Tours to South Africa

South Africa’s Garden Route welcomes visitors all year round. The high season, from November to February, offers plenty of warm, sunny weather, but be prepared for more tourists and large crowds at popular sites.

Christmas is also a great time to visit, with an electrifying atmosphere in Cape Town. Temperatures gradually cool from March to July, and the nights feel colder, but the advantage is that popular sights will be much quieter. Consider taking the family in August for a fun adventure - temperatures remain mild, with only occasional rainy days - or enjoy a Springtime escape in September or October when temperatures begin to rise again and whale watching at Hermanus is at its best. 

For the best chance of spotting the Big Five, plan your visit to Kruger National Park during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildlife tends to gather around waterholes. The trade-off is that conditions will be very dusty, and there will be more tourist vehicles out on tracks. Also consider the rainy season from November until May when the landscape transforms into a lush oasis and migratory birds flock in vast numbers. Newborn animals often make their appearance at the start of the year and, apart from the Easter period, you can enjoy quieter tracks and camps during this off-peak season. 

Coastal regions like Durban and Cape Town have more stable temperatures year-round, while inland (like Johannesburg and Kruger) sees greater seasonal variation, with colder nights in winter. We've provided a season-by-season breakdown of South Africa's weather:

 

Spring: South Africa's spring season (September to November) sees warm and sunny conditions, and while the Western Cape remains mostly dry there's more rainfall in the eastern areas. The Western and Northern Capes also see wildflowers come into bloom. Expect average daily temperatures of 12-27°C, depending on whereabouts you are.

 

Summer: December to February forms South Africa's summer season. Although it's hot and sunny, most of the country sees rainfall (except for the Western Cape, which has a dry, Mediterranean summer). Expect average daily temperatures of 15-20°C.

 

Autumn: Between March to May, South Africa's autumn season is mild and pleasant – making it an ideal time to visit the wine regions, along with fewer crowds. While the Western Cape starts to see early winter rainfall, wet days decrease across most regions. Expect slightly cooler temperatures between 10-26°C.

 

Winter: June to August makes South Africa's winter season. In general, this season is dry and sunny inland, making it a perfect time for safari holidays. The Western Cape experiences its wettest season, and across the country the nights can be cold – especially in high-altitude areas. Expect temperatures as low as 4°C in the likes of Johannesbourg, and highs of 23°C in Durban.

Our small group tours to Africa are a popular choice for couples, friends and solo travellers alike.Everyone who travels with us shares a desire for a fun and authentic adventure, so whether you’re travelling solo, or with company, you’ll join like-minded people and make new friends along the way. Your experienced local leader will manage the logistics of your journey, alongside visits to the must-see sights and hidden gems on your South Africa adventure holiday.

Many nationalities don't need a visa to enter South Africa as a tourist – these include the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

South Africa's major international airports include O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg; Cape Town International Airport; and King Shaka International Airport in Durban. 

 

When it comes to getting around South Africa, there are city buses in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and high-speed trains are safe and efficient. With its excellent road systems, South Africa is also ideal for self-drive trips for scenic routes like the Garden Route. 

 

Our small group trips use a mix of public and private transport, allowing you to travel at ease knowing that all the logistics have already been organised for you!

Braai. Bunny Chow. Koeksisters. South Africa's food and drink scene has influences from Indigenous, Dutch, Indian and more cuisines. Braai is a type of barbecue that's a social tradition – expect boerewors (sausage), steak and chicken. Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out bread filled with curry, while koeksisters are sweet, syrup-coated pastries. South African is renowned globally for its wines, especially from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek – we visit these places on our Garden Route small group tours.

 

If you're visiting South Africa as a vegetarian or vegan, many restaurants offer veggie bobotie (a Cape Malay dish with an egg topping), chakalaka (maize porridge with spicy relish) and vegan-friendly lentil curries and pap with tomato relish. Cape Town and Johannesburg having growing vegan dining scenes, too.

 

Remember to tell us at the time of booking whether you have any dietary requirements or allergies, and remind your tour leader on day one of the tour. 

We operate two family small group trips to South Africa: a safari- and beach-focused adventure, and a Garden Route and safari adventure. By travelling in a small group with just three to five other families, you'll form meaningful connections while enjoying a flexible and incredible adventure. There's plenty for all ages to discover with plenty of downtime still factored in.