Best Time to Visit South Africa

January

January is a midsummer month, characterised by afternoon showers, lush landscapes, spectacular sunsets, and sightings of numerous migratory birds.

What's the weather going to be like in South Africa in January?

Days and nights are hot and dry, but there is a chance of rainstorms (in the safari areas)
It’s peak summer season
In areas close to the Indian Ocean, there are particularly high temperatures and high humidity too
It’s hot enough for light layers, and a sturdy waterproof for storms
The garden route and Cape Town are drier and cooler than Kruger National Park.

What are the highlights of visiting South Africa in January?

Safari in South Africa is excellent all year round
The Kruger is less busy than it is during December, as the school holidays in South Africa have ended by January
January’s balmy evenings are superb for sundowners, and clear skies yield particularly spectacular sunsets throughout the month
Great sightings of big cats can be enjoyed during cooler mornings and evenings, as the animals have no need to seek shade at these times
January is brilliant for birdwatching, due to the prevalence of many migratory species
Leatherback and loggerhead turtles enter their crossover period between nesting and hatching this month
If you’re in the Mother City on 2nd January, you can experience the ‘Kaapse Klopse’ or ‘Second New Year’ celebrations
Travellers to KwaZulu-Natal can mark the anniversary of two famous battles – Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
There are lots of opportunities for fantastic photography – sunsets, big cats, turtles, and more.

Any lowlights?

As there’s a lot of water available in parks and reserves, wildlife has no need to cluster around scarce supplies
Due to dense vegetation, wildlife is less visible than during dry season months
There are many mosquitoes about
The rains can cause some roads to become impassable to safari vehicles.

Recommended Safaris to South Africa in January

South Africa Solo Safari (10n) – Luxury

Luxury safaris are where South Africa excels. This amazing trip includes Cape Town as well as two epic big-game areas – the Timbavati and Sabi Sand – and seriously good safari camps that rival the sheer quality of the game-viewing experience.

beach huts, cape town, south africa safaris

South Africa Family Safari (8n) – Luxury

Cape Town and the malaria-free Madikwe make this luxury family safari a hit with clients looking for the very best of South Africa. Ending with the amazing Morukuru in Madikwe, we would argue that a family safari does not get any better.

South Africa Couple Safari (9n) – Value

Cape Town, the Winelands, and Big Five viewing in the Timbavati on the edge of the Kruger National Park combine to make this couple safari one of the best trips we sell to South Africa! It offers outstanding value for money too.

South Africa Honeymoon Safari (10n) – Value

What better way to start your marriage than with a few nights in vibrant Cape Town, followed by a thrilling safari in the Timbavati and the Sabi Sands? This trip involves small properties that are ideal for honeymooners. All offer great value too!

penguins, sea view, south africa safari vacations

South Africa Couple Safari (9n) – Classic

Explore South Africa’s highlights through this trip to Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Sabi Sands! Featuring our favourite city in Africa, the Franschhoek wine valley, and superlative Big Five viewing, this is an epic adventure.

South Africa Family Safari (8n) – Classic

Cape Town and Madikwe is one of our most popular family safaris! Starting with More Quarters in the City Bowl area of Cape Town, your family can explore everything the Cape has to offer before setting off for your Big Five safari in Madikwe.

South Africa Private Group Safari (9n) – Classic

This trip involves South Africa’s fabulous Mother City, followed by two of the country’s finest safari areas – the Timbavati and the Sabi Sands! It’s perfect for a group of six, made up of friends, family members, or three couples.

whale tail in the indian ocean, south africa safaris

South Africa Honeymoon Safari (10n) – Classic

South Africa is a dream destination for a honeymoon! This itinerary sees newlyweds enjoying all the attractions of Cape Town, followed by some superb safari in the game reserves of Timbavati and the Sabi Sands. The perfect celebration!

South Africa Family Safari (8n) – Value

What better way to experience South Africa than on a family safari? You’ll start in exhilarating Cape Town, before moving up to Madikwe Game Reserve for exceptionally good game viewing in one of the country’s best malaria-free reserves.

