ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

South Africa Safari

The ultimate guide to your next South Africa Safari

Get to Know South Africa

Team Member Headshot

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

Safari Enquiry

Johannesburg and the Highveld are cool but sunny by day, very cold at night, and dry.

Cape Town and the Western Cape are warm by day, cool at night, and receive regular rainfall.

The Kruger Park and its surroundings are hot by day, cool at night, and dry.

  • June is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Indian Ocean coastline of the KwaZulu-Natal coast, which tends to be temperate to hot over the nominal winter months, and very dry. Conditions on the coast of the Eastern and Western Cape are less predictable and cooler.
  • Game viewing in the Kruger Park and other reserves tends to be good in the dry season, as animals congregate close to perennial water sources and the undergrowth clears to improve visibility making it a perfect time for a Kruger safari.
  • Hikers should be alert to the substantial risk of snow and treacherous weather on the mountain peaks in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg over June/July.
  • Accommodation in tourist areas is usually relatively quiet in June, but try to avoid the winter school holiday that usually falls over late June and early July.

South Africa Video

white-play-icon

South Africa

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Why South Africa?

  • Endless choices of breathtaking scenic hiking trails
  • Spectacular birdwatching and a diverse flora kingdom
  • Delicious selections of cuisine and wine tastings
  • Some of the best white sandy beaches
  • An incredible abundance of wildlife, adventure, and history

Where to go in South Africa

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

When is the best month to travel to South Africa?

Peak
Low
Mixed

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Great service, fantastic safari and lodge

3 Night Safari at Kruger National Park Review

Mike, United Kingdom
11 Jan 2024
Superb, efficient and very helpful.

African Safari Review

Debby, Spain
18 Jul 2023
Fabulous Experience!

Kruger Park Safari and Golf Journey Review

Michelle, United Kingdom
04 Oct 2022
Susan was amazing, responsive, thoughtful and helpful.

Masai Mara & Zanzibar Review

Remy Torrico, United States
17 Aug 2022
Trip of a Lifetime.

9-Day Victoria Falls Tour Review

Melanie Austin, Canada
07 Dec 2019
Helpful travel coordinator planned the perfect trip.

Tented Camp Kruger Review

Tyler, United States
14 Jan 2019

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Lana Goodwin, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN

FAQs about South Africa

  • Light, neutral-colored clothes are recommended
  • Bring layers and pack smartly
  • A rain jacket that is both light and waterproof
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm are all good options for UV protection
  • Walking shoes that are both comfortable and stylish
  • Binoculars, camera, lenses, extra batteries, and memory card
  • A medical kit for personal use

If you are planning on visiting South Africa, you may hear that South Africa is a beautiful country and that it is the most developed country in Africa. South Africa is big and if you stick to the main cities of South Africa it is safe to travel.

  • A Safari in South Africa is a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts. All major safari animals can easily be seen at any of South Africa's National Parks.
  • The scenic KwaZulu-Natal parks are best for seeing rhino
  • Kruger National Park offers excellent general wildlife viewing
  • The main attraction in Sabi Sand is seeing the Big Five and it is well-known for its habituated leopards
  • Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash comfortably.
  • Generally, there is an en-suite private shower stall within your tent with a “rainfall” style shower head at which you can control the water flow. Outside the tent, there is a large waterproof bag or bucket which is filled with about 10 to 15 litres (5 US gallons) of hot water before being raised with a pully/rope system to either connect to the shower pipe or fill a cistern.
  • The water is delivered at the ideal temperature so it is best to use it as soon as it arrives. Staff typically fill the showers at a pre-arranged time of day, or you simply need to give them a few minutes notice so they can get it ready.
  • All game reserves in Madikwe, the Pilanesberg and the Eastern Cape are malaria-free.
  • Most lodges and hotels will have safes for your valuables either in your room or at the reception.
  • The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). There are numerous currency exchange outlets and the main credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners) are normally accepted everywhere.
  • Most petrol stations and toll roads take credit cards, but always have a small amount of cash on you for tips etc. Numerous ATMs can be found in all the big towns.
  • GMT +2
  • No vaccination is mandatory for entering South Africa except for yellow fever for passengers arriving from areas affected by the disease.
  • Electricity in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and in most of the continent is 220/240 volts.
  • Most safari lodges and camps are not connected to an electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by batteries) is common, with many lodges having a generator, which runs part of the day (morning and late evening when guests are out on their activities).
  • Lanterns also provide light at night. In many camps running on solar power, you will not be able to use a hairdryer.
  • Tipping is common practice in South Africa. Some guidelines concerning tipping are - in the bars and restaurants, the tipping is 10% minimum but preferably more.
  • The car parks are monitored by guards or watchmen, they will often ask if you want them to keep an eye on your car while you are away. If you accept - offer them a tip of R5 or more, according to the parking time.
  • In South Africa, the petrol station attendants will fill your car with petrol - they will also check your tyre pressure, oil-water levels and clean your windscreen. This typical South African service is around R5 or more at your discretion. Tipping is always welcome in South Africa.
  • Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, the dry winter months of May to September are the best. During this season - animals gather at the waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot. However, the daytime temperature is comfortable.
  • There may not be many predator mammals, but the park seems to attract more than its fair share of raptors. Look out for martial eagles, and a range of vultures - including lappet-faced, white-backed and cape vultures.
  • Augrabies Falls National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and September. When the popular three-day Klipspringer Trail is open.
  • However, the waterfall is particularly impressive when in flood - usually in February to April.
  • You will be able to do self-guided game drives or guided night drives with park officials, as well as expect to sight springbok, gemsbok, kudu, African wild cat, spotted genet, giraffe, leopards and birds such as Black eagles.
  • The best time to visit Tankwa Karoo National Park is from autumn through winter to early summer of April to September.
  • However, this is a perfect place to indulge in blessed idleness. If you want to see the landscape and animals, you'll find rough roads and spectacular views from the mountains.
  • You may visit Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve all year around - winter (during the months of June and August) are chilly, and summer (during the months of November and January) are hot. Enjoy horse rides, mountain bike and game drive.
Show More FAQs

Our Recommended Activities in South Africa


See South Africa in Your Comfort


Holiday Styles and Options in South Africa


Who is Travelling to South Africa with you?


What You Need To Know

Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | South Africa | Last Updated: 15 March 2024