Visiting South Africa in the winter is one of the best seasons for wildlife viewing and safaris. Every year, from May to October, travellers are surprised to discover one of the best-kept local secrets: that in South Africa, the mild winter weather followed by the beauty of Spring is a favourite time for travel and offers a welcome relief from the intense summer heat. Here are our top tips for winter when considering a Cape Town Safari in South Africa for 2024.
1. Check for Discounts and Winter Specials
For locals, winter is a favourite time to travel — and for good reason! Not only are the School winter holidays out in full swing, the multitude of public holidays, low-season discounts, cheaper airfare, increased accommodation availability, fewer crowds and mild weather make the winter and spring months a great time to go on vacation or plan your trip to South Africa.
View Aquila’s Winter Specials and Discounted Children’s Rates
2. Plan Your Cape Town Itinerary
There is so much to do in Cape Town — even in the winter months! We always recommend planning your trips and thinking of your city schedule before arriving in South Africa. Not only is booking in advance always key, but ensuring you have packed everything you need (including clothes that suit South Africa’s unpredictable winter weather)
Read our Safari Packing Guide for a full list of what to bring on safari, as well as a helpful month-to-month guide to Cape Town’s seasons and weather.
3. Pack Buildable Layers and Wind-proof Clothing
Open-Air Vehicle Safaris are a popular and traditional method for sighting wildlife in South Africa. These specially designed 4×4 vehicles take guests through the reserve in an open-back vehicle that allows for the best game-viewing opportunities and photographic advantages for all guests. We always recommend guests take a jacket with them when going on safari (even in the summer), as you will be exposed to the elements while driving through the reserve.
In winter, you’ll want to make sure you pack a wind-proof jacket and buildable layers to help you keep warm and prepare for unpredictable changes in the weather — especially when going on early morning safaris (sunrise) and evening safaris (sunset).
4. Go on Game Drives, Horseback Trails and Quad Bike Safaris
The Western Cape’s mild winter weather offers extraordinary wildlife sightings and immersive game viewing activities without the discomfort of hot summer temperatures. In summer, game viewing is best experienced during the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are most active and avoiding the midday sun. Winter safaris, however, offer the chance to see incredible wildlife sightings throughout the day.
With more water sources available, cooler weather and shorter days, the animals are constantly on the move and are more active during the day. Guests are encouraged to go on a winter safari if they can, as you’ll get to experience a whole different side of the wild: from the changes in the vegetation to the changes in the animal behaviour, winter offers a unique and stunning South African safari experience.
Another great opportunity during winter is to go on a horseback or quad bike safari. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for horseback trails through the reserve or quad bike safaris without the intensity of the summer heat.
Book your Cape Town Safari Tour
5. Don’t Forget to Pack Your Camera
While animals in the Northern Hemisphere may hibernate during winter, the wildlife of the South African bush certainly don’t. Winter brings a beautiful and mild climate to the South African wilderness. Snow and freezing temperatures are rare in Southern Africa. Think cool breezes, wild flowers and winter sunshine.
There are so many things to see and do on safari in winter. Every year, from May to October, the winter and spring months bring an abundance of life and activity to the reserve. From the rutting season and breeding season, to the joy of watching newborn zebras or springbok take their first steps, don’t forget to pack your camera so you can capture every moment of your safari.
6. Prepare for Surprisingly Sunny Days
Cape Town is known for its sunshine, beaches, vineyards and mountains, and the winter brings its own sunny and pleasant weather. Although rain and cold days are scattered throughout the winter months, the average daytime winter weather in Cape Town is about 19 – 21 degrees Celsius / 65 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit (May to July), and about 20 – 23 degrees Celsius / 68 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit (August to October). So be prepared for surprisingly sunny days and warm weather activities.
In fact, the sun in Cape Town shines bright and warm for around 8 to 10 hours a day, with around 300 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for outdoor activities like beach trips, hikes, safaris and city sightseeing, no matter the season.
7. Go Sightseeing in Cape Town’s City
Winter is, without a doubt, the BEST time to go sightseeing in South Africa. Avoid the summer heat, skip the long lines, and take advantage of the uninterrupted views and laid-back tour schedules with fewer crowds and shorter lines at every destination.
Popular attractions in Cape Town include Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Aquila Big 5 Safaris, Constantia Winelands, Chapman’s Peak, Hermanus Whale Festival, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. Please note: Table Mountain Cableway is closed for Annual Maintenance from Monday, 15 July – Sunday, 1 September 2024.
8. Be on the Lookout for the Western Cape’s Wildflowers
The Western Cape blooms with colour and intricate shapes from June to November each year. The Fynbos flowers, like South Africa’s national flower the King Protea, are a unique attraction in the Western Cape. These stunning flowers can be found from winter through spring, teeming with an abundance of life, colour, and beauty.
9. Whale Watching and Marine Tours
Did you know that South Africa’s Western Cape coastline offers some of the most spectacular whale sightings in Africa — and maybe the whole world? The shallow and nutrient-rich coastlines, where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean currents meet at the Tip of Africa, are famous for being the nursery grounds for various whale and dolphin species.
The Southern Right Whale, in particular, migrates along the Western Cape’s coastline every year, between August and November. Famous whale watching towns include Hermanus, Simons Town and Cape Agulhas. Great White Sharks, Cape Fur Seals, South African “Jackass” Penguins, Bottle Nose Dolphins and even Orcas can be spotted along the Western Cape coastlines in the winter months.
10. Enjoy the Winter Season and Mild Weather
Winter in Cape Town is a beautiful and exciting time to visit. Although there’s many reasons why you should visit, winter is simply an amazing time of year to sit back, take in the scenery and enjoy the mild mid-year weather.
Winter in the Cape is calm and stunning. It’s also the perfect time to plan that spa weekend or romantic getaway. Picture luxurious African spa treatments, moisturising facials, heated indoor pools and relaxing in the sauna. Or cosy up in front of the crackling fireplace, savour local South African wines, and enjoy the true tranquility and beauty of winter on safari.
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Book Your Winter Safari close to Cape Town
Don’t miss out on Aquila’s incredible Winter Discounts and overnight winter accommodation deals. Valid from 01 May 2024 to 31 October 2024, now’s your chance to book these exclusive winter safari deals.
