If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, consider traveling between May and September. During this time, the weather is a little cooler and you have a better chance of seeing more big game animals on your safari.

November through February is also a great time for South Africa trips—especially if you’re interested in birding. The temperatures remain pretty warm, and while it can be rainy, it’s an unforgettable experience as long as you’re prepared!

As you plan for one of our South Africa tours, here’s what you should remember to bring:

• Sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat
• A warm jacket for colder nights and early-morning safaris
• Closed-toe shoes and long pants to protect yourself from bugs
• Spare change to donate to community centers and buy souvenirs
• Your camera! You don’t want to miss out on all the incredible memories you’ll make

Each of our group travel packages to South Africa have their own unique packing lists, so be sure to check those out, too.

Our South Africa tour packages range between 11 and 20 days. It’s such a large country with so many sights and activities, you’ll never feel like you’re there too long.

To learn more, check out our Cape Town Travel Guide.

One of the best parts of going on South Africa tours is trying the local cuisine. Here are some of the most popular foods:

• Cape Malay curry, a blend of local produce and spices with meats and rice.
• Chakalaka, a vegetable dish made of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans, and spices typically served on top of “pap”, a porridge made from white corn maize
• Braai, a traditional South African barbecue and a mainstay of the culture
• Biltong, a thinly sliced, air-dried cured meat—it’s a can’t-miss snack on all South Africa trips

For us, it comes down to ease. We’ve picked out all of the best spots for our guided tours of South Africa, so you never have to stress about what to do on your trip or how to get there. You can simply focus on the spectacular sightseeing.