South Africa is one of the most spectacular countries on earth.
With idyllic weather, breathtaking landscapes, majestic animals, incredibly diverse cultures and the option of opulent luxuries – there’s almost nothing you can’t experience here!
It’s beautiful here!
Firstly let us say that there is no bad time to visit South Africa. However, it all depends on what you are coming for.
Best Time for Safaris: May – September (Winter)
Our most famous national park is the Kruger National Park. This area experiences wet summers and dry winters. Although coming in the winter seems odd, it is the best time to get a glimpse of the animals and the temperatures are actually bearable.
Best Time for a Cape Town Beach Trip: November – March (Summer)
The Eastern and Western Cape experience dry summers and wet, cold winters.
If you are looking for a deal: March – May & September – October
Visit in Spring and Autumn. You will find fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
P.S. When do South African Schools go on break: January, March, June, July, September, December.
☀ January: Summer (Best Time for A Cape Town Beach Trip) ☀
☀ February: Summer (Best Time for A Cape Town Beach Trip) ☀
🍂 March: Autumn (Best Time For A Deal) 🍂
🍂 April: Autumn (Best Time For A Deal) 🍂
🍂 May: Autumn ((Best Time For A Deal) 🍂
⛄ June: Winter (Best Time for A Safari) ⛄
⛄ July: Winter (Best Time for A Safari) ⛄
⛄ August: Winter (Best Time for A Safari) ⛄
🌱 September: Spring (Best Time For A Deal) 🌱
🌱October: Spring (Best Time For A Deal) 🌱
🌱 November: Spring (Blue Skies & Sunshine) 🌱
☀ December: Summer (Best Time for A Cape Town Beach Trip) ☀
We have 11 official languages! But we mostly speak English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans.
We use the South African Rand (ZAR).
1 USD = R15.00
1 EUR = R16.00
1 GBP = R19.00
1 THB = R0.45
You can use a card or draw cash at an ATM. We would suggest using a card if possible to minimise the amount of cash on hand. However, if you do visit certain markets or encounter car guards, for instance, it is useful to carry some spare cash.
All of the above exchange rates are very rough 5-year averages, just so you can get an idea.
We would suggest hiring a car and driving around yourself. Uber and other taxi hailing apps do work here too.
If visiting Gauteng, we do have the Gautrain which links a few major hubs, but you would more than often need to get to the station with a car anyway.