South Africa

The seasons are opposite to ours. Generally, summer stretches from October to April when most of the country experiences sunny days and balmy evenings. The Western Cape (in and around Cape Town and the Garden Route) enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers – yet by contrast, in the Kruger, summer brings the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. Cape Town receives most of its rain during winter (June to August) whilst conversely, winter in the Kruger and the Madikwe brings crisp, dry sunny days and cold nights – ideal for game viewing (the sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot animals as they are drawn to the waterholes). May to November are the best months for whale watching along the coast near Hermanus, south of Cape Town.

Prevention against malaria is recommended for all travel to the Lowfeld of Mpumalanga (including Kruger National Park), Limpopo and on the Maputoland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is at low risk in the winter months – however, it is advisable to use mosquito nets and insect repellent to avoid being bitten. Consult your doctor for advice on medical precautions against malaria. No vaccinations are required but please seek current travel advice from your GP at least 4 – 6 weeks prior to travel. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus-Diphtheria are currently recommended. If entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone, possession of a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate is essential.

No visa required for British passport holders staying up to 90 days but it is important to ensure that you have at least two consecutive clean pages in your passport. A validity of at least 6 months remaining on your passport following your trip is required.