The climate itself is just as diverse and varies from region to region; the best time to visit can be dependent on the experience wanted. Whether your customer wants to see the whales resting in Hermanus, go on a safari adventure, taste the wine when the grapes are at their best or lounge on the beach taking in the spectacular views under the summer sun.
Seasons
Spring - September to October
During this season the Cape provinces are captivating, as a colourful blanket of spectacular flowers covers the plains. Summer - November to February
This is the best time to hire a car and drive along the Garden route - a sunny, scenic stretch on the south-eastern coastline of South Africa. This route demonstrates what make the country so spectacular; gorgeous beaches, beautiful flora, lush forests, bustling seaside towns and tranquil lagoons. Autumn - March to May
Also known as wine harvest season and therefore the perfect time to visit the Winelands and sample some of South Africa’s best wines. Winter - June to August
Game viewing is better during this time as the bush is sparser to see the animals. It’s also the perfect time to head to Hermanus for some southern right whale viewing.Natural beauty
Starting in the South African capital of Cape Town - appointed the best city in the world to visit by the New York Times in 2014 - is also known as the ‘Mother City’, and is defined by Table Mountain. Take the cable car to the top for the spectacular views of the city and its coastlines.
The beauty doesn’t stop at Cape Town, Knysna is a beautiful small town situated on the Garden Route. On the coast are the famed Knysna Heads, two dramatic sea cliffs that protect the entrance to the lagoon from the surging ocean. The eastern head offers amazing views over the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The western head is a privately owned nature reserve.
Food & wine
South Africa boasts delectable cuisine is paired with exquisite and award-winning wine. The restaurants specialise in food from around the world, but you’d be missing out if you didn't try the home-grown cuisine such as braai - barbeque, Cape Malay Curry or the Afrikaner speciality boerewors - South African type of sausage. Take advantage of the fantastic natural settings; dine in a cave overlooking the sea, under a starry sky deep in the bush, at the edge of a cliff; the options are endless.
When it comes to good wines, look no further than the Cape Winelands. There are 18 official wine routes that are considered to be the most scenic in the world and feature many historic wine estates that date back centuries. Many of the wine estates boast award-winning restaurants where you can taste world-class local cuisine, alongside the tours and tastings.
When it comes to good wines, look no further than the Cape Winelands. There are 18 official wine routes that are considered to be the most scenic in the world and feature many historic wine estates that date back centuries. Many of the wine estates boast award-winning restaurants where you can taste world-class local cuisine, alongside the tours and tastings.
Wildlife
South Africa is probably best known for its wildlife and in particular its safaris. No trip to this expansive country is complete without experiencing a ‘big five’ safari, it’s a must-do.
The ‘big five’ refers to buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino, the term refers to the animals that are the most difficult and dangerous to spot. The wildlife of South Africa is not only about the land animals, there are some unique sea animals that frequently visit the vast coast line of this spectacular country. Between the months of June and November the coasts of Hermanus plays host to southern right whales. They use the protection of Walker Bay to rest, mate and give birth to their calves.
Culture
Delve into the vast and infamous history that have helped shape the cultures and traditions which are still present today, from the recent history of apartheid back to the origins of humanity.
The Western Cape is home to the famed Robben Island Tour, a World Heritage Site that needs no introduction, as it was ‘home’ to one of the world’s most famous prisoners, Nelson Mandela. The tour includes a visit to the maximum security prison with a stop at the late leader’s former cell.
The landscapes of KwaZulu Natal have many stories to tell including the most infamous battles that took place during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War in the late 1800’s. To this day you can still wander through these lands with a knowledgeable tour guides and lecturers, who give a remarkable account of the events that unfolded there.
The Western Cape is home to the famed Robben Island Tour, a World Heritage Site that needs no introduction, as it was ‘home’ to one of the world’s most famous prisoners, Nelson Mandela. The tour includes a visit to the maximum security prison with a stop at the late leader’s former cell.
The landscapes of KwaZulu Natal have many stories to tell including the most infamous battles that took place during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War in the late 1800’s. To this day you can still wander through these lands with a knowledgeable tour guides and lecturers, who give a remarkable account of the events that unfolded there.
Adventure
For those that like to get the adrenaline pumping, South Africa has a lot of hair raising adventures that even the bravest may tremble at. Abseil from the top of Table Mountain, embrace your inner Tarzan by swinging through the trees on a zip wire, get up close and personal with the waters fiercest creature, by cage diving with sharks, be thrown around in a hurtling river whilst white water rafting and not forgetting the world’s highest bridge bungee, plunge 261 metres into the gorge below.