When Is the Best Time to Go on a Safari in South Africa?

South Africa is a glorious natural paradise home to many of the best safari parks and reserves in the world. Among these include Kruger National Park which is world-renowned for its outstanding biodiversity and Timbavati Nature Reserve, known for its rare white lions.

The country is blessed with incredible landscapes and wildlife. In fact, South Africa is home to just about every animal you could hope to encounter on a safari, from cheetahs to hippopotamuses and leopards to wildebeest. 

With so many magnificent creatures to see and landscapes to explore, it is only natural that many ask: “When is the best time to go on a safari in South Africa?” while planning a trip. After all, you want to visit during a period when the scenery is in its prime and wildlife sightings are common.

However, the best time to go on a safari in South Africa largely depends on personal preferences. In this article, we break down the key advantages of going on a wildlife adventure in the country during different seasons.

Whether you are a general wildlife enthusiast, a lover of landscapes, or a dedicated birdwatcher, these insights will help you plan the perfect safari experience.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safari in South Africa?

March to May (Autumn)

March to May is often thought to be one of the best times to go to South Africa for wildlife diversity. March is the final month of the country’s rainy summer season and signals the transition into Autumn.

This means that initially, the bushveld flourishes and the rivers are full, creating the most glorious natural scenery. The sporadic showers begin to dwindle throughout March and the following months, causing the summer foliage to thin and provide excellent visibility. 

At this point, it becomes much easier to spot creatures, particularly more elusive ones such as leopards. The animals are also more active in Autumn and are often seen strolling through the landscape.

March to May is also commonly regarded as the best time of year for safari in South Africa for those looking who are also wanting to visit Cape Town. Temperatures hover between 16°C and 25°C, providing pleasant temperatures not just for game walks and drives but trips to Boulders Beach and hikes to the top of Table Mountain.

With so much to see during this period, it’s no wonder why it is often hailed as the best time to visit South Africa for a safari. Not only will you be able to tick off seeing marvellous creatures like elephants, lions and African buffalo, but also explore the bright lights of The Mother City.

June to August (Winter)

If you’re aiming to see the widest variety of animal species possible, June to August is likely to be the best time to go to South Africa for you. This period falls under the country’s winter; you can expect dry days with pleasant afternoon temperatures of around 26°C. 

Figures then fall in the morning and afternoon and often sit somewhere between 7°C and 11°C. The majority of the country’s wildlife reserves, such as Kruger National Park, are at their driest at this time of the year, elevating visibility and boosting wildlife viewing opportunities. 

You will be able to see many animals gathering by watering holes during this period, including elephants and lions. Considering the bountiful wildlife spotting opportunities on offer between June and August, and the fact that these months coincide with the school holidays, it is often touted as the best time to visit South Africa for safari for families.

Another advantage of visiting South Africa in winter is that the cool nighttime temperatures result in reduced mosquito activity. The only downside to this is that you need to pack more layers for early morning game drives. 

July and August mark the onset of the whale-watching season. You may wish to consider extending your safari trip to include a visit to Hermanus in the Western Cape. The town is renowned as the world’s best land-based whale-watching spot. 

Here, you can tick off the incredible experience of witnessing these colossal mammals gracefully navigating the azure waters along the Cape coastline.

September to November (Spring)

Seeking the best time of year to visit South Africa for whale watching? Look no further than the spring months of September to November. 

This is when the country’s whale watching season reaches its peak, meaning you’ll be able to spot many migrating humpbacks on the eastern coast, and southern right whales arriving in the Western Cape.

The safari scene is also strong between September and November. In fact, one of the most magical things about going to South Africa at this time of year is that lots of wildlife species give birth during this period.

From September to November, visitors have a unique opportunity to witness heartwarming sights, including baby bush babies and African buffalos.

Additionally, this period brings sunny weather and warmer mornings compared to the previous months. This makes early game drives and walks all the more enjoyable. By November, rain levels increase, leading to denser vegetation.

While this can make it slightly more challenging to spot creatures, it also brings additional benefits, such as injecting vibrant colours into the bushveld and attracting the first migratory birds. Look out for notable avian arrivals like the European Bee-Eater, Yellow Wagtail and Steppe Buzzard.

