… 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! Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple! 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. The weather is often pretty bad and not conducive to spending time outdoors. Sightings of the Big Five are highly likely on this itinerary, as we use two of South Africa’s best … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. These flights are best for travellers visiting camps in the south of Kruger Park. This means combining them into a single trip, at a single time of year, can bring its own drawbacks. This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you. Discover Cape Town’s history and culture on a private walking tour and Robben Island visit. 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 enjoys a temperate climate with warm, dry conditions from October to April. It’s also worth noting that while October through February is officially known as the rainy season here, in true tropical style that often just involves a heavy downpour, or tropical thunderstorm, in the late afternoon or evening, with the rest of the day often boasting blue skies and strong sunny rays. And what this really shows is just how huge and diverse this country is, how massively its geography and its climate varies. 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. The best time for a whale watching holiday is from July to September when migratory whales arrive along the coastline. 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. Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, remaining busy throughout the year, and each season brings a different atmosphere to the park. July to September is also a great time for whale watching along Cape Town's Whale Coast. This is a good question and unfortunately the best time for Cape Town does not coincide with the best time for Kruger, so you may need to ask yourself which destination is more important to you. 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). 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. Late April to early June has crisp and clear days, perfect for a hiking trip. #1 Swimwear and Sarong – One World Sarongs are always my go to and a must when you hit the beautiful beaches of South Africa. #2 Lonely Planet Guidebook – Their South Africa edition is excellent and very helpful when it comes to more travel tips, maps and recommended places to eat and drink. Read more. https://www.bigworldsmallpockets.com/best-time-to-visit-kruger-and-cape-town During March, April and May, showers and thunderstorms aren’t uncommon here, but conditions are getting drier and less humid. 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!). 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.. It’s worth noting however that, even within this period, there are no guarantees. 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. Namely that when it’s dry in Cape Town, it’s wet in Kruger National Park. Visit the Cape and Kruger on this seriously good trip to Cape Town, the Timbavati, and the Sabi Sands! 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. The weather in January in Kruger National Park is characteristically hot and a little damp. Explore the Whale Coast for the best land-based whale watching. 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. The weather is also gorgeous, as temperatures stay mild and as a general rule, … 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! We have 5 tours that range from 7 days up to 11 days. The fireside-friendly, rainy days of winter make the most of vibrant indoor markets, easy bookings at the city’s famous eateries and regular crisp, clear days for winetasting, cycling and hiking. However, most people probably want to maximise their chances of seeing wild animals, and, this being the case, the best time to visit is during the dry season from May to the start of October. Yes, send me Go2Africa’s newsletter. 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. As such, for me, the best time to visit Cape Town is during the spring and summer months from November through February. 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. Having visited both as part of single trips, as well as a combined one, I want to go you the complete lowdown on when the best time to visit Kruger and Cape Town is, with several different options to help you plan your perfect trip. We can of course amend or extend this itinerary to include other parts of South Africa, as well as other adventures. Cape Town’s fierce south-easterly wind blows during this time, occasionally clearing the beaches and blanketing Table Mountain in cloud. 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. August and September is probably the best time to see wildlife as it’s a lot drier so the animals are more concentrated around watering holes. In the afternoon we arrive in the Kwa Madwale Game Reserve to the south of Kruger … Find all the transport options for your trip from Kruger to Cape Town right here. November to February is arguably the least good time to go as it’s the wet season but to be honest on much of this route, especially in … 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. 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. Summers (November to March) are warm; winters (June to September) are mild. 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. Kwa Madwale Reserve. Published: July 15, 2019 | Last Updated: The best time for a Cape Town foodie safari is from late June to August. As somebody who doesn’t mind the heat, this is definitely my preferred time to visit Cape Town. It's of course spectacular during summer (November to March). Visiting Cape Town in June, July, and August. 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. November can still be wet and, what I would describe as, cool; while February can see some very strong winds and super-hot temperatures. In general, the weather here is kind to visitors. By February most visitors head home, which means better rates and uncrowded beaches until April. The Cape sees the last month of the whale season and this is a great time to visit inland areas such as the Karoo before the temperatures soar. But it could be cold at both destinations. 