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South Africa in August

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

Imagine relaxing on your own private patio overlooking a watering hole. With your cup of coffee in hand, you watch as a herd of elephants approach, dipping their trunks into the precious water, a rare resource in the dry month of August.

Winter progresses at this time of the year, continuing to thin out the vegetation and dry up smaller water sources. Mornings and nights are cold – during game drives, wrap up in jerseys and jackets.

In Cape Town, temperatures continue to be low and rainfall high. It’s the low season, so the city and wine routes see fewer travellers. Along the coastal towns like Hermanus, whale watching is in full swing.

Weather in August

Walking safari in the Kruger National Park
Winter progresses at this time of the year, continuing to thin out the vegetation and dry up smaller water sources in Kruger | Photo: Getty

Daytime temperatures in Kruger National Park and surrounds can reach a high of 26 °C/79 °F and a low of 13 °C/55 °F, with very chilly conditions in the early mornings and evenings. The dry weather opens up more opportunities to explore the wilderness, such as horseback riding safaris and walking safaris. Cape Town’s temperatures can reach a high of 18 °C/64 °F and a low of 8 °C/46 °F, with an average rainfall of 3.1 in.

Average Weather in August

Kruger and Surrounds

Temperature Celsius FahrenheitRainfall
Min 13℃55℉0.15 inches
Max 26℃79℉0.5 inches

Cape Town

TemperaturesCelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min8℃46℉2.4 inches
Max18℃64℉4.6 inches

Destinations to Visit in South Africa in August

Elephants as seen in Timbavati
Safari vehicles in Timbavati are able to go off-road for closer sightings | Photo: Timbavati Private Nature Reserves

Phinda Private Game Reserve

If you want to witness the grace of a cheetah crossing the African plains while on safari, Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is the perfect choice. This lush wildlife haven is famous for its regular sightings of cheetahs during their exclusive game driving experiences, especially during the dry season. Go from woodlands, grasslands, and forests to rivers and mountain ranges to see a range of wildlife.

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands fosters an ecosystem that allows big game to thrive. Stylish, luxury lodges dot the reserve, ensuring that you can immerse yourself in the African wilderness in the most exclusive way possible. May to September is the best time to visit Sabi Sands – the minimal rainfall creates ideal game viewing conditions.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Enjoy the clear skies of the winter season in Timbavati. Large herds of antelope species, which serve as prey for the region’s predators, can be spotted here; keep a watch out for big cats lurking on the edges of these herds. Safari vehicles in Timbavati are able to go off-road for closer sightings, so you’re able to go deeper into the savannah during your safari here.

Activities to Do in August in South Africa

Kruger National Park guided safaris
A walking safari is a great activity to do during August | Photo: Getty
  • Whale watching by boat and along the coast
  • Game drives in national parks and game reserves
  • Walking safaris and animal tracking
  • Horseback riding safaris
  • Stargazing

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Google review

"My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can't say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinera..."

Debby Anziano, United States05 May 2026

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Trustpilot review

"Chrizaan arranged an amazing safari experience for six of us, who came from the UK and Australia. She secured our booking at a superb Lodge in the Kruger at relatively short notice, tied in the flight transfers and ensured that the whole experience ran smoo..."

Bethany Evans, United Kingdom10 Apr 2026

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Safari Bookings review

"All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been ..."

George Jacob, Canada10 Mar 2026

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"Justin Van Wyk from Discover Africa Safari did an outstanding job in planning our perfect Safari. All travel and transfers between airports and game lodges have been flawless! The lodges and safari experiences have been awesome."

Roland Braun, United States05 Jan 2026

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"We travelled this summer with Discover Africa Safaris for the first time to Botswana, after spending 2 summers in Kenya and Tanzania. We got recommendations for this travel agency from friends and were really very satisfied with the service provided! We ..."

Nadja, Croatia11 Sep 2025

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"Susan took care of us from the planning to the experience itself. She was always available for us in answering questions and find best solutions. While on tour she kept in contact with us all the time. In terms of services, very well organized and reliable ..."

Carla, Italy26 Aug 2025

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