December to February (Summer)

South Africa enters its rainy summer season in December. The increased rainfall brings many of the country’s game reserves to burst into life, with colourful vegetation carpeting once-arid plains. While this creates stunning natural scenery, it can also pose a challenge for wildlife spotting.

Moreover, the increased rainfall prompts the opening of numerous water holes across the country, leading to the dispersion of herds. For this reason, many do not consider December the best time to go to South Africa for a safari. 

That being said, Kruger’s private game reserves still offer spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities during this month. Timbavati, for example, is a great destination to head to during this time of year.

January brings hot humid temperatures and rainfall tends to increase. You are likely to experience heavy showers in the afternoon, while the mornings and evenings tend to be drier and ideal times to head out on safaris. As in December, the verdant bush can make it more difficult to spot wildlife. 

However, one of the best things about visiting South Africa during this period is that its blissfully warm evenings provide perfect conditions for enjoying sundowners. In fact, this month is particularly renowned for its stunning sunsets, which often showcase magnificent blends of scarlets and fuchsia taking over the sky.

As we move into February, the country edges towards its Autumn season. This month is also quite wet, with downpours often taking place in the afternoon. Temperatures remain high, with figures of around 32°C and high humidity.

Mornings and evenings tend to be drier and ideal times to go on safari. Spotting creatures can be challenging amid blooming flowers and dense vegetation. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as many consider this period to be one of the best times to visit South Africa for birding.

You’ll see many birds in full plumage and migratory species looking very settled. Some of the most exciting avians to watch out for include the vibrant lilac-breasted rollers, majestic African fish eagles, and the distinctive southern ground hornbill.

When Is the Best Time to Go to South Africa for a Safari?

After learning about what each month offers, you might still be wondering, ‘When is the best time to visit South Africa for me?’. Ultimately, it boils down to a matter of personal preference. 

Best Time to Go on a Safari in South Africa for Wildlife and Trips to Cape Town

The best time to go on a safari in South Africa for those looking to see a wide range of animals and visit Cape Town is from March to May. With pleasantly warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, the weather conditions are ideal for exploring the attractions of the Mother City and embarking on wildlife adventures.

Best Time to Go on a Safari in South Africa for Wildlife Spotting

June to August, on the other hand, is generally considered the best time to go on a safari in South Africa for wildlife spotting. This period marks the country’s winter season, when many wildlife reserves are at their driest.

The minimal rainfall results in sparse vegetation which makes it easy to spot all of the species congregating by the watering holes. For this reason, June to August is often hailed as the best time for safari in South Africa for those keen on maximising animal sightings.

Best Time to Go on a Safari in South Africa To See Newborns and Go Whale Watching

September to November is the ideal period for those seeking sun and an opportunity to witness newborn wildlife. It’s also an excellent time for whale watching along the eastern coast and in the Western Cape.

Best Time to Go on a Safari in South Africa for Bird Lovers

Finally, December to February is the best time of year for a South African safari for those who are interested in birding. Visitors during this period will encounter an incredible array of unique avian species.

What Animals Do You See on a Safari in South Africa?

Curious about the wildlife you might encounter on a South African safari?  Explore some of the country’s most magnificent creatures below:

• African Elephant – majestic and enormous, elephants are a common sight in many South African reserves and national parks.
• African Lion – one of the “Big Five,” lions are among the most sought-after animals on safari, and South Africa provides ample opportunities to see them in action.
• African Cape Buffalo – Cape buffalo are formidable creatures often found in South Africa’s woodland savannahs.
• Leopard – the elusive leopard, known for its stealth and beauty, can be spotted in various habitats across South Africa.
• Rhinoceros – both black and white rhinos can be found in South Africa. In fact, the country is home to one of the largest populations of these creatures in the world.

Summary

Serving up unspoilt landscapes and extraordinary wildlife, South Africa is a wonderful destination for a safari escape. Whether you choose to visit during the lush greenery of the summer or the dry days of winter, you are in for a sensational adventure year-round.

Planning a safari trip to South Africa? Our itineraries and accommodations are perfect for travellers wanting to uncover the unique wildlife in this wonderful corner of the world. Take a look at our selection or contact us about booking your dream South African safari. 

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Author: Rosanna