Best time to visit South Africa
Best time of year to visit South Africa
Even though this country is a year-round destination, May through September is the best time to visit South Africa. Wild animals are easier to spot during the dry season, so don't miss your chance to visit such famous parks as Kruger or Madikwe.
Winter is all about unbelievable marathons and fantastic hiking in Blyde River Canyon or Table Mountain. Nothing can beat the outdoor activities in such pleasant weather. But mind that the rain can take you by surprise in the south of the country.
Dreaming about a beach holiday of a lifetime? Find year-round sunshine on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. As for the Cape Town coast, it is close to perfection between November and March. Get out there and discover some exotic fruits like a wild medlar, mobola plum or marula.
25 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH AFRICA (SEPTEMBER 04 - SEPTEMBER 13)
Zulu Reed Dance
Tens of thousands bare-breasted maidens dance and sing, bringing reeds to their King
Namaqualand Flowers
The only site in the whole world where a vast dry area annually transforms into a lush orange flowerbed, but only for a few short weeks
Meerkat Wonder at Sunrise
Cute by appearance, but far from being innocent—meerkat hunt in gangs of 20 to 50, and there is always someone on patrol
Seal Snorkeling
One of the cutest experiences you can get in Cape Town that will provide a lot of positive vibes
Land-Based Whale Watching
South Africa is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen from the shore
Red Sunsets
The South African sunset is a colourful riot of blood-red, pink, gold, and auburn
Garden Route
The most picturesque route in South Africa is filled with vibrant fauna and flora, and runs between the ocean and mountain ranges
West Coast Wildflowers
Every spring, arid valleys along South Africa's western coastline burst into a colourful bloom
Fishing Season
Whether it's deep sea fishing or flyfishing in a mountain stream, expect a good catch
Safari
The impressive biodiversity of South Africa will give you the opportunity to experience the best wildlife safari of your life
Birdwatching
Come in season to spot local endemics and near-endemics along with migrants from Europe and north Africa
Augrabies Falls National Park
Discover why indigenous people called this area the place of great noise
Rim of Africa
Rugged hilly path coloured with wild fynbos is often said to be more than just a trail, as it passes through a range of private lands
Vredefort Dome
The oldest and biggest scar on the surface of Earth is often called the cradle of all life
Chapman's Peak Drive
The most beautiful road in South Africa
Table Mountain Hiking
Reach the flat peak to have a look at the beautiful city panorama through the cloudy tablecloth
Knysna Oysters
In peak season, thousands of people head to the coast and to Knysna Oyster Festival to try the best seafood
Blyde River Canyon
Nature designed this trek for those who love epic views
Smiley, a Sheep's Head
A plate of sheep's head with a grotesque grin is an element of traditional cuisine
Cango Caves
Discover the fascinating maze of stalagmite and stalactite chambers that appeared on earth millions of years ago
Hiking in Drakensberg
South Africa's top hiking destination may be discovered in two different conditions: either green, rainy, and foggy, or dry, clear, and cold
Transvaal Red Milkwood
Sweet and high in vitamin C, this native South African fruit is favoured by all local residents—even monkeys and baboons!
Rock Climbing
South Africa offers the best rock climbing in the entire African continent, with some spots being among the best in the world
Oudtshoorn Ostriches
Have you ever ridden an ostrich? Trying to curb this bird might turn out to be more challenging than you think. Otherwise, simply learn about the life of these magnificent birds
Swartberg Pass
A curvy road with hairpin bends and unique colorful cliffs
32 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
National Arts Festival
out of rangeDon't miss one of the greatest cultural events of the African continent—the best occasion to discover current SA performances, music, and art
Cape Town Carnival
out of rangeA colourful and joyous celebration of all things Cape Town
The Army of Ducks
out of rangeIf you think ducks can't work in the wine-making business, visit South Africa and see for yourself
Two Oceans Marathon
out of rangeThe world's most beautiful marathon
Sardine Run
out of rangeThis is not a mere mass migration, but also an escape from numerous ruthless marine predators and greedy fishermen
Playful Penguins Watching
out of rangePenguins love to hang out on the Boulders beach a lot, but in summer they are exceptionally playful
Sandboarding
out of rangeSandboarding provides you with a perfect mixture of sun and fun, and makes you look at the traditionally winter sports in a summerly way
Rocking the Daisies
out of rangeAn open-air music party is the best way to kick off the South African summer season
Croc Cage Diving
out of rangeThe snapping jaws and gnarly teeth just a few centimetres from your face—this personal encounter is to become a memorable experience
Turtle Nesting
out of rangeIf you've never seen a turtle that weights 400 kg, you should visit South Africa
Corona J-Bay Open
out of rangeA pro tournament in one of world's best surfing destinations
Splashy Fen Festival
out of rangeThe longest-running music festival in SA and the ultimate outdoor experience
AfrikaBurn
out of rangeJoin the art community for an unforgettable annual meeting and be prepared to find the new worlds!
Ultra South Africa
out of rangeYou don't have to be in Miami to feel the vibes of the world's best electronic music festival—it has already reached South Africa
Big Five Marathon
out of rangeCombine an excellent marathon experience with big-five game viewing
Jacarandas in Pretoria
out of rangeIt's not a mere coincidence that Pretoria is called Jacaranda City—during the blooming season, the city turns purple with 70,000 blooming trees
Mopane Worms
out of rangeTry the traditional delicacy of South Africa
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeTravel to the countryside to see cherry orchards spring bloom throughout the country
Roasted Termites
out of rangeClose your eyes and you'll think you're eating pretzels or popcorn
Sani Pass Road
out of rangeA gorgeous winding road between South Africa and Lesotho
Comrades Marathon
out of rangeThe ultimate human race is the pinnacle of any ultra-marathoner's running career
New Year's Eve
out of rangeWaterfront fireworks and countdown parties with Table Mountain in the backdrop
Bainskloof Pass
out of rangeEnjoy the ride over one of the most picturesque passes in South Africa
Num-Num (Carissa)
out of rangeA wild vitamin-rich treat of the South African summer
South African Horrorfest
out of rangeA unique event celebrating Halloween in South Africa
Marula Season
out of rangeExplore the versatile uses of the South African "treasure fruit"
Surfing the Big Wave
out of rangeCape Town—the greatest place for surfing all year round. However, if you are an experienced surfer winter might be your best choice
AERO South Africa
out of rangeAfrica’s largest general aviation trade show
Phutu (Umphokoqo)
out of rangeTraditional South African crumbly pap dressed with sour milk is popular during the hot summer months
Windsurfing
out of rangeIncredible views and great winds await sailors in Cape Town
Wild Medlar
out of rangeCome in season to explore the wild tastes of South Africa
Mobola Plum
out of rangeTry this local indigenous fruit raw, cooked in porridge, or fermented into beer
