Planning your trip

There are a large number of decisions to be made when planning your perfect trip to Africa, which is why we are here to help you. Common questions include when is the best time of year to travel, which places should I visit during my trip, what can I expect to see on safari and what clothes should I pack. This page is intended to answer these questions for you. More useful information is contained in our travel information and advice pages in the About Us section. Please do not hesitate to contact us if these pages do not answer your questions.

When is the best time of year to travel to Africa?

When is the best time of year for a wildlife safari?

What should I see and do during my trip?

What can I expect to see on safari?

What clothes should I pack for my trip?

When is the best time of year to travel to Africa?

Africa is an excellent destination throughout the year. The climate will vary depending on the country and even the region that you are visiting, but you can generally expect quite mild weather all year round and sunshine during the winter months (please visit the travel info. & advice pages for more detail). Therefore, when to travel basically depends upon what you would like to do.

The flowers in Namaqualand are at their most impressive during August and September. Whale watching in South Africa is best in early spring (August to October) when Humpback and Southern Right Whales can be seen off the coast. The best time for adventure sports, like river rafting and scuba diving, varies between different regions. You may choose to sunbathe on the beach in the hotter summer months, although this can also be when the beaches are the most busy. For activities like hiking these summer months can be very hot and spring, or autumn may be a better time.

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When is the best time of year for a wildlife safari?

Again this will depend upon the area that you are visiting, due to the climate. It also depends on who you ask, as people prefer different seasons for different reasons. Many people will tell you that for wildlife viewing the end of the winter months, or early spring, before the rains arrive and when the bush is very dry is the best. The wildlife is often concentrated around the few remaining water sources at this time of year and the vegetation is sparser making it easier to spot animals.

For birders though spring and summer is often a favourite time of year, as a lot of the summer and breeding migrants have returned to Africa. In addition, a lot of the young are born in early spring to coincide with the first rains, which stimulates new vegetation growth. Many people also like to visit the bush during the summer months when the bush is looking lush and green, rather than dry and sparse.

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What should I see and do during my trip?

This will depend entirely upon your interests. Are you visiting Africa to experience the rich diversity of cultures, to enjoy a safari in one of the exceptional wildlife areas, to participate in adrenaline pumping adventure sports, to party in one of the many vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, or to escape into stunning and unspoilt wilderness?

Most visitors to Africa want to experience a little of all, or most of the above and we can arrange such an itinerary for you.

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What can I expect to see on safari?

Most people go on safari to see the famous ‘Big Five’; lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo. The rare African wild dog and cheetah are also popular and make up ecotourism’s ‘Magnificent Seven’. The area that you visit will often determine the likelihood of seeing a specific animal, due to their numbers and distribution. It is also important to remember that there are no guarantees as to what you will see. Much of the fun of a safari is not knowing what is around the next bend.

Some game parks, including South Africa’s National Parks, allow visitors to drive themselves around. This offers you independence and flexibility. However, we would suggest that you consider a guided safari during your trip, which can be arranged in the National Parks, as well as in the private reserves.

The advantages of a guided safari are that your guide has the knowledge and experience to know the best places to look for the game, will provide interesting information about what you see and will ensure your safety and comfort. They can also point out some of the smaller and equally fascinating and important things to you, including birds, insects, plants and animal tracks and signs.

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What clothes should I pack for my trip?

The climate of the area that you are visiting, and the time of year that you are travelling, will determine the type of clothing that you should take on your trip. Comfortable and casual clothing is generally suitable throughout the year, as most areas are mild even in winter.

Shorts and light cotton tops are advisable for the hotter summer months. For the evenings and cooler winter days you should take jeans, or trousers. To allow for fluctuating day and night temperatures, particularly for safaris and winter evenings it is a good idea to wear a number of layers that you can easily take on and off.

It is also important to remember that the sun in Africa can be very harsh and long sleeved tops are advisable, especially if you are likely to be outside for much of the day. Sunblock, sunglasses and a hat are essentials.

For safaris and hiking neutral colours; khakis, beiges and browns are preferable. Comfortable walking shoes, or hiking boots should be taken if you plan to do any walking. For evening game drives, especially in the winter months, a fleece, warm jacket, gloves and even a woolen hat are sensible.

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