April 21, 2020, Get All the Latest From My Travel Adventures. As such, I would not recommend visiting this city during the peak winter months of June, July & August, when the cold would be too much for me and the rain too heavy – think temperatures that are sometimes as low as 8 degrees. Sightings of the Big Five are highly likely on this itinerary, as we use two of South Africa’s best … A, Yeah, so hands up if you’re never taking travel, “Is there a place in the world that you haven’, And probably the third most common question I get, The Best Time to Visit Kruger & Cape Town, 8 Budget Hacks for Enjoying a South African Safari for Less. Cape Town enjoys a temperate climate with warm, dry conditions from October to April. These flights are best for travellers visiting camps in the south of Kruger Park. Visiting Cape Town in June, July, and August. November can still be wet and, what I would describe as, cool; while February can see some very strong winds and super-hot temperatures. #5 Camera and Lens – I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless, and have used it to capture the beauty of this country and beyond. These hot summer months also coincide with local school holidays, so book your accommodation early if you want to visit over Christmas or New Year. Summers (November to March) are warm; winters (June to September) are mild. If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour in South Africa with guides you can trust, or a self-drive trip organised by a great company, then email me at steph@bigworldsmallpockets.com and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple! Namely that when it’s dry in Cape Town, it’s wet in Kruger National Park. Situated in the Western Cape, Cape Town enjoys almost a Mediterranean climate with warm, hot summers and wet, cool winters. Tell me why (and where your fav bits are) in the comments box below…, Tags: Beaches, National Parks, Safari Travel, Wildlife, Your email address will not be published. The itinerary gives a mix of activities, sightseeing and adventures in diverse landscapes. Your email address will not be published. As somebody who doesn’t mind the heat, this is definitely my preferred time to visit Cape Town. Cape Town has a pleasant climate with warm and dry conditions from October to April. From . such as Berg en Dal, Biyamiti, Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Jock Safari Lodge, Lukimbi Safari Lodge or Tinga Game Lodge. The Best Time of Year to visit Kruger National Park. I would never think of travelling to South Africa without proper coverage and always recommend travel insurance from World Nomads who I’ve used during my time in the country and throughout the continent. The best time to visit Kruger National Park is at the beginning or end of the region's dry season, which falls between April and September. This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you. You can unsubscribe at any Lying pretty far south, it’s also surrounded by ocean and, as such, can be a windy city at the best at times, with the wild Pacific and the enduring Indian Ocean both lapping at its shores (or near enough!). During March, April and May, showers and thunderstorms aren’t uncommon here, but conditions are getting drier and less humid. It’s worth noting however that, even within this period, there are no guarantees. If you’re into your landscape photography, for example, you may therefore find the “wet season” the best time to visit Kruger. Plus, it’s summer across the northern hemisphere then, which means the cost of a flight to South Africa, when you could enjoy a great holiday closer to home for less make it a non-starter for me. Our exciting 7 Day Cape Town & Kruger Park Adventure Combination allows time in 2 of South Africa’s best know destinations: Cape Town and Kruger Park. Cape Town tends to be a bit wet and chilly on occasions at that time of the year, but it offers so much to do, that a few rainy days shouldn't make that much of an impact. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. There’s just so much beautiful nature and landscape to take in around the city that you really want to visit at a time when this is possible. In general, the weather here is kind to visitors. Alternatively, I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours, meaning you can now travel even more in this amazing continent for even less! Do you have suggestions for us? If you are less into the heat however, you may find the best time to visit Kruger and Cape Town is actually during the shoulder season in both locations, when prices may prove a bit lower too. … The most popular time for tours from Cape Town is … If it’s your first safari, we suggest booking Kruger during peak season and cutting down on time spent in Cape Town. From about June to August, when Cape Town and the Western Cape experiences winter rainfall. Explore the Whale Coast for the best land-based whale watching. October would perhaps be the best month for both destinations, but November is also great. Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, remaining busy throughout the year, and each season brings a different atmosphere to the park. We can of course amend or extend this itinerary to include other parts of South Africa, as well as other adventures. During July to September, most animals in Kruger are rearing their young, so your chances of checking out some cute baby animals are much higher at this time. Definitely a win for those small pockets! This is a better time for Kruger (end of the dry season and beginning of the rainy season in Kruger, and end of winter in Cape Town. Events & Festivals Whale watching season (July to November): This is the best time to see southern right whales off the coast after their migration from Antarctica to the warm waters off South Africa, where they will have their young. Cape Town’s fierce south-easterly wind blows during this time, occasionally clearing the beaches and blanketing Table Mountain in cloud. Delightful Cape Town and Kruger Luxury Safari (12 days) Combine Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands with a safari in the Kruger National Park for a relaxing and exhilarating South African safari. During the wet season, the landscape is in full bloom here, with lush bush all around and the green scenery making for some very beautiful views. #4 South African Power Adapter – They have their own unique adapter in this country (only otherwise used in Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana) so come prepared with a South Africa adapter at the ready. Temperatures peak between December and February, with Cape Town's south-easterly wind blowing during this time. And what this really shows is just how huge and diverse this country is, how massively its geography and its climate varies. A Cape Town beach holiday is best during peak summer from December to February. Yes there may be more baby animals around during these months, but the landscape of this massive National Park won’t look nearly as pretty – it’s dusty, dry landscape at that time of year not making for the best photos either! With a warm, sunny climate, a huge diversity of wildlife and a stunning variety of landscapes, a South African holiday really can be whatever you want it to be. Our month by month guide helps you plan your trip - and we've shared tips on local festivals, too. If wildlife is more your thing, then perhaps consider visiting during the dry season instead. Day 4: Cape Town – Greater Kruger After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cape Town International Airport to connect with your scheduled flight to Hoedspruit. Because of the lack of water, the wildlife gathers around waterholes and the vegetation thins out which makes viewing much easier, allowing the rangers to spot the Big 5 from a far distance. What to expect. In between, there’s a whole heap of beaches and mountains… not to mention the 2 separate kingdoms of Swaziland, now known as eSwantini, and Lesotho as well. Required fields are marked *. In many ways, South Africa is the perfect holiday destination. Outside of these months, it can certainly get pretty fresh in Cape Town and that really can put a dampener of some the activities you may want to enjoy while you are there. Spend a day wine tasting in the Cape Winelands. On arrival at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport you will be met and transferred to your luxury lodge, set in pristine African wilderness. A better option in my opinion would be between September and November. ROUTE: (CAPE TOWN – JOHANNESBURG) DAY 1: You are met at Cape Town International Airport by your guide and after introductions you will embark on a full day tour of the city, visiting the popular attractions the city has to offer. The best time for a whale watching holiday is from July to September when migratory southern right whales arrive along the coastline, wild flowers bloom on the West Coast and the weather warms up. Inquire Now. By February the wind calms and most visitors head home, making late January to April absolutely fantastic – expect better rates, uncrowded world class beaches and less wind. The weather is often pretty bad and not conducive to spending time outdoors. Find all the transport options for your trip from Kruger to Cape Town right here. Get expert planning advice and new trip ideas from Africa’s leading A tour starting in Cape Town is a great way to see Kruger National Park. Kruger’s low season is about November to April (except for Christmas, New Year and Easter). Read more. Located at the opposite end of the country, both in terms of west vs east and north vs south, Kruger National Park is located in the Eastern parts of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces of South Africa, 450km north of Joburg. With dry conditions in full swing during these months of the year too, the landscape is much more barren, meaning animals can be easier to spot as well (versus during the lush, wet season, when the thick, green bush can easily hide them). We have 5 tours that range from 7 days up to 11 days. Discover Cape Town’s history and culture on a private walking tour and Robben Island visit. I know heaps of you, I know lots of us (at least those of us in th, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your on, So let’s talk about budget travel beauties… The weather in January in Kruger National Park is characteristically hot and a little damp. Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple! Yes, send me Go2Africa’s newsletter. Just make sure your trip doesn’t coincide with Table Mountain’s annual winter closure (usually for two … Based on weather alone, this is probably a time of year to avoid going to Kruger National Park for your holidays. Simply send this top African overland tour company an email to absaf@absoluteafrica.com, quoting the discount code BWSP, and start planning your incredible trip with them today! safari travel specialists. Arguably the best time for visiting Cape Town because of the clear skies and long, sunny days with the sun setting only after 8 pm. At this time of year you will still be able to get outside and explore the landscapes of Cape Town, whilst simultaneously having less chance of rain spoiling your Kruger plans and more chance of seeing wildlife as the bush slowly dries out and clears