Forget the Maldives or the Netherlands, you should be planning your next holiday to South Africa. There is a lot to take into consideration when you make your travel preparations.
We’ll look at the best time of year to plan your trip to South Africa based on your interests in this article. If you are serious about planning a trip to South Africa, we recommend visiting Start Living Africa, a specialised African Travel Blog for more comprehensive advice about this unique country.
South Africa has something for everyone. From the melting pot of Cape Town’s CBD to the picturesque Winelands, safari experiences in the Kruger National Park, and remote getaways along the Garden Route.
You need to plan your holiday to South Africa with the elements of this beautiful country you most want to experience in mind. The best time of year to venture out into Africa for a Big Five Safari is different to the best time for an unplugged road trip along the Garden Route or a railway journey across the diverse landscapes of the country.
We’ll dive into the best time of year to visit for each unique experience to help you plan accordingly.
Best Time for a Safari Holiday
Africa is renowned for the bushveld and its exotic wildlife. If you are a nature lover and enjoy watching game in their natural habitat, an African safari holiday will be a wonderful experience for you. There are four African countries that border on South Africa and two independent countries within its borders. The best destinations for an authentic safari experience are Botswana and Namibia.
The wildlife of Botswana is unmatched. Popular safari destinations in Botswana like Chobe and the Okavango boast the entire big five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. What makes Chobe even more special is that you can view game from a safari truck or from a safari boat while you cruise down the river. If you opt for the latter, you can expect to see crocodiles and hippos as well.
Safari holidays in Namibia are equally popular as a result of the diverse wildlife but also the unique landscapes Namibia has to offer. You will feel as if you have been transported to a different planet when you are looking out at the red sand dunes lining the vast salt pans in Namibia. This setting is a photographer’s dream!
No matter your chosen destination, if a safari holiday is what intrigues you – you should plan your trip to coincide with the sub-Saharan dry season, which is June to October for the majority of Africa. Due to water scarcity, the wildlife are forced to flock towards water sources which makes them much easier to find.
Best Time for a Beach Holiday
If you are a beach bum looking for your next sandy destination, South Africa has some of the most beautiful shores in the world. From the white sands of Clifton to the restaurant dotted shores of Camps Bay and the warm waters of Durban – you’ll be overwhelmed with options to choose from.
The city of Cape Town at the Southernmost tip of South Africa is home to some of the most scenic beaches. It would be difficult to beat the sunset view from one of the beachfront restaurants along Camps Bay. Boulder’s Beach and the four Clifton Beaches are also excellent spots for a beach picnic and to frolic in the waves. Just be warned, the Atlantic Ocean water can get rather cold!
If your preference is for a more tropical climate and warmer waters, Durban could be the beach destination for you. Further up the East Coast, Durban’s beaches border on the Indian Ocean – so water temperatures are a good few degrees warmer than the sea in Cape Town. The weather in Durban is also more humid and the vegetation leans more towards the tropics.
Another amazing beach destination along South Africa’s East Coast is Sodwana Bay. If you are a keen snorkelling enthusiast, this destination should definitely be on your bucket list. For those with diving certification, Sodwana is an excellent place to scuba dive. Shark lovers will be happy to know that you can expect to see silvertips, bull sharks, hammerheads and even whale sharks when diving here.
No matter which beach experience appeals to you, the summer months of December – February are the best time of year to visit. You have the best chance of sunshine and dry weather during the summer as well as having the best chance of a whale shark encounter during this time of year.
Best Time for a Budget Holiday
When your purse strings are a bit tight and you are looking for a way to enjoy a magical vacation on a budget, South Africa is an ideal choice of destination. There are a couple of travel hacks that can help you cut costs and still enjoy your trip! Here are some of the best savings tips and tricks:
- Go for all in one deals that include flights and accommodation – If you are able to snag a deal up to a year in advance, you could end up saving big.
- Always check flight-comparison sites before booking your ticket – Use online platforms like Skyscanner or Cheapflights to compare prices for different airlines and find the cheapest ticket. Tuesdays and Wednesday tend to be the cheapest days to fly.
- Book through your hotel or B&B directly rather than via a booking partner – Save money by going directly to the source and skip the booking and cleaning fees you get charged when booking via Airbnb or Booking.com.
- Find cheap travel insurance on page two of the Google search results – You might think skipping out on your travel insurance is a good way to save money but it could end up costing you. Rather look for cheap travel insurance providers that still cover all the basics. There are many affordable options out there, like Allianz Travel which will pop up if you scroll past the top results on Google.
- Do research to compare the cost of public transport with car hire – If you opt for car hire, buy the insurance separately to save yourself from being ripped off by the rental company.
- Come prepared and skip the exchange fees – If you know the country you are travelling to transact mostly in cash, exchange your currency in your home country rather than paying exorbitant exchange fees at the airport or foreign ATMs.
The biggest saving hack is to visit your chosen destination during their off season. For South Africa, the off season generally coincides with the Winter months (except for Safari trips of course). Generally coastal towns and cities like Cape Town, Kalk Bay and Hermanus will be less busy and more affordable during the off season.
Closing Thoughts
No matter what kind of trip you are looking for, South Africa has a wide range of experiences to cater to most travel enthusiasts. Be it a wildlife safari, beach escape or budget vacation, this could be the perfect time to plan a trip to South Africa.
As a travel destination, South Africa has grown in popularity in recent years. Our advice would be to cross it off your bucket list before you’ll be forced to share every experience with a crowd!
