Planning a Trip to South Africa: Travel Tips and Advice

For many, the chance to go on safari and spot large wild animals, especially the Big Five, in the African wilderness is the opportunity to realise a lifelong dream and is an experience that few will ever forget. Yet there are many factors to consider before choosing the perfect safari that corresponds most closely with your expectations. One of the most important questions many don’t consider is of national parks vs game reserves. Both kinds have specific advantages and disadvantages that can lead you to the best safari experience. Here are some of the things you need to think about before making this important decision.

Kruger National Park is world-famous for its great concentration of wildlife and the opportunity to observe some of Africa’s most iconic big animals, specifically the big five, in their natural habitat. Undoubtedly, no trip to South Africa can be complete without a visit to the park. Since, spending just a day in Kruger cannot be enough, there is a broad range of accommodations available within the park for all budgets. It can be tough choosing where to stay, so this guide to Kruger National Park accommodations will explain the different choices to help you choose the perfect base for your safari adventure.

South Africa’s landscapes, cities and wildlife are as diverse as the people who live there, making this rainbow nation a truly spectacular travel destination. Summer in South Africa is busy, with local and foreign tourists holidaying, attracted by the warm, sunny weather, so it is important to plan your trip well. In South Africa, the summer months are from November to February. There’s plenty to do on a summer tour in South Africa: Explore the picturesque beaches and indigenous forests along the Garden Route, take a dip in the pleasant waters of the southern beaches, enjoy the music festival season in Johannesburg, and go on a safari tour to the Addo Elephant National Park, the country’s third-largest national park.

Whether you love a holiday by the ocean, enjoy hiking or prefer taking in the wonders of nature in a relaxed atmosphere, a trip to South Africa in May has something for everyone. It is an ideal month to dive into an ocean full of sharks, take to the waves and surf, enjoy many vibrant winter festivals and benefit from the bustling crowds that really bring the South African party vibes! It is this balmy temperature that gives visitors the opportunity to really go out and discover everything South Africa has to offer, free from the overly oppressive heat of summer.

As winter starts to loosen its grip on the country, the weather in South Africa in August takes a turn for the better. Long, sunny days start to beat the crisp morning chill and the usually stormy Cape Town also sees light at the end of the tunnel. The temperature in South Africa in August is temperate and your winter coats can happily be left at home during the day. Nature readies itself for the arrival of spring that is around the corner, and visitors are spoiled with displays unlike any other. Continue reading to find out more about why you should visit South Africa in August.

If you are looking to fly south for winter and soak up some sun, you might be interested in traveling to South Africa in December. With spring having just left the land bursting with greenery, this is a great time to take in the sights and sounds of local flora and fauna. South Africa’s weather in December is a combination of hot and often dry days and cooler, balmier evenings.

Spring is a great time to visit any country and South Africa is no exception. The month of October is when spring ends and summer starts in this part of the world, and traveling to South Africa in October means enjoying warm temperatures that are not overwhelming along with the opportunity to see some of the planet's most impressive wildlife. Looking to lounge on the beach, go on a road trip, or see passing migratory whales? There is something for everyone visiting South Africa in October. Dive in if you wish to find more.

As summer draws to a close, South Africa in March promises some of the best weather conditions of the year with lots of sunshine to accompany spectacular scenery. The country’s usually parched savannah starts bursting with life during this month and vineyards start to turn a warm golden hue as the harvest season draws closer. Visiting South Africa in March is also great for adventurers who want to take advantage of excellent hiking conditions or are looking forward to discovering its vast expanse of arid landscapes on the back of a motorcycle. Here is everything you can expect from the rainbow nation before autumn makes its arrival.

While snow blankets much of the Northern Hemisphere, South Africa in January is a summer paradise. Pristine beaches, unspoiled landscapes, world-class wine and unmatched hospitality have all become synonymous with this unique destination, and they are best enjoyed in summer. However, if you are heading to South Africa in January please keep in mind that thunderstorms rage in the late afternoon across the country’s north and provide a dramatic backdrop to the iconic Johannesburg skyline, while some might find high humidity levels on the east coast uncomfortable. Barring this, January is one of the best times of the year to dive into the Indian Ocean and enjoy swimming in its warm waters.

From wildlife watching to urban sightseeing and beachy weather, South Africa is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling activities. And if you want to enjoy the warm, calm and pleasant weather before it gets too crowded, visiting South Africa in November is an excellent plan. Discover nature reserves in the northern part of the country, like Timbavati or Ithala, or sail around Hermanus while whales are still there. South Africa’s weather in November is great for sunbathing and this is the best time for birdwatchers as well.

With many of us taking longer trips away or even working and globe-trotting full-time, there’s never been a better time to travel. And, more and more evidence points to travel being good for our health and happiness. As well as cutting stress and the risk of heart disease, travel has some surprising benefits. These range from bolstering our relationships, to helping us define who we are. Read more about this, and the other positive effects travel can have below.

South Africa is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. Even if you have just 6 days in South Africa, the country offers diverse possibilities, from enjoying the cosmopolitan vibes of Cape Town to exploring the picturesque Winelands and to spotting wildlife on a thrilling safari adventure in Kruger National Park. A well-planned itinerary can allow you to soak in all the highlights, so here are our recommended 6-day trips in South Africa that blend culture, adventure, and natural wonders.