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Imagine vast dry stretches of savannah, the golden grasslands rippling in the breeze. A lion hunkers down in the vegetation, its eyes fixed on the impala herd in front of it. You’re about to witness one of the most dramatic encounters in Africa…
July is in the middle of the dry season; the land has had a couple of months to dry out after the rainy season. Landscapes have thinned out and watering holes have decreased – this sets the stage for excellent wildlife viewing. Temperatures in Kruger and surrounds are cold during early morning and evening game drives, so wear warm clothing.
At the bottom of the country, in Cape Town, July brings some of the coldest temperatures and highest rainfall of the year. You can expect low-season prices, regular rainstorms, and fewer tourists. Hermanus’ whale-watching season is in full swing; watch these giants lobtailing and breaching from the shore and during marine safaris.
Weather in July
Daytime temperatures in Kruger National Park and surrounds can reach a high of 24 °C/75 °F and a low of 11 °C/52 °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 7 °C/45 °F, with an average rainfall of 3.3 in.
Average Weather in July
Kruger and Surrounds
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 11℃ | 52℉ | 0.2 inches |
| Max | 24℃ | 75℉ | 0.4 inches |
Cape Town
| Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 7℃ | 45℉ | 1.1 inch |
| Max | 18℃ | 64℉ | 5.3 inches |
Destinations to Visit in South Africa in July
Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
July is one of the best months for a safari at Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. The lack of rain over the last couple of months (the dry season starts in May) dries out the land, thinning out vegetation and making wildlife (including the Big Five) far easier to spot. Watering holes also decrease, causing a multitude of animals to gather on the banks of rivers and dams.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, is a Big Five safari destination renowned for rhino conservation. The dry winter season, between June and September, is the best time for game drives and walking safaris. During a bush walk, you’ll get closer to the smaller animals and flora that call this park home and learn to identify wildlife tracks.
Manyeleti Game Reserve
Manyeleti offers a tranquil safari experience with exceptional stargazing opportunities. As it shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Timbavati, wildlife sightings are spectacular. Due to the low light pollution in the area, stargazing is a not-to-be-missed activity that can be done year-round.
Activities to Do in July in South Africa
- 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
