South Africa is a superb all-round travel destination. safaris can be enjoyed in and around the immense Kruger National Park, while countless smaller reserves support a startlingly diverse flora and birdlife rich in . The majestic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park offers wonderful hiking, Cape Town showcases the nation’s rich cultural diversity, and the long coastline is lined with gorgeous beaches.
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Rates
(USD)
- $176 to $927 pp/day
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Best Time To Go
- May to September (Most parks), October to March (Cape Town)
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High Season
- October to March (Crowded during school holidays)
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Size
- 1,221,037km² / 471,445mi²
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Pros & Cons
- Excellent wildlife viewing in hundreds of parks and reserves
- , package or custom safaris for any budget
- Well-run tourist industry, good infrastructure and competitive prices
- An alluring choice of overnight hikes, day walks and adventure activities
- The long scenic coastline offers superb beaches and whale watching
- The stately seaside city of Cape Town is rich in cultural sites and beauty spots
- Wine tasting and fine dining in the scenic Cape Winelands
- Parks are fenced and have less wilderness feel than in some other countries
- Popular parks can get crowded
- High crime rate in cities
Wildlife
An extensive network of national parks and other reserves is home to all the , along with giraffe, , zebra, cheetah and many different antelope. South Africa is easily the world’s most important rhino stronghold, but while are common in many reserves, are more difficult to see. Greater Kruger, especially Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, is probably the most reliable place in Africa for leopard encounters.
More about the wildlife
Things To Do
Few countries are better than South Africa when it comes to variety. Here you can do in Big Five territory, explore countless walking trails, and sample word-class wines at historic mountain-ringed estates. Cape Town’s urban attractions include museum-hopping, nightclubbing, fine dining or simply watching the city unfold from the summit of Table Mountain, while activities along the coastal Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal Province range from swimming and surfing to snorkeling and whale watching.
Weather & Climate
The South African winter runs from May to September and summer from October to April. In Kruger and surrounds, winter is mostly sunny with temperatures around 26°C/79°F, but early mornings are cold. In this region, most of the annual rainfall comes in afternoon showers during the hot summer months. On the other hand, Cape Town and its immediate surrounds experience winter rainfall. Summer is more pleasant in the Cape, with temperatures around 24°C/75°F and little rain.
More about the weather and climate
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Kruger and surrounds is May to September. This is the Dry season in the region, and at this time animals are easier to spot as they stay near and rivers. Days are mostly sunny but nights are chilly. Cape Town and around is best visited from October to March as this is the Dry season here. The warm dry months are perfect to enjoy the city, the beaches and other coastal attractions.
More about the best time to visit
Premier Parks & Reserves
- Kruger NP – Classic safaris,
- Sabi Sand NR – Classic safaris, private reserve
- MalaMala GR – Classic safaris, private reserve
- Madikwe GR – Classic safaris, malaria-free
- Phinda GR – Classic safaris, private reserve
- Kgalagadi TP – Classic safaris
- All 50 South Africa Parks & Reserves