Check the weather city by city, starting with Pretoria.
South Africa is the most complete African destination: safaris in Kruger (Big Five), the wild Cape of Good Hope, Stellenbosch vineyards, the spectacular Garden Route and the beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. All with some of the best tourism infrastructure on the continent.
One of the largest parks in Africa (20,000 km²), home to the wild Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo. Guided 4x4 safaris or self-drive from official camps are an unforgettable experience.
Highlights : Lion & Leopard — Big Five, White & black rhinoceros, Satara Camp — lion territory, Blyde River Canyon — panorama.
Cape Town, regularly voted the most beautiful city in the world, is dominated by Table Mountain. The Cape Peninsula offers wild beaches, African penguins and the famous Cape of Good Hope.
Highlights : Table Mountain — cable car or hike, Cape of Good Hope, African penguins at Boulders Beach, Robben Island — Mandela's prison.
45 km from Cape Town, the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek valleys produce some of the best wines in the Southern Hemisphere: pinotage, chenin blanc, cabernet sauvignon. Villages with Cape Dutch houses and fine dining restaurants.
Highlights : Franschhoek vineyards, Wine tasting in Stellenbosch, Boschendal — picnic among the vines.
The Garden Route is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world: the turquoise Knysna Lagoon, Tsitsikamma with its ancient forests and outdoor activities, and the wild beaches of Hermanus (whales Sep–Nov).
Highlights : Knysna — lagoon & forests, Tsitsikamma — monkey bridge & kayaking, Hermanus — whale watching, Oudtshoorn — ostriches & Cango Caves.
The 'Dragon's Mountain' is the most spectacular range in southern Africa, with dizzying 3,000m cliffs, San (Bushmen) rock paintings and exceptional hiking.
Highlights : Amphitheatre — 5 km cliff, Cathkin Peak, Tugela Falls — 2nd highest waterfall in the world.
South Africa offers excellent value for money, especially for Europeans (weak rand). High-end safari lodges remain pricey but affordable compared to other African destinations.