Visiting South Africa in March

The rain is starting to ease in the north this month and the temperatures are beginning to drop as summer ends in South Africa, although it’s neither as cool nor as dry as the winter months. If you’re planning a holiday in South Africa to spot animals, the bush at Kruger National Park is lush and thick while the rivers are full, so the scenery is at its best this month. It does make it harder to see the animals though, and you can expect afternoon downpours, although it’s a great temperature – warm and not too hot. It’s also rainy around Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant Park, as well as at Tsitsikamma National Park, so while safaris here are possible, it’s better to postpone them for drier weather.

It’s also a quieter month for a holiday in South Africa, apart from any crowds if Easter holidays fall during this month, so keep sightseeing in Cape Town on your wishlist. The city is still dry this month, but the temperature has dropped slightly to highs of around 27C, and it’s slightly cooler still if you’re planning to hike up (or down) Table Mountain. It’s also a perfect month to cycle through the vineyards of the Winelands, with more pleasant temperatures and fewer people at the different estates.

The Garden Route

And if you’re wondering when to go to South Africa to drive the Garden Route, March is easily one of the best times to do it. The crowds are thinner on the beaches if you’re hoping to relax by the coast, with a chance to go kayaking before relaxing on the white sand beaches around Knysna. Or try snorkelling with the colonies of seals at Plettenberg Bay, and enjoying the first of the autumn colours at De Hoop Reserve, where you’ll be able to spot some more of the country’s wildlife, especially birds.

It’s also the start of the surf season around Durban, with plenty of options for beginners and more experienced surfers – novices should head to the breaks and surf schools at Addington Beach and North Beach on the Golden Mile. It’s still best to postpone any hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains for drier days.

Festivals: The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees takes place in late March (or early April), one of the largest art festivals in South Africa. The Afrikaans language event includes visual arts and performances.

Best for: Driving the Garden Route, Cape Town, beaches on the Cape, surfing in Durban