Wilson's Warf, Durban, is popular among locals

A top tip for touring in South Africa? Prepare to be surprised! If there’s one thing that stands out for people keen to explore this country, it’s the sheer variety of experiences on offer.

Here are some of our favourites:

  • Big Five safaris: South Africa’s wildlife is one of its greatest attractions – and with good reason. Nothing compares to watching wild animals in their natural habitat, especially if you’re experiencing the thrill of a Big Five viewing. Plus, if there’s one thing more magical than watching a game from a vehicle, it’s hiking or horse riding through the bush. While the Kruger National Park is, perhaps, the most famous of the country’s game reserves, there are many others: KwaZulu-Natal offers malaria-free viewing at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, while the Pilanesberg National Park is a massive draw card in the North West Province. There’s also Manyeleti Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve in Limpopo, the Addo Elephant and Mountain Zebra National Parks in the Eastern Cape, and several private game reserves (like Aquila and Botlierskop) in the Western Cape. Remember to include Madikwe and Dinokeng Game Reserves in Gauteng, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape, and the Free State’s Amanzi Private Game Reserve in your list.
  • Table Mountain, one of the ‘New Wonders of the World’, is the iconic mountain overlooking Cape Town. It makes our ‘Mother City’ instantly recognisable and defines the city’s skyline. A hike or cableway trip up the mountain to view the incredible splendour of the Cape Floral Kingdom and marvel at the endless vistas is a must.
  • The Western Cape Wine Routes: The beautiful wine farms of Stellenbosch, Constantia, and Franschhoek are a drawcard for lovers of fine food and wine, and a wine tasting in a centuries-old cellar is a unique and unforgettable experience.
  • Whale watching along the country’s coast is a treat for visitors to Yzerfontein, Plettenberg Bay, and, most especially, the spectacularly beautiful town of Hermanus.
  • Namaqualand’s wildflowers are an explosion of colour and beauty in the country’s Northern Cape every July.
  • Explore South Africa’s Apartheid past at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. While you’re there, book a township tour of Soweto: visit the one-time home of former president Nelson Mandela, eat traditional food (like walkie talkies, or chicken feet, and skopo, or sheep’s head) at a shebeen (tavern) and pay your respects at the Hector Pietersen Memorial, which honours the first child killed in the 1976 student uprising against Apartheid. Those interested in South Africa’s struggle past should also visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison.
  • Laze on golden beaches: the stingingly cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean make for invigorating swimming (especially when you’re swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach), while many enjoy the warmer Indian Ocean, which lines Durban. Alternatively, take time to explore the villages of the Garden Route (famous as home to the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market, one of the most renowned food and produce markets in the country), where the scenery is simply breathtaking.
  • The battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, where you can learn more about South Africa’s often tumultuous history.
  • Wander through KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands Meander, a string of quaint and picturesque villages which are home to artists, crafters, and artisanal producers, making it a favourite amongst food lovers.
  • Take in the unspoilt beauty of the Wild Coast, one of the most pristine coastlines in the country.
  • Get back to your routes by exploring the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, where the remains of Mrs Ples and Little Foot (said to be the forerunners of all humanity) were found.
  • Indulge in the country’s exciting and ever-evolving cuisine, which blends elements from its many different cultures with the fusion tastes of contemporary cuisine.

Not sure which experience to focus on first? Ask a tourist guide to help you plan. Tourist guides in South Africa can be found in more than 30 languages, from Arabic to Yoruba – but remember, nearly everyone speaks and understands English.

South Africa’s seasons
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so it’s summer here when it’s winter up north. Travellers can usually find fantastic bargain prices in the low (winter) and shoulder (spring and autumn) seasons.

  • Spring: September, October, November
  • Summer: December through March
  • Autumn: April, May
  • Winter: June through August

Bonnievale in the Western Cape. Image courtesy of Karen Kleingeld

What’s the weather like?

As South Africans say: lekker (great)! There’s a reason we’re known for our sunny climate: South Africa receives 2 500 hours of sunshine every year – and, indeed, most of the country’s most sought after destinations (like the safari areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo) bask in warm winter days and crisp, cool nights – perfect for game viewing, because the vegetation is low and the animals don’t feel tempted to rest in the shade. Durban, meanwhile, is known to have the mildest winter temperature in the country, and holidaymakers frequently taken to the beaches during the winter months. On the other hand, Cape winters are wet and windy (a stark contrast to most other areas in the country, which have summer rainfall) – but even if it’s not ideal for tanning, it’s perfect for exploring the winelands or learning more about the Cape’s history and heritage.

According to southafrica-info.com, temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 26°c (79°F) in summer, and 5°C (41°F) to 20°C (68°).

Looking for more information? Check out the South African Weather Services.