When most people imagine an African safari, they picture endless bush sizzling under the midday sun. But winter in South Africa offers a very different, and altogether magical, experience. Between May and September, the landscape transforms into a photographer’s dream: the bush thins out and wildlife becomes more visible than ever. There's a crispness in the air, a quiet anticipation that makes each game drive feel like an adventure waiting to unfold. Here are just some of the many reasons I love the winter safari season in South Africa.
A winter safari in South Africa offers special highlights like spectacular up-close sightings, Image Credit: Royal Malewane
Why Winter Wins for a South African Safari
I absolutely love the feeling you get when you're on a safari in the winter. There's a sense of freshness and excitement, as you never know what you'll see around the next bend on your game drive. As much as I'm a summer baby through and through, you just can't dispute the fact that the bush comes alive in the winter.
Misty mornings and clear afternoon skies cast dramatic and bold light across the plains as wildlife gathers at the last few remaining waterholes. And with the vegetation thinning out, sightings become almost guaranteed. Lions stretch out in sunlit clearings, elephant herds roll along well-worn trails, and African wild dogs burst into action.
Everything the light touches is your safari kingdom, Image Credit: Cheetah Plains
Go Beyond the Big 5 Game Drive
Don't get me wrong, whether it's your first or 50th game drive, they'll always have a special place in your itinerary in South Africa. However, many don't know about all the other safari adventures that go beyond the traditional four wheels. A safari can be an all-out, feet-on-the-ground adventure.
One of my top recommendations? A walking safari, which is particularly perfect in winter with more comfortable temperatures and clearer visibility. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the bush’s smaller wonders: intricate insect tracks, the medicinal properties of plants, and traditional stories passed down through generations. It’s one of my absolute favourite ways to experience the wild.
Even in winter, it could warm up enough to shed the bulky layers, so pack accordingly
From Stars to Sardines and Wine to Whales
Ever heard of a star safari? When the skies darken, the galaxy takes centre stage in the bush, and stargazing by the fire becomes the perfect way to end the day. With no city lights or pollution, everything seems brighter, closer, and more magical.
But the safari offerings don’t stop there. There are plenty of unexpected winter experiences to discover! Along the coast, towns like Hermanus offer world-renowned whale watching as southern right whales approach the shore to calve between June and November. Pair this with a “wine safari” through South Africa’s famous wine regions, sampling award-winning vintages and savouring the scenery, and you’ve got the makings of a wondrous winter escape.
Elsewhere along the Wild Coast between May to July, the sardine run turns the sea into a feeding frenzy playground for dolphins and sharks. An ocean safari, whether you watch it from the shore or a boat, is a must during the winter season.
Boschendal in the Cape Winelands is the perfect pairing to your winter safari, Image Credit: Boschendal
Packing Tips for a Winter Safari
When dawn’s chill bites but afternoons can climb to a comfortable 20–25°C, layering is your secret weapon when packing for a safari. Slip into a lightweight thermal base under breathable trousers, then throw on a cosy fleece.
Top it off with a windproof jacket and snug beanie (and gloves!) to stop your ears from turning into icicles on those lion-tracking drives. Lace up your trusty walking boots for any off-path detours, and stash water, snacks, and extra layers in a compact daypack, because being ready for anything is half the fun. And never forget your camera with extra memory cards!
I always pack layers so that I'm prepared for any weather
Photography Landscapes and Starry Skies
Winter light in South Africa is soft and golden, ideal for landscape photography. At dawn and dusk, the low sun bathes the plains in a mysterious glow, transforming giraffes into sleek silhouettes and acacia trees into bold outlines against a colourful sky.
After dark, the sky transforms into an open-air planetarium, with the Milky Way stretched out like a glittering ribbon overhead. Grab your tripod and wide-angle lens, and get set to shoot spectacular daytime scenes and jaw-dropping night-sky shots.
Warm up around the boma as you take in the starry night sky
Is a Safari Better in South Africa or Kenya?
Both destinations offer outstanding safari experiences, yet they differ in character. Kenya’s vast plains host the Great Wildebeest Migration from July to October, a spectacle few other places can match.
South Africa, on the other hand, is ideal for first-time safari-goers. With excellent infrastructure, diverse landscapes, and malaria-free reserves, it offers both comfort and adventure. And it’s not just about the bush. Here, you can combine your safari with wine tasting, mountain escapes, coastal drives, and vibrant cultural experiences. For those who value variety, ease of access, and top-notch wildlife viewing, South Africa ticks all the boxes.
Pair Your Safari with South African Festivals
Beyond the bush, winter ushers in some of South Africa’s most vibrant festivals. Knysna’s Oyster Festival serves up seafood feasts, art exhibitions, fun runs and live performances. Nearby wine regions such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek come alive with annual events like the Bastille Festival and other cosy winter wine experiences.
These events are the ideal follow-up to your bush safari - swap stories over a glass of local wine and meet the makers behind each bottle.
The Knysna Oyster Festival is a winter highlight in South Africa, Image Credit: The Inside Guide
FAQs About Winter Safari in South Africa
Here are some other frequently asked questions we get from our guests.
What is the Best Month to Visit South Africa for a Safari?
May and June are particularly favourable for wildlife viewing as the bush is at its driest. July and August bring cooler mornings but excellent visibility.
Which Game Reserves and National Parks Offer the Best Winter Experiences?
Some of our favourites are: Kruger National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, and last but not least, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve.
Is Malaria Still a Concern in Winter?
Malaria risk is lower but not zero. Always consult a medical professional before travelling and use insect repellent and protective clothing. However, there are also many malaria-free game reserves in South Africa.
Clear skies and minds, Image Credit: Shamwari
Why Winter Is My Favourite Safari Season
Winter in South Africa combines exceptional wildlife viewing with gentle days and inviting, starry-night campfires. Beyond the usual game drives, you can stretch your legs on guided walking safaris or swap the bush for beach with coastal adventures.
Cultural festivals add further flavour to a journey that feels truly unique. For those after a safari that combines plush comfort, vibrant culture, and unforgettable wildlife moments, winter in South Africa is unbeatable.
Coffee with a splash of Amarula and breakfast treats taste even better in winter, Image Credit: Cheetah Plains
Our Wilderness Guides are ready to tailor your wildest South African safari. We'll plan all the little details you have not even considered. We know the ins and outs of Africa better than anyone else because it's our home! Better than any ChatGPT prompt, we're on the ground and know things that do not even make it to the big wide web.
So, trust us with your long-awaited safari in South Africa. We can't wait to read your raving safari reviews afterwards!
