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South Africa in July

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

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

An African harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus) perched on a tree on the woodlands of central Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Kruger becomes very chilly during July | Photo: Getty

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

TemperaturesCelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min7℃45℉1.1 inch
Max18℃64℉5.3 inches

Destinations to Visit in South Africa in July

Two white rhinos in Manyeleti
Manyeleti offers a tranquil safari experience with exceptional stargazing opportunities | Photo: Getty

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

Land based whale watching at Groobtos.jpg
Whale watching is particularly good during July | Photo: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
  • 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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"As a party of seven guests we found the travel arrangements seamless and the accommodation well suited to both older and younger members. In addition, we were of mixed bush experience with some seasoned safari members and some first timers. The Lodges and e..."

Jenny Ashley - Smith, Canada18 Mar 2026

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"I used Discover Africa services for organizing our South African safari. Justin was our organizer, he did an excellent job. He was very communicative, responsive and very helpful. He helped us all the way and kept in contact also during the Safari. I will d..."

Shahin Shahkarami, South Africa14 Feb 2026

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"Was just awesome, would recommend anytime...saw all big 5, all small 5, live kill by lions...was just divine"

Priyum Koonjul, Canada21 Nov 2025

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"This trip was all about making memories, and it did just that. Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Mala Mala Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls, and finally Zanzibar. Our boutique hotels along the way were nothing less than stunning, as was Lanzarac Manor in Stellenbosch. T..."

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"We had a wonderful experience with Discover Africa and, specifically, Dev Panaino. Dev helped us plan a dream vacation to South Africa and Zimbabwe and made the planning from our end effortless. We met with Dev via Zoom calls for the initial trip planning, ..."

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"We were looking for a safari tour for our honeymoon and it has been an extremely wonderful experience with Discover Africa Safaris and it has been a pleasure working with Susan Veldman who was very well organised in putting together a customised Safari itin..."

Amos Yap, Singapore27 Aug 2025

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