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. What a wild and wonderful country South Africa is – not only does it boast the epic city of Cape Town within its boundaries, but also the mighty safari destination of Kruger too. A food and wine holiday is best from late June to August - dine at world-class eateries and go wine tasting in the gorgeous Cape Winelands. October would perhaps be the best month for both destinations, but November is also great. safari travel specialists. January is in the summer in Kruger National Park and is typically the coldest month of the year. A better option in my opinion would be between September and November. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Cape Town’s summer occurs during the months of November through February. On arrival at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport you will be met and transferred to your luxury lodge, set in pristine African wilderness. ➵ Voted Best British Travel Blog ➵ Expert Thrifty Mover ➵ Female Eco Adventurer ➵ Helping You Spend Less Travel Deeper ⇩ ⇩ ⇩. 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. See Schedules For Johannesburg to Kruger International Cape Town to Kruger International Cape Town to Kruger via Johannesburg I love their great coverage of outdoor activities – crucial for travel in a country like South Africa – as well as their excellent customer service and ability to claim online, which is very handy if you’re travelling in remote places for a long time. We cater to Adrenalin Junkies, with Ab-sailing, Microlight flights, Shark cage diving, Quad-bike rides and much more! 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. My wife and two best friends are planning a visit to Kruger, and we're trying to figure out what the best months are to visit Kruger (when the wildlife are out and most abundant).We are planning a trip to South Africa, and are thinking about July, as whale migration and shark viewing are best outside of Cape Town (as I've read). Surrounded by the vast country landscapes, including hills and gorges, it’s far from the coast and edges the Mozambique border, which means life here is hot and often humid, aka more tropical. This tour allows travellers to discover two of South Africa's most iconic destinations - Cape Town and Kruger National Park.With the start of your adventure in the Cape Town, summit Table Mountain, experience the Cape Winelands and visit the vibrant V&A Waterfront.Leave city life behind for an unforgettable safari experience in the Kruger National Park. Big World Small Pockets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.es, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de. From . Because Cape Town really is a very outdoorsy city. Just make sure your trip doesn’t coincide with Table Mountain’s annual winter closure (usually for two … From enjoying the beaches of Camps Bay to checking out the Penguins at Boulder, from camping in the Cederberg Reserve to hiking Table Mountain, the vast majority of the best things to do in Cape Town involve getting outside. Best Time To Visit; Cape Town; Kruger Park; Garden Route; Highlights, suggested holiday ideas and recommended safaris. See our Early morning we depart from Johannesburg and travel through the northern province of Mpumalanga in the direction of the breathtaking Kruger National Park. Things to keep in mind. In fact, I still saw a lot of wildlife in Kruger during this wet season, including wild dogs, giraffes, elephants, lions, hyenas, antelope and tons of birds. Get expert planning advice and new trip ideas from Africa’s leading In many ways, South Africa is the perfect holiday destination. If you’re into your landscape photography, for example, you may therefore find the “wet season” the best time to visit Kruger. 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. A tour starting in Cape Town is a great way to see Kruger National Park. Anytime up until April is still considered warm and pleasant here, as is October, with these months essentially forming the shoulder tourist season. 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. Temperatures peak between December and February, which is the most popular time for a Cape Town beach holiday. Temperatures peak between December and February, with Cape Town's south-easterly wind blowing during this time. Framed by sun-splashed vineyards and craggy mountain peaks, the picturesque valleys of the Cape Winelands are famous for their grand… 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! Kruger’s low season is about November to April (except for Christmas, New Year and Easter). So, as you can probably already tell from what I’ve written so far, there’s a very annoying situation presenting itself to us South African travellers…. October would perhaps be the best month for both destinations, but November is also great. The makes it very difficult to definitively say when the best time to visit Kruger and Cape Town together is! 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. There are barely any crowds at the top attractions, for starters. Definitely a win for those small pockets! Inquire Now. Read more, Just a few hours’ drive from Cape Town lies South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route, a sunny stretch of southern Cape coastline featuring… Kruger is a hard one to call when it comes to the best time to visit, as both wet and dry seasons here have their advantages. See African penguins and stroll through the Kirstenbosch Gardens on a Cape Peninsula tour. One person really wants to visit Cape Town, and the other really wants to visit Kruger. The Kruger is transformed into a beautiful, thriving green landscape and it makes for superb photography. And there you have it, my full rundown of the best time to visit Kruger and Cape Town. 