Being in the Southern hemisphere, Southern Africa's seasons are reversed: it's summer during the North American and European winter. Peak tourist season is November through March, when hotel prices rise dramatically, and making a reservation can prove difficult. The situation is exacerbated during major school holidays—especially December 1 through January 15—the equivalent of summer vacation. Pack good rain-gear wherever you go, and remember to bring layers for the colder rainy days. Note that availability is at a premium during peak seasons, so you will need to book in advance.

 to SOUTH AFRICA...

The high season in the Western Cape is summer, and you will seldom visit major places of interest without the presence of busloads of fellow visitors. The weather is warm and dry, and although southeasterly winds can be a nuisance, they do keep the temperature bearable. If soaking up the sun is not of primary importance and you prefer to tour during quieter times, spring (September and October) and autumn—early winter (late March through May) are ideal. The weather is milder and the lines are shorter. Spring also brings southern right whales close to the shores of the Western Cape to calve, and late August—October are the months to see the wildflowers explode across Namaqualand and the West Coast. If the Winelands are high on your list of must-does, remember that the busiest time in the vineyards and cellars is January—March. The best time to visit Cape Town is from November through March. But the months of October and April can also be fabulous and uncrowded.

There's no best time to visit the Garden Route, although the water and weather are warmest from December through March. If saving money is an issue, stay away during this peak season when hotel prices soar, in some cases nearly doubling. Between May and September, winter gets wet and cold. But when you do get sunny winter weather, it makes all the cozy the huge, blazing log fires and large bowls of steaming soup that hostelries along the coast provide. And, of course, there are fewer tourists. Even in these colder months, wildflowers bloom along the Garden Route from July to October, the same time as the annual whale migration along the coast.

Much of the rest of the country receives its rain in the hot summer months. As a result, peak season for other travel is arguably the worst season for game viewing in Mpumalanga—animals are harder to spot in dense foliage. The best time for seeing animals is during the dry winter season (June—August), when trees have no leaves and the game gathers around the few remaining water sources. Prices are lower at this time of year, but it can be very cold. A happy compromise may be spring and autumn (October and April).

Kruger National Park is extremely hot in summer (December—March), with afternoon rain a good possibility. Bird life is prolific, but again, animals are harder to spot in the dense foliage. Winter is great for game-viewing, and lodges drop their rates as much as 30%—40%. Drawbacks are the cold weather and animals that look thin and out of condition. A happy compromise are the months of October and November when the weather is pleasant. Trees are blossoming, migrant birds are arriving, and antelope herds begin to drop their young. April temperatures are also fine, many migrant birds are still around, and the annual rutting season has begun, when males compete for the right to mate with females.

Johannesburg and the highveld enjoy glorious summers. Winter nights are frosty but the days are generally mild and sunny.

KwaZulu-Natal is warm year-round, but summers are steamy and hot, with high winds in August.    top

 to BOTSWANA...

Botswana is an all year round wildlife destination. Peak season is from July to October and middle season is from May to June. However, there are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of: best birding months are November to March, when the Okavango Delta is brimming with migratory birds. Best botanical months are December to May, when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower. 

 to NAMIBIA...

Namibia is an all year round ecological and wildlife destination. But certain seasons are best for special interest groups: best birding safaris are during the summer months because of the greater variety of species to be found. Best botanical months are December to May when the vegetation turns green, and also when most plants are in flower. Namibia is becoming very popular as an all year round destination. Traditionally, peak season is from July to October and middle season is from May to June. Book in advance during this time. Christmas and New Year is peak season for local holidaymakers.

 to ZIMBABWE...

Zimbabwe is an all year round destination, however, there are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of: For high adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting is most exciting when the Zambezi waters are low, generally from August to December. Best botanical months to visit the famous Vumba Botanical Gardens are December to May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower. Peak season is from July to October and middle season is from May to June.    top