Visiting South Africa in July

Winter is firmly underway, with cool, rainy days along the Cape but warmer, drier weather further north which is perfect for a holiday in South Africa if you’re planning a safari. As the dry season continues, the Big Five and the country’s other wildlife are all easier to spot, with animals more visible in the dry undergrowth and many clustering around water holes. Kruger National Park is one of the best places to visit in July, along with neighbouring private reserves such as Sabi Sands and Hoedspruit, although there’s usually more to see in the south of the park in July. Temperatures can be surprisingly chilly in the early mornings and evenings, but daytimes are usually pleasantly warm.

Wildlife

But you can still spot wildlife further south. Addo Elephant Park is dry, and similarly cool outside the warmth of the day, with a nearby private game reserve near Port Elizabeth making a fabulous combination. A safari near the Cape is ideal if you’re also hoping to see whales along the coast, as Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters around South Africa. Head to Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay and De Hoop Reserve to see them, often coming close to shore to give birth this month.

Much of the Garden Route is cool and rainy this month, so it’s not the best time to enjoy the beaches and forests along the coast, while Cape Town itself is also cooler and wet this month. The Winelands are also colder, although there’s never a bad time to try some of South Africa’s famous wines, even if the vineyards themselves aren’t at their best in midwinter.

The east coast is much sunnier, with temperatures hovering around the mid-20Cs in Durban, and fewer people on the beaches. If you’re a keen surfer or looking to learn, it’s a great time to make the most of the breaks along the Golden Mile and elsewhere on the beaches near the city.

Festivals: The annual Knysna Oyster Festival adds some sparkle to winter on the Garden Route, with a chance to make the most of the town’s fantastic seafood and scenery by the lagoon. As well as trying some of South Africa’s best oysters, you can also enjoy cooking demos, live music, wine tastings and a whole string of other activities.

The 11-day National Arts Festival in Makhanda is another of Africa’s biggest art events, with everything from art installations to street performers, comedy, theatre and all manner of creative arts on the line-up.

Best for: Safaris in Kruger National Park, whale-watching, beaches in Durban