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. Overall, the time I would avoid are the months of June, July and August, when it is cold and wet in Cape Town and cooler in Kruger too. Your email address will not be published. Keep in mind that even on the hottest days, the ocean waters around Cape Town are always very cold. Journey across South Africa aboard the Rovos Rail, visiting lesser-known areas of the country. Situated in the Western Cape, Cape Town enjoys almost a Mediterranean climate with warm, hot summers and wet, cool winters. 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. Can you tell how much I love this country? That said, it was pretty darn hot up there! The Best Time of Year to visit Kruger National Park. Kruger to Cape does Activity Bookings as well as Tours and Adventures. In fact, I visited Kruger during the month of February and this was exactly what I found it to be. 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. 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… May is a good option, it's before the heart of winter in Cape Town, and the start of the dry season in Kruger. Temperatures peak between December and February, which is the most popular time to visit. time. such as Berg en Dal, Biyamiti, Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Jock Safari Lodge, Lukimbi Safari Lodge or Tinga Game Lodge. 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. Equally, you could consider the best time to visit Kruger and Cape Town as falling just before high season starts. 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! April 21, 2020, Get All the Latest From My Travel Adventures. 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? #5 Camera and Lens – I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless, and have used it to capture the beauty of this country and beyond. Cape Town has a pleasant climate with warm and dry conditions from October to April. And when the best wildlife spotting is happening in Kruger National Park, it’s cold and wet in Cape Town. 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. 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. The most popular time for tours from Cape Town is … The itinerary gives a mix of activities, sightseeing and adventures in diverse landscapes. Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) enjoys an annual average of seven hours of sunshine per day and the region justifies its title as the Sunshine Coast. Based on weather alone, this is probably a time of year to avoid going to Kruger National Park for your holidays. 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. Information will be sent to the email provided above. You can unsubscribe at any Daytime maximum temperatures average around a warm 33°… The best time for a hiking holiday in Cape Town is from late April to early June when the days are crisp and clear, great hiking weather. Expect busy beaches, a vibrant nightlife and gloriously sunny festive cheer. Cape Town’s low season is over winter (from about May to November), except for whale season (around August and September). 4 days is a little short for Cape Town, but should be OK in the winter season. 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. Should you not find what you are looking for, contact us and we will assist you gladly. What to expect. While this is amazing news for travellers to South Africa of course, it also comes with its own set of problems because, being situated at opposite ends of the country, Kruger National Park and Cape Town have totally different climates. Do you have suggestions for us? 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. #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. If wildlife is more your thing, then perhaps consider visiting during the dry season instead. River are flowing, as are waterfalls and the place seems to come to life. A Cape Town beach holiday is best during peak summer from December to February. Rome2rio makes travelling from Kruger to Cape Town easy. Combine a safari with a food and wine holiday in Cape Town to enjoy its fireside-friendly, rainy winter days. 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). #6 Good Sandals – You’ll live in sandals in most of South Africa and I would never travel anywhere now without my trusty pair of Birkenstocks! 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. 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. From about June to August, when Cape Town and the Western Cape experiences winter rainfall. #3 Insect Repellent and Anti-Malarials – I recommend a 30% DEET spray for South Africa and antimalarials if you’re travelling to Kruger and around – although please always consult the advice of a medical professional before any travels to this part of the world. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Generally, you can still expect mild conditions in Cape Town during March and April, and it will certainly be less humid in Kruger during these months too. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Travel Day 23. © 2021 Big World Small Pockets. A Cape Town beach holiday is best during peak summer from December to February. Privacy Policy, Book your safari with peace of mind: 100% refundable deposit, no cancellation or deferral fees, © 2021 Go2Africa (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved, 3rd floor, Longkloof Studios, Darter Road. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Spend a day wine tasting in the Cape Winelands. Required fields are marked *. The best time to visit South Africa will depend on whether you're heading to Cape Town or Kruger, seeking wildlife or wildflowers, hiking the Drakensberg or driving the Garden Route. If it’s your first safari, we suggest booking Kruger during peak season and cutting down on time spent in Cape Town. By that, I mean the months of September and October, when Cape Town is beginning to warm up and conditions in Kruger National Park aren’t yet super humid and wet. Between May and September are the driest months of the year in Kruger National Park, but also the coldest – although, by most country’s standards, it’s a pretty mild winter with temperatures really only dropping at night. I know some people don’t mind this kind of weather, but I think most would agree it’s pretty suboptimal!