Best Month for Safari in South Africa for 2025

Are you finally planning that safari in South Africa? Then you’ll need to decide the best time to go!

I’ve been on a lot of safaris in South Africa, and I’m going to share with you what my experience has taught me about choosing the best month for them.

Because who doesn’t want to make the most of their time in South Africa?

Heading to South Africa for a safari is like stepping into a whole new world. Imagine driving through endless landscapes where you can spot elephants, lions, and leopards in their natural habitat.

It’s not just about the animals, though. Each park, from Kruger National Park to the Sanbona, has its own unique vibe. Even Phinda Private Game Reserve has the best time to visit.

A South Africa safari isn’t just a vacation, either. It’s a way to support wildlife conservation and help out local communities too. It’s the kind of trip that’ll give you stories to share for years! My first one still feels like yesterday – and a hundred years ago.

Your Guide to the Best Month for a South African Safari

This depends on your budget, whether you’d like to avoid the crowds, what your heat tolerance is, and several other factors. We’ll start with what’s generally considered the all-round best safari month.

Spoiler – I tend to prefer the spring and autumn months, for the best of all worlds.

Best Month for Safari in South Africa: August

Why August?

• Weather Conditions: August is winter in South Africa. This means cooler temperatures which make game drives more comfortable. This is especially true in the northern parts of the country like Kruger National Park.
  
  The cooler weather also means that animals are more active throughout the day. Early mornings and late afternoons are always prime times for wildlife spotting. In winter, those mid-day naps in the heat tend to be a bit shorter (for your too!).
  
  Predators are also more active during these cooler parts of the day – increasing your likelihood of witnessing a hunt!

• Wildlife Viewing: Winter is the dry season in much of South Africa. This is when vegetation dies back and leaves are often off the trees.
  
  We’re left with a much clearer view of the landscape, and wildlife is easier to spot. Animals tend to congregate around a reduced number of waterholes and rivers, too.
  
  This makes them more predictable and increases your chances of seeing more wildlife. This includes the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), which are often top on the list for safari-goers.

• Visitor Numbers: August is still within the peak travel season. But it’s a bit less crowded than June and July, which are school holiday periods in many countries.
  
  This means slightly fewer crowds while still enjoying the benefits of peak wildlife viewing conditions.

• Photographic Opportunities: The dry, clear air and the more mellow gold of the sunshine in winter provide really excellent photographic conditions.
  
  Wildlife photographers will find that the natural light and the backdrop of the spare savannah are perfect for capturing stunning wildlife photos.

Other Considerations

• Evening Temperatures: While daytime temperatures are pleasantly cooler, it can get pretty cold in the evenings and early mornings.
  
  Remember to pack warm clothing for game drives. These tend to start early, when temperatures are still at their lowest. You may be provided with a warm blanket for the ride, but bring a knit hat, gloves, and thick socks.

• Malaria Precautions: Some parts of parts of South Africa, like Kruger National Park, are in malaria-risk areas. The risk is lower during the winter, but it’s still a good idea to take precautions.
  
  Use mosquito repellent, and talk to your doctor or travel clinic about preventative medications.

• Booking in Advance: Since August is a popular time for safaris in South Africa, it’s wise to book well in advance. Accommodations and safari tours fill up quickly. Getting a head start means better options and less disappointment.

Choosing August for your safari in South Africa will give you a good balance. You’ll have excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and somewhat smaller crowds. Plus, the weather conditions tend to be less sweltering.

Month-by-Month Safari Guide for South Africa

South Africa is a sizeable country, with coastal areas, mountains, and a variety of landscapes. The climate varies from place to place.

Creating a comprehensive guide for the best time to go on a safari in South Africa requires taking all of these into account. Here’s a detailed month-by-month breakdown:

January and February (Summer)

• Climate: These are among the wettest months, especially in the northern safari areas like Kruger National Park. Humidity is high and thunderstorms are frequent.

• Safari Experience: The dense greenery and so many water sources can make wildlife spotting more challenging. But it’s an excellent time for bird watching. Many species are in full plumage, and some migratory birds are returning.

March to May (Autumn)

• Climate: The weather begins to cool, and the rains start to subside. Safaris are more comfortable, especially if you’re camping or otherwise have no air conditioning.

• Safari Experience: This is a transitional period. Water begins to dry up, and animals start to congregate around lessening water sources. This really improves wildlife visibility. It’s also a great time to avoid the peak crowds of the dry season.

June to August (Winter)

• Climate: These are the coolest months of the year, particularly in the morning and evening. Very little to no rain, making the terrain dry. Except for Cape Town and its surrounding area. This is their main rainy season.

• Safari Experience: Considered the optimal time for safaris in South Africa. This is when lack of long grass, leaves and overall dry conditions make wildlife easier to spot. Animals are more frequently found around the few remaining waterholes​.

September to November (Spring)

• Climate: Temperatures start warming up, and the dry landscape begins to come back to life with the first rains.

• Safari Experience: Still good for wildlife viewing as waterholes are still key gathering spots for animals. The scenery becomes all lush and green again, and there’s an increase in newborn animals. This is amazing to see!

December (Early Summer)

• Climate: Hot and wet, which can make safaris less comfortable due to the high temperatures and humidity.

• Safari Experience: Challenging game viewing due to thick vegetation and widespread availability of water. But excellent for birding and seeing younger animals​. Not to mention, South Africa is just stunning when it’s just all leafy and green.

The Best Popular Wildlife Parks in Certain Months

Kruger National Park:

• Advantage: One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger is famous for its large number of wild animals including the Big Five. It’s especially good in the winter months (June to August) for wildlife viewing.
  
