Visiting South Africa in September

Temperatures begin to rise again across the country this month as spring starts to arrive in earnest, with plenty to tempt you to visit if you’re wondering when to go to South Africa. Spring flowers are at their peak, especially around the Cape at Namaqualand and in the winelands – enjoy the blossoms here on a bike ride through the vineyards – while on Table Mountain, fynbos (the shrubland unique to South Africa) is flourishing too.

Wildlife

It’s also a fantastic month to go on safari with many baby animals born this month. Head north to Kruger National Park, where the months of dry weather mean it’s easy to spot the Big Five in the dry undergrowth, as well as around the water holes. There are a string of other private reserves nearby too, including Sabi Sands and Hoedspruit which you could combine with the national park.

It’s still peak whale-watching season off the south coast as well, with Southern Right Whales coming close to the shore near Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, plus a chance to see whales elsewhere along the Garden Route at De Hoop Reserve. This month also sees the annual Hermanus Whale Festival to raise awareness about these gentle giants, so it can be busy here while the events are taking place. There’s more animal-spotting on land here too, although it’s a little rainier here than in the reserves of the north, including the Addo Elephant Park and private reserves on the Eastern Cape, near Port Elizabeth.

Elsewhere, you could fly through the forest canopy at Tsitsikamma National Park or go kayaking before relaxing on the white sand beaches around Knysna – the weather can still be unpredictable but it’s often warm and dry now. And it’s getting drier and warmer in Cape Town as well, with temperatures at around 21C, which are pleasant for sight-seeing even if it’s not beach weather yet.

For sunbathing, head east to Durban where temperatures hover around 25C and you can enjoy the last of the drier months before rain starts to set in – the best surfing is now over for the year though. Or for a more active adventure, the sun is warming up the Drakensberg Mountains once more, with clear sunny days to tackle the trails through the range, home to South Africa’s highest peak.

Festivals: Heritage Day takes place on September 24, celebrating South Africa’s diversity. The public holiday was previously known as Shaka Day, named for the Zulu king, with a focus on everything from music to language, food and traditions.

The Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the Southern Right Whales who migrate to the country every year, with music, parades, arts and crafts and other activities taking place over a weekend in late September.

Best for: Exploring the whole country, safari, hiking in the Drakensberg, Garden Route, beaches in Durban, whale-watching