Jackie55
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Can anyone help I'm thinking of booking the South African Explorer holiday for next year, I would like to know when is the best time of the year to go, weatherwise, I don't want to go when it's the wet or dry season or TOO hot..decision, decision!! please help
Julie White
(Member)
Hello Jackie,

I went to South Africa this year on the 13th September. It was the best holiday I have done with Just you.

The temperatures were perfect it was sunshine every day but not too hot around 20oC. We only had rain one evening.

I would really book this holiday you won't regret it

Jackie55
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thanks, September would be a good time of the year for me to go. I will start looking at details for the holiday, did you go to Victoria Falls that is something I would like to do.
BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi I agree with Julie, I went on this tour in Sept last year. It was a great time to visit, spring in SA. Warm in Cape Town, but it was hot in Oudtshoorn, Kruger (30C plus) and Zambia. Later in the year and early new year would be extremely hot and it could be rainy at other times. Having said that, you would be out of the sun at the hottest times of day so it is not so crucial, so I'd say go whenever suits but Sept is probably one of the best times to go. One of the nicest things about being there in spring time was the wild flowers in bloom and especially the jacaranda trees (Pretoria and elsewhere). The best holiday I've ever had, I'm sure you will have a wonderful time whenever you go!

All the best,

Bob

Julie White
(Member)
Hello Again,

I agree the wild flowers and trees are beautiful and the scenery is stunning.

We didn't quite reach temperatures of 30c like Bob but I believe it can be very hot in Kruger.

I did the add on to Zambia and saw the Victoria falls. Although there is not much water at this time of year the falls are still spectacular. In fact for me Zambia was the best part of this holiday. If you can afford it and have time to spare I recommend you go. We did a game drive in Botswana which included a river safari and was fabulous. The Livingstone express which included a six course meal was a highlight and also the elephant back safari. I really recommend that you go you won't regret it.

SylviaJ
(Member)
'Jackie55' wrote:

Can anyone help I'm thinking of booking the South African Explorer holiday for next year, I would like to know when is the best time of the year to go, weatherwise, I don't want to go when it's the wet or dry season or TOO hot..decision, decision!! please help

Hi Jackie

I went to South Africa in March of this year and did the Zambia add on. The temperature was probably up to the 30s on some days but pleasant. The Victoria Falls were spectacular as there was so much water. We only had one day of rain and that was a short shower on the day trip to Botswana. So, when to go, the choice is yours but I agree with the others in that if you can afford it, please do the Zambia add on and try to commit to all the excursions too.

Enjoy

Sylvia

good2no
(Member)
October was perfect. I have just come back from a fantastic holiday there and the days were often around 23/24 degrees so pleasant. The flowers were very beautiful. There are lots of beautiful things to see - the scenery, wildlife and colours are stunning so bring a good camera or at least one with a reasonable zoom lense to get close ups of the animals.
valerie lund
(Member)
I am going on the South African Experience trip over Xmas and New Year so I am expecting warm weather. I was wondering what clothes to pack for evenings, as it will be over the festive period wondering if I should take some glitzy stuff.
SusieB
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi, from what I've been reading September or October looks a good time to go for temperatures and the flowers etc. Can someone tell me though if there is also a "best time " to go to see lots of animals. Like most people I guess, it's the lions I'm particularly interested in. Is there any season which is better than others? Any info would be most welcome as I've almost talked myself into going sometime in 2013. Thanks! Sue B
Jenny R
(Member)
Hi Jackie

I agree with the other comments. I was on the same trip as Bob last Sept. I would say go for mid /lateSept. Flowers are coming out but trees are mostly still in bud therefore better chance of seeing the animals. They haven't so much to hide behind. We saw all of the big five. Victoria Falls add on magnificent. Okay, not so much water going over falls but you can then get the chance to stand right on the edge. Budget for as many optionals as you can as these included so many experiences. Best holiday I have ever done.

Jenny r

Jools
  • (Member)
(Member)
I have only ever been to South Africa in February/March when it is their summer. The weather then is fantastic.

Jools

skippy
  • (Member)
(Member)
I went Aug last year and it was excellent.

The weather was fine and clear, it may be their Winter, but when the locals had their coats and hats on, my party were all in sweatshirts

I spent a day on the beach near Cape Town while the others went on a wine trip and had only shirt and trousers

Aug sept is best, as it is when the vegetation is at its least for the wildlife safari

Lucinda
(Member)
Whens the best time to see the whales too? Any one seen them on this holiday at hermanus?

Lucinda

'skippy' wrote:

I went Aug last year and it was excellent.

The weather was fine and clear, it may be their Winter, but when the locals had their coats and hats on, my party were all in sweatshirts

I spent a day on the beach near Cape Town while the others went on a wine trip and had only shirt and trousers

Aug sept is best, as it is when the vegetation is at its least for the wildlife safari

skippy
  • (Member)
(Member)
We were treated with a sighting off the East coast of two breaching and tail flukes during the Aug tour
sallyc
  • (Member)
(Member)
September last year we saw a mother and calf close to shore at Hermanus. The baby breached and the mother did lots of tail slaps.