away. Published: July 15, 2019 | Last Updated: Travel Day 23. Grab Your Copy of My Ultimate Guide to Road Tripping Australia, "Each of us must confront our own fears, must come, Oh my goodness, so happy that some form of staycat, Ok, so let’s talk Tanzania! Kwa Madwale Reserve. Combine a safari with a food and wine holiday in Cape Town to enjoy its fireside-friendly, rainy winter days. The best thing about Kruger National park is that it provides exceptional game viewing opportunities all year round so the decision on when to travel comes down to personal preferences and the experience you’re after.. Early morning we depart from Johannesburg and travel through the northern province of Mpumalanga in the direction of the breathtaking Kruger National Park. July to September is also a great time for whale watching along Cape Town's Whale Coast. During this time it did rain in Kruger, but only in the late afternoon or evening as I mentioned, and not enough to disturb the enjoyment of my safari. If you aren’t a fan of high temperatures however, then potentially the shoulder season months of April and October might suit you better, with May and September as second (less desirable) possibilities too. Because of a) my fear of the cold and b) because I know I will be spending longer in Cape Town than in Kruger National Park and c) because getting outdoors to explore the landscape and hitting the beach around the city is very important to me, I’ve always visited South Africa during their summer – either in the months of Jan, Feb and March. May to October is the best time to go to Kruger for game viewing - days are dry and mild, and animals are easier to spot and follow. Keep in mind that even on the hottest days, the ocean waters around Cape Town are always very cold. The best time for a whale watching holiday is from July to September when migratory whales arrive along the coastline. #1 Swimwear and Sarong – One World Sarongs are always my go to and a must when you hit the beautiful beaches of South Africa. I’ve visited this city several times during the months of January, February & March and have to say I’ve always had luck with the weather at these times. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As such, it rarely gets cold up in Kruger – at least nothing like Cape Town – and the wind is not normally such an issue either. Winter (June - September): Many safari enthusiasts will tell you the best time to visit Kruger is during the peak of dry season, June to August. This is a better time for Kruger (end of the dry season and beginning of the rainy season in Kruger, and end of winter in Cape Town. Journey across South Africa aboard the Rovos Rail, visiting lesser-known areas of the country. Framed by sun-splashed vineyards and craggy mountain peaks, the picturesque valleys of the Cape Winelands are famous for their grand…  The Kruger is transformed into a beautiful, thriving green landscape and it makes for superb photography. There are barely any crowds at the top attractions, for starters. Equally, you could consider the best time to visit Kruger and Cape Town as falling just before high season starts. In the afternoon we arrive in the Kwa Madwale Game Reserve to the south of Kruger … Because Cape Town really is a very outdoorsy city. May- September: The Best Time To Visit Namibia Travelling to the Kruger National Park is an African adventure that can be enjoyed really, at any time of the year. This means combining them into a single trip, at a single time of year, can bring its own drawbacks. October would perhaps be the best month for both destinations, but November is also great. And when the best wildlife spotting is happening in Kruger National Park, it’s cold and wet in Cape Town. Can you tell how much I love this country? This journey will take you from the seaside city of Cape Town and the lush Cape Winelands to the African bushveld of the Kruger National Park. Temperatures peak between December and February, which is the most popular time for a Cape Town beach holiday. The weather is also gorgeous, as temperatures stay mild and as a general rule, … We conclude the day with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, the new 7th wonder of the world! It all depends on what you would like to see when at the Kruger Park, as each season has in tow a range of highlights. A possible itinerary would be: Fri - Arrive at JNB and then fly into CPT that night Sat, Sun - Cape Town Mon or Tues - This is the flexible part, we could fly/drive up to Kruger on either of these days depending on any recommendations? During the "Green Season", game viewing is still good - with many young summer-born animals around it's a predator's paradise - and it's the also best time to visit the Kruger for bird watching as well as safari-and-beach holiday combinations. Rome2rio makes travelling from Kruger to Cape Town easy. Whether you know it as Johannesburg, Jozi or eGoli (the Place of Gold), South Africa’s largest city is a year-round destination with pros and cons to every season.In terms of weather, the best time to visit Johannesburg is from May to September when the days are cooler, drier and sunnier than they are in the peak of the southern hemisphere summer (December to February). January is in the summer in Kruger National Park and is typically the coldest month of the year. For me personally as a complete winterphobe, there’s no way I’d like to be doing this in a Capetonian winter, when cold temperatures, rain and of course that pesky wind, can certainly limit your opportunities. ➵ Voted Best British Travel Blog ➵ Expert Thrifty Mover ➵ Female Eco Adventurer ➵ Helping You Spend Less Travel Deeper ⇩ ⇩ ⇩.