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Best time to visit

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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.

56 things to do in South Africa

Garden Route

July–April Activity

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

August–October Nature

Every spring, arid valleys along South Africa's western coastline burst into a colourful bloom

Rock Climbing

April–October Activity

South Africa offers the best rock climbing in the entire African continent, with some spots being among the best in the world

Red Sunsets

March–May | September–November Nature

The South African sunset is a colourful riot of blood-red, pink, gold, and auburn

Fishing Season

September–May (all year round) Activity

Whether it's deep sea fishing or flyfishing in a mountain stream, expect a good catch

Table Mountain Hiking

March–May | September–November (all year round) Activity

Reach the flat peak to have a look at the beautiful city panorama through the cloudy tablecloth

Hiking in Drakensberg

April–October (all year round) Activity

South Africa's top hiking destination may be discovered in two different conditions: either green, rainy, and foggy, or dry, clear, and cold

Jacarandas in Pretoria

late September–mid-November Nature

It's not a mere coincidence that Pretoria is called Jacaranda City—during the blooming season, the city turns purple with 70,000 blooming trees

Knysna Oysters

June 21–30, 2024 Event

In peak season, thousands of people head to the coast and to Knysna Oyster Festival to try the best seafood

Rocking the Daisies

October 3-6, 2024 Event

An open-air music party is the best way to kick off the South African summer season

Zulu Reed Dance

late August–early September Event

Tens of thousands of bare-breasted maidens dance and sing, bringing reeds to their King

Splashy Fen Festival

March 28-April 01, 2024 Event

The longest-running music festival in SA and the ultimate outdoor experience

Ultra South Africa

March 1-2, 2024 Event

You 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

National Arts Festival

June 20-30, 2024 Event

Don't miss one of the greatest cultural events of the African continent—the best occasion to discover current SA performances, music, and art

Phutu (Umphokoqo)

November–March Food

Traditional South African crumbly pap dressed with sour milk is popular during the hot summer months

Num-Num (Carissa)

January–February Food

A wild vitamin-rich treat of the South African summer

Wild Medlar

January–April Food

Come in season to explore the wild tastes of South Africa

Mobola Plum

October–January Food

Try this local indigenous fruit raw, cooked in porridge, or fermented into beer

Transvaal Red Milkwood

April–September Food

Sweet and high in vitamin C, this native South African fruit is favoured by all local residents—even monkeys and baboons!

Marula Season

January–March Food

Explore the versatile uses of the South African "treasure fruit"

Smiley, a Sheep's Head

all year round Food

A plate of sheep's head with a grotesque grin is an element of traditional cuisine

Mopane Worms

late December–January Food

Try the traditional delicacy of South Africa

Roasted Termites

November–January Food

Close your eyes and you'll think you're eating pretzels or popcorn

Comrades Marathon

June 9, 2024 Event

The ultimate human race is the pinnacle of any ultra-marathoner's running career

Big Five Marathon

June 15, 2024 Event

Combine an excellent marathon experience with big-five game viewing

Oudtshoorn Ostriches

all year round Nature

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

Birdwatching

September–April (best November–February) Activity

Come in season to spot local endemics and near-endemics along with migrants from Europe and north Africa

Turtle Nesting

November–March Nature

If you've never seen a turtle that weights 400 kg, you should visit South Africa

Augrabies Falls National Park

February–April (waterfall) | April–September (hiking) Nature

Discover why indigenous people called this area the place of great noise

Blyde River Canyon

June–August (all year round) Nature

Nature designed this trek for those who love epic views

Cango Caves

all year round (except December 25) Activity

Discover the fascinating maze of stalagmite and stalactite chambers that appeared on earth millions of years ago

Land-Based Whale Watching

July–November Nature

South Africa is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen from the shore

Playful Penguins Watching

December–February Nature

Penguins love to hang out on the Boulders beach a lot, but in summer they are exceptionally playful

Rim of Africa

late September–mid-November Activity

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

Namaqualand Flowers

early August–mid-September Nature

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

March–May | September–November Nature

Cute by appearance, but far from being innocent—meerkat hunt in gangs of 20 to 50, and there is always someone on patrol

The Army of Ducks

January–March Activity

If you think ducks can't work in the wine-making business, visit South Africa and see for yourself

AfrikaBurn

April 29-May 5, 2024 Event

Join the art community for an unforgettable annual meeting and be prepared to find the new worlds!

Croc Cage Diving

October–March Activity

The snapping jaws and gnarly teeth just a few centimetres from your face—this personal encounter is to become a memorable experience

Sardine Run

mid-May–mid-July Nature

This is not a mere mass migration, but also an escape from numerous ruthless marine predators and greedy fishermen

Surfing the Big Wave

June–August Activity

Cape Town—the greatest place for surfing all year round. However, if you are an experienced surfer winter might be your best choice

Seal Snorkeling

September–May Nature

One of the cutest experiences you can get in Cape Town that will provide a lot of positive vibes

Vredefort Dome

May–July (all year round) Nature

The oldest and biggest scar on the surface of Earth is often called the cradle of all life

Cape Town Carnival

March 16, 2024 Event

A colourful and joyous celebration of all things Cape Town

Corona J-Bay Classic

June 14–23, 2024 Event

A pro tournament in one of world's best surfing destinations

Two Oceans Marathon

April 14, 2024 Event

The world's most beautiful marathon

Chapman's Peak Drive

all year round Activity

The most beautiful road in South Africa

Swartberg Pass

all year round Activity

A curvy road with hairpin bends and unique colorful cliffs

Sani Pass Road

November–March Activity

A gorgeous winding road between South Africa and Lesotho

Windsurfing

October–March Activity

Incredible views and great winds await sailors in Cape Town

South African Horrorfest

October 30–November 10, 2024 Event

A unique event celebrating Halloween in South Africa

Bainskloof Pass

mid-October–mid-February Activity

Enjoy the ride over one of the most picturesque passes in South Africa

Cherry Blossom

early September–early October Nature

Travel to the countryside to see cherry orchards spring bloom throughout the country

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Waterfront fireworks and countdown parties with Table Mountain in the backdrop

AERO South Africa

July 3-5, 2024 Event

Africa’s largest general aviation trade show

San Kriol Jazz Festival

July 7–8, 2024 Event

The finest combination of African vibes and jazz culture

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