South Africa in May

May

Southern areas begin to experience rain, but many parks and reserves elsewhere are well on their way to dry season this month – travellers to northern parts of the country can enjoy particularly good sightings of wildlife.

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

Days are clear and bright, and generally comfortable
The green season is drawing to a close in the north and east of the country, while the Cape and Garden Route regions enter their wetter months
Both morning and evening temperatures are cooling off
It can feel chilly on morning and evening game drives, so we advise packing long layers
KwaZulu-Natal is warmer than southern areas of South Africa this month.

What are the highlights of visiting South Africa in May?

Safari in South Africa is excellent throughout the year
Availability of properties is good, as it’s still low season (but see also ‘LOWLIGHTS’ below)
Most parks and reserves don’t feel too busy
As the bush thins, wildlife visibility improves
Where water sources decrease, game begins to cluster – this is particularly true of the northern safari areas
Fly fishing is exceptionally good, with the mountain streams and rivers teeming with brown and rainbow trout
If you visit a park or reserve where water sources are dwindling, you’ll have opportunities to photograph an abundance of wildlife.

Any lowlights?

South Africa’s school holidays start this month, and the Kruger National Park can book up pretty quickly
Early morning and evening game drives can feel chilly for some travellers
There are a few mosquitoes to avoid
In the country’s southern parts, rains can have a negative impact on some activities, such as tours of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

Recommended Safaris to South Africa in May

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South Africa: Off the beaten track Kwazulu-Natal Safari

This trip begins in the stunning seaside town of Umhlanga, opposite the iconic red-and-white lighthouse! You’ll continue on to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Phinda Game Reserve, for game drives, bush walks, boat trips, and more.

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!

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 Sands 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.

Singita Ebony Lodge leopard yellow zebra safaris

South Africa Highlights

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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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 favorite 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.

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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.

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.

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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 travelers 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.

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 Sands – and seriously good safari camps that rival the sheer quality of the game-viewing experience.

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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.

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South Africa Private Group Safari (9n) – Luxury

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

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

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

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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 vacation!

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Cape Town, Winelands & Sabi Sands

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!