Tickets & NYE Accommodation

Chris Wain

Beat the rush for Newlands 2026/2027 tickets! Secure your VIP England vs South Africa cricket tour with guaranteed NYE accommodation & Virgin flights.

Read more
Travel

The Ultimate Birthday Or Retirement Gift: An Escorted VIP Cricket Tour To South Africa

Felicity Balcomb

Looking for the ultimate retirement or milestone birthday gift? Gift a VIP England vs South Africa cricket tour featuring 5-star luxury and Newlands tickets.

Read more
Travel

Why December/January Is The Best Time To Visit South Africa For Cricket: A Complete Travel Guide

Julia Melim

Discover why December/January is the best time to visit South Africa for cricket.

Read more

Tailor-made Request Form

Please complete the below details so that we can forward you a personalised holiday quotation

Fields marked * are required


Please note that due to the fluctuating currency at this time, all quotes are subject to change at time of booking.