Visiting South Africa in May

The peak season crowds are long gone as South Africa’s winter looms, but it’s still a great time to visit if you’re planning a safari and looking for pleasantly warm days rather than the heat of summer. It’s arguably the best time to visit South Africa if you’re heading to Kruger National Park or neighbouring reserves such as Sabi Sands, as animals start congregating around water holes, the vegetation is starting to thin out so it’s easier to spot the Big Five, and you can even see elephants migrating. Expect sunny clear days with fewer people driving the routes through the reserve, although it’s chilly in the early mornings so wrap up warm for game drives at dawn, and once the sun sets in the evening.

South

It’s similarly warm and generally dry further south at Addo Elephant Park, while you can ensure you avoid the crowds on safari by heading to a private game reserve near Port Elizabeth. Easy to combine with a drive along the Garden Route, Bryde’s whales also start arriving around Hermanus from this month and you can also spot Southern Right Whales at De Hoop Reserve where they come close to the shoreline to mate and give birth. You can also see humpback whales around Plettenberg Bay, along with the year-round colonies of seals.

Save some time to zoom through the treetops at Tsitsikamma National Park for unbeatable views over the forest canopy, as well as sightseeing in Cape Town. Don’t be surprised if Table Mountain is covered in a blanket of fog in the mornings, but the weather is ideal if you’re planning to hike rather than take the cable car – you may even want some extra layers against the cooler temperatures. It’s not too cold for a cycle ride through the vineyards at Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, more pleasant than the searing heat of summer and quieter than the peak harvest months, but with plenty of tastings still on offer.

North

Further north, it’s also another perfect month for hiking in the Drakensberg, although if you’re taking the trails to higher peaks, you might even encounter snow this month. Otherwise, it’s dry and sunny, if cool. If you’re looking for beaches, head to Durban where it’s warm and dry this month, with plenty of surfing along the Golden Mile and even more places to relax and enjoy the sunshine in between exploring the city and surroundings.

Festivals: The Cape Town Jazz Festival is one of the key events in South Africa’s music scene, now taking place in May (originally in March). With international artists on the bill alongside local performers, there are also free concerts if you weren’t quick enough to snap up tickets for the main shows.

Best for: Exploring the whole country, safari, hiking in the Drakensberg, surfing in Durban