Africa, being a vast continent of 54 countries, cannot easily be generalised, and neither can African safaris. There are a host of exciting destinations to visit across the continent, each offering vastly different experiences, and the seasonality of each varies by region and country.
South Africa, located at the very tip of Africa, is undoubtedly a world-class safari destination. The third most biodiverse country in the world after Brazil and Indonesia, it boasts an astonishing diversity of landscapes, terrains, wildlife and experiences.
And one of the best times to visit is in the heart of the South African winter, from May to September.
1. You’ll miss the crowds.
Unlike countries such as Zambia and Botswana, winter is low season in many parts of South Africa.
This means that safari camps and lodges are less busy than in the popular summer and spring months, and the rates are often much less expensive, so you can grab yourself a bargain. Special offers for longer stays are also on offer – Samara Karoo Reserve offers a Stay 4 Pay 3 special during the winter months.
At some lodges, this may also mean that you have a greater chance of ending up with your own private vehicle – a little extra treat that can make your winter safari in South Africa even more special.
2. You’ll avoid the worst heat of summer
This is an obvious perk, but it bears repeating. Summers in South Africa can be hot.
Not only can this make you feel lethargic, but it affects the wildlife too. Many animals will be active only for a very short period at dawn and dusk, thus reducing the hours of potential game-viewing. South African winters on the other hand are generally mild and dry, with cooler mornings and evenings. Winter is arguably the best time for safari in South Africa as it allows the wildlife to stay active for longer.
A typical winter’s day in the Eastern Cape, will start off frosty but thaw into pleasant T-shirt weather during the course of the day. At Samara, this means that winter game drives can sometimes turn into day-long excursions – with a delicious picnic of course – to explore the vast wilderness in utmost peace.
Bear this in mind though – in the same way that summers in South Africa can reach a debilitating 40 degrees Celsius, winters in South Africa can also get cold. And believe it or not, it does sometimes snow!
The main thing to remember for a winter safari in South Africa is to pack cleverly and appropriately – lots of layers will serve you well in a climate that can be characterised as changeable at best. In fact, this goes for a safari at any time of year (read Samara’s ‘What to Bring on Safari‘ guide here).
3. There is a greater chance of spotting elusive wildlife
It is well-known in the safari world that the drier winter months lead wildlife to congregate around focal food and water sources, making game-viewing easier and more dramatic. The bush also tends to be less dense than in summer, and animals’ behaviour is somewhat more predictable.
In certain parts of South Africa, the lower temperatures have another interesting effect. At Samara Karoo Reserve in the Eastern Cape, winter sees the elusive and nocturnal aardvark change its behaviour to emerge during the day.
No one is quite certain why, but it is probably linked to a change in activity patterns for the aardvark’s primary food source – ants and termites. This funny-looking creature tops many a safari bucket list, so the winter months are arguably the best time for a safari in South Africa as you could be setting yourself up for the sighting of a lifetime.
4. Safaris combine well with other experiences in South Africa
Winter in South Africa is a time of cultural festivals, world-famous land-based whale-watching (Hermanus in June to September is ideal) and curling up by the fire with a delicious glass of Cabernet Sauvignon (a flagship grape in South Africa).
Festivals around that time of year include the Graaff-Reinet Stoep Tasting Wine Festival (May 2024), the Franschhoek Literary Festival (17-19 May 2024), the Knysna Oyster Festival (21-30 June 2024) and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (20-30 June 2024), amongst many others.
Make like a local and head off the beaten track to discover South Africa’s hidden gems in the winter months.
Combine your winter safari with any one of the above, not to forget the (mostly) balmy weather, low season rates and smaller crowds, and you have yourself a perfect itinerary for a winning South African holiday – one that will make you want to return time and time again.
Samara Karoo Reserve is a leading conservation journey to restore 67,000 acres of South Africa’s Great Karoo landscape and beyond through rewilding and responsible tourism. Staying at one of Samara’s lodges acts as a direct contribution to this vision.