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South Africa Solo Safari (10n) – Classic

Visit the Cape and Kruger on this seriously good trip to Cape Town, the Timbavati, and the Sabi Sands! Sightings of the Big Five are highly likely on this itinerary, as we use two of South Africa’s best safari camps.

South Africa Private Group Safari (9n) – Value

South Africa has always been one of the best value destinations for travellers on a budget. This group safari includes Cape Town as well as the Timbavati and the Sabi Sands, South Africa’s finest wildlife-viewing regions. An amazing trip!

South Africa Solo Safari (10n) – Value

One of our most popular value options, this trip begins in vibrant Cape Town before moving on to the Timbavati and the Sabi Sands for some seriously epic wildlife viewing! All properties we use are perfect for solo explorers.

13. Guests sauntering down the poplar lane, which shields naartjies left and right

South Africa Couple Safari – Luxury

A luxury safari to South Africa’s Cape Town, Winelands, and Sabi Sand is one of the most popular and very best trips we sell. Ending in the exceptional Londolozi, great game viewing is guaranteed, matched only by the sheer quality of the camps.

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South Africa Private Group Safari (9n) – Luxury

Is there anything better than travelling on safari with a group of your closest friends? This trip to Cape Town and South Africa’s Timbavati and Sabi Sand is very hard to beat; a trip of a lifetime and a great experience to share with friends.

zebra close up south africa yellow zebra safaris

Cape Town, Winelands & Sabi Sands (9n) – Value

This safari showcases South Africa’s highlights. It focuses on Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Sabi Sand on the border of the Kruger National Park, home to South Africa’s best Big Five game viewing.

andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge drinks yellow zebra

Cape Town, Winelands, Timbavati & Sabi Sands (12N) – Value

Our extended South Africa Highlights itinerary introduces you to Cape Town and the Winelands, as well as the Timbavati and Sabi Sands, South Africa’s two most iconic private reserves, bordering the famous Kruger National Park. A fabulous holiday!

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Cape Town, Winelands & Sabi Sands (9n) – Classic

This trip includes the iconic city of Cape Town, the stunning Winelands, and the wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve! We use small and intimate safari camps, and altogether this is an ideal option for travellers seeking a broad range of experiences.

leopard tree south africa yellow zebra safaris

Cape Town, Winelands, Timbavati & Sabi Sands (12N) – Classic

Following a few days in Cape Town and The Winelands, this trip focuses on the best of South Africa’s private game reserves! Timbavati and the Sabi Sands provide a great safari that guarantees immense game concentrations, especially of all the cats.

Singita Ebony Lodge leopard yellow zebra safaris

South Africa Highlights (7n) – Classic

This trip provides an exciting overview of South Africa, starting in Cape Town and finishing in the wildlife-rich Sabi Sands! Both properties we use are very well located and offer a great range of activities.

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Cape Town, Winelands & Sabi Sands (9n) – Luxury

This trip includes Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Greater Kruger’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. The lodges offer exceptionally high levels of attention to detail and service, pushing this itinerary into our luxury portfolio.

elephant watch, timbavati private game reserve, south africa

Cape Town, Winelands, Timbavati & Sabi Sands (12N) – Luxury

This trip offers the very best experiences within the luxury price bracket. We use lodges that all have their own unique bit of ‘wow factor’, setting them apart from their rivals and offering guests a trip of the highest calibre.

Singita Sweni Lodge lion big five yellow zebra safaris

South Africa Highlights (7n) – Luxury

This trip is nothing short of exceptional, offering the best locations and superb levels of luxury and service. We focus on the highlights of South Africa – Cape Town and the Kruger’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

South Africa Ultimate Luxury (9N)

Best suited to couples and honeymooners, this trip is something very special indeed. Three super-sumptuous properties in three of South Africa’s finest destinations, makes for one of the most luxurious itineraries we offer at YZ!