  This is because the dry weather forces animals to gather at the few remaining water sources.

• Consideration: It’s also one of the most popular, so it can get crowded during peak tourist seasons like South African school holidays.

➽ This 7-day safari takes you through the park from the south end right up to the wild north. Enjoy the whole park with all your meals and accommodations taken care of. Click to find out the availability of the tour and to book.

Addo Elephant National Park:

• Advantage: On the famous Garden Route and best known for its elephants, with over 600 living in the park. Addo will give you a more intimate bush experience and is great year-round. It’s smaller and less crowded compared to Kruger.

• Consideration: Its nearness to the coast allows for a combination of safari and beach activities. This is particularly enjoyable during the warmer months from September to April.

➽ This 4-day safari takes you along the Garden Route and includes whale watching and wine tasting with your safari. You even have the opportunity to jump from the highest bungee bridge in the world! Click to find out the availability of the tour and to book.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve:

• Advantage: Located near Cape Town, Sanbona is a malaria-free safari experience. This is a great advantage for families with young children or those unable to take malaria prophylaxis. And it has white lions!

• Consideration: This is a semi-desert environment in Western Cape. It has a different landscape and ecosystem compared to the lushness of Kruger or Addo.
  
  Activities like rock art viewings are unique here, and the stargazing is exceptional during the clear winter nights.

➽ The Gondwana Family Lodge is a terrific accommodation in Sanbona. Along with al the safari fun, thery have a terrific Kids on Safari programme. Click to find out the availability at the lodge and to book.

Mountain Zebra National Park:

• Advantage: This park is less frequented by international tourists, so it’s a quieter experience. It’s perfect if you’re interested in seeing endemic wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
  
  The winter months are particularly good for crisp, clear safari days, with sometimes snow on the higher ground.

• Consideration: The park is not home to as large a variety of big game as Kruger. It focuses more on protecting species like the Cape Mountain zebra.
  
  There are also animals like cheetah, caracal, rare black rhino, eland, black wildebeest, red hartebeest and Cape buffalo.

➽ The Country Lane Farm Cottage is my favourite place to stay when visiting the park. It has excellent reviews, a terrace, great hiking close by, and the food is outstanding 😋. Click to find out the availability at the lodge and to book.

Seasonal Temperature Chart for Popular Safari Destinations

Month	Kruger National Park (Temp/Rain)	Addo Elephant National Park (Temp/Rain)	Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (Temp/Rain)	Mountain Zebra National Park (Temp/Rain)
January	32°C / 106mm	25°C / 40mm	28°C / 25.4mm	28°C / 15mm
February	32°C / 67mm	25°C / 35mm	28°C / 20.3mm	27°C / 17mm
March	31°C / 68mm	24°C / 45mm	25°C / 20.3mm	25°C / 16mm
April	29°C / 35mm	22°C / 55mm	22°C / 12.7mm	22°C / 11mm
May	27°C / 15mm	20°C / 50mm	19°C / 7.6mm	19°C / 8mm
June	25°C / 11mm	18°C / 30mm	16°C / 7.6mm	16°C / 5mm
July	24°C / 10mm	18°C / 25mm	15°C / 5.1mm	14°C / 4mm
August	26°C / 8mm	19°C / 35mm	17°C / 7.6mm	18°C / 8mm
September	29°C / 21mm	20°C / 40mm	20°C / 10.2mm	22°C / 12mm
October	30°C / 33mm	22°C / 50mm	23°C / 17.8mm	24°C / 20mm
November	30°C / 77mm	23°C / 60mm	24°C / 30.5mm	26°C / 25mm
December	32°C / 92mm	25°C / 55mm	26°C / 40.6mm	27°C / 30mm

Peak Season vs. Low Season

Peak Season (June to August)

• Pros: Best wildlife viewing conditions, less crowded except for school holidays, and great photography opportunities due to the dry landscape.
• Cons: Cold mornings and evenings require warm clothing, and accommodation rates are often higher.

Low Season (November to April)

• Pros: Lush landscapes, the presence of many young animals, lower rates, and fewer tourists.
• Cons: Hotter and wetter conditions can make safaris less comfortable, and thick grass and foliage can reduce wildlife visibility.

Shoulder Seasons

Shoulder seasons for safaris in South Africa are the months just before and after the peak tourist seasons. Namely April to May (late autumn) and September to October (early spring). These are my favourite times for safari.

These periods offer you a balance. You will miss the extreme weather conditions of the high and low seasons. There are other advantages and drawbacks as well.

Pros:

• Milder Weather: More moderate temperatures make your game drives more comfortable, but a bit warmer in early mornings.
• Lower Costs: Less demand can mean lower prices on flights, accommodations, and tours.
• Fewer People: Smaller crowds let you enjoy a quieter, more “back to nature” wildlife viewing experience.
• Good Wildlife Viewing: Although not at its peak, animal spotting is still amazing, because vegetation isn’t summertime-full.

Cons:

• Unpredictable Weather: These transition months can mean unexpected rains and temperature shifts.
• Animal Visibility: While it is good, the frequency and predictability of sightings may not match the dry season peak.
• Park Maintenance: Some parks might conduct maintenance during these less busy months. This could potentially impact your safari experience.

Essential Info

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Read more:

➵ The Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls: Your Ultimate Guide
➵ Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Expert Review: Cape Town Big 5 Safari
➵ A Look at the Safest City in South Africa and Its Competitors
➵ 39 Amazing Facts About Kruger National Park You Never Knew

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