How to organize your trip to South Africa?

Have you decided to fly to South Africa on your next holiday? You have chosen a dream destination. There is extraordinary fauna and flora, diverse landscapes, magnificent beaches, famous vineyards, and attractive cities ... All that remains is to organize your trip so that everything goes perfectly.

 The right time to go

If the objective of your first trip to South Africa is to go on safari, go between June and August. It is winter in this part of the world (southern hemisphere). During this period, the bush is dry and it is easier to see the animals. They also often gather at the rare water holes. The southern winter is also the best time to observe whales.

If you want to indulge in beach activities, plan your stay during March or April. The weather is sunny, the rain is absent and the sea is warm. Opt for a tour package that goes through Durban, Cape Town, or Port Elizabeth for swimming and water activities. March and April are also the time when the grape harvest is in full swing if you want to travel the South African wine routes. The Cape Province is home to the best wineries.

What to wear

Unlike in Europe, it is warm during the winter days in South Africa (from June to August). From 10am to 5pm, you only need shorts, a t-shirt and a hat to dress up. However, you should bring a few sweaters and fleeces for evening outings. You also need warm clothes in the morning.

From September to the end of March, you should mainly bring summer clothes. From April to May, it is the off-season, and the temperature and the weather are changing. If you choose organized tours at high altitudes, keep warm clothes and a windbreaker at hand.

The rainy season starts in November, so remember to bring a rain cape. Note that rain is very abundant in the southern part near the ocean. It is less frequent in the northern part near the Kalahari Desert.

Transportation, accommodation, and food

Airline tickets and hotels absolutely require reservations when you go to a distant country. As for meals, wherever you are, South Africa is full of gourmet restaurants that serve good food.

As for air travel, you have a lot of work to do to find the best fares and flight times. You can outsource this task to a flight planner to save time and money.

For the hotel, you need to choose a place that is close to the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do. Here again, you should compare rates and choose the right location, taking into account a good quality/price ratio.

Choosing your travel itinerary

Let's end this guide with the most fun part of your trip preparations: the itinerary for visiting the country and its wonders. Most travelers choose either Cape Town or Johannesburg to begin their visit, but the choice is yours.

In any case, there are some must-sees to include in your tour: Kruger Park, the richest game reserve in the world in terms of fauna and flora. There is also Kalahari Park and its incredible landscapes. You can meet the majestic oryx and the fearsome black-maned lions. Then there is the Garden Route, a 300 km long tourist route along the Indian Ocean coastline.

These are the essential preparations before leaving for a dream trip to South Africa. This country is very vast, you have to come back to see everything.