August marks the end of a beautiful winter in South Africa and it is time for a warm and soothing summer. Wild and unspoiled South Africa is flourishing at its best and now is a great time to plan a memorable walk in the African wilderness. Cape Town to the south is graced with occasional rain and storms, but much of the country is sunny, hot and dry, making South Africa in August Perfect for a holiday.
The fact that the top safari destinations in South Africa – Kruger National Park, and the nearby South Luangwa Valley in Zambia are already in their peak game viewing season, makes them exciting places to visit. For nature lovers and photographers, nothing can be more captivating than the clear view of sunrise and red dusty sunset views. Amidst all the fun, wild animals can be easily spotted and photographed around the waterhole.
South Africa in August can be the ideal destination for holiday activities and here’s how you can make the best of your time!
8 things to do in South Africa in August 2023
Apart from the famous African safari, here are some other popular activities that everyone visiting South Africa in August must try. We have listed some of the activities that you must do on your trip to the land of the Big Five:
1. South Africa – Whale Watching
June to November is the perfect time to go whale watching in South Africa, which means you definitely won’t be disappointed if you’re planning a whale watching trip to the coastal South African region. The peak calving season also occurs around July and August. The coastal African region from Hermanus to St. Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal is a wonderful place for whale watching enthusiasts. It’s no wonder why this activity is popular as a big attraction in coastal Africa. Hermanus is one of Best places to visit in South Africa in August To see whales.
Must read: Kruger National Park in South Africa is your last date with the wilderness
2. South Africa – Adventure Sports
South Africa is famous for its wildlife and adventure. While much has been said and discovered about wildlife, adventures in Africa deserve mention. If you are wondering What to do in South Africa in August?, Do not panic. For extreme thrills head to the African jungle dotted with vast valleys and deep gorges, and if you want to try some water activities then coastal Cape Town is the place to be. The most popular adventure activities in South Africa are kayaking, hiking, parasailing, zip lining, snorkeling, bungee jumping, skydiving and many more.
Read suggestions: Best safari in South Africa: Adrenaline pumping experience in the wildest corner of the world
3. Blyde River Canyon – Hiking
The Blythe River Canyon Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga is a wonderful activity for an exciting day in the South African wilderness. Quite popularly there are 4 routes which can be covered in a duration of 1 to 4 hours. The Leopard Trail is known for its stunning scenery and also offers 3 rondavels and the Blyde River Dam. After this, the Guinea Fowl Trail takes you to the river where you can go swimming and bathing in the waterfalls. Entering a nature reserve is a one-of-a-kind experience South Africa weather in August Perfect to make it a memorable event for you.
Read suggestions: 10 things to do in South Africa to inspire you on your next African adventure!
4. Leash Jump – Take a Plunge
The Reemwasmaak Natural Thermal Springs is one of the many wonders of South Africa and is an ideal place to enjoy a warm and refreshing natural bath. Located between the Orange and Molopo Rivers, the Rimouski Natural Thermal Springs is nestled in the heart of nature and covered with giant stones, towering rocks, mountainous desert and never-ending forest.
Read suggestions: 12 Top Resorts in South Africa for a Charming Vacation
5. Hogsback – Explore
Hogsback is a famous tourist attraction in South Africa that every nature lover must visit during August. It is a group of 3 flat-topped Hogsback Mountains surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views. The rich vegetation and romantic waterfalls along with abundant wildlife make it a perfect day activity for every nature lover. Cape parrots, Samango monkeys and Knysna lorises are some of the most popular wildlife species. This is one of Best places to visit in South Africa in August,
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6. Tiffindale Ski Resort – Ski
There is always the option of skiing in South Africa even in the warmer months, let alone winter. If you’re planning to go skiing in South Africa in August then head to Tiffindale Ski Resort in the Eastern Cape. During summer they also get artificial snow. At the top of the mountains, Tiffindale Ski Resort is a wonderful place to relax and ski. Since snow is limited to certain areas, it is always fun to be around and makes for a great experience overall.
7. South Africa – Day Tour
There are plenty of day tours in South Africa that you can choose from when you’re around. While major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are the highlights of a South Africa city tour, there is still a lot to do, especially when you are in the coastal region. Highlights of the city tour include a combined tour of Robben Island and Cape Town city, private wineland tours of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Table Mountain and Cape Point, Boulders Beach and the Penguin Parade at the Cape of Good Hope.
Read suggestions: 10 places to visit in Cape Town for a casual holiday
8. Edo National Park – Stay
Be sure to stop by for a fun time. Addo Elephant National Park is the third largest national park in South Africa. Spread over 1640 sq km, this diverse wildlife conservation park was established in 1931. Apart from 600 elephants, Addo Elephant National Park is home to many bird species of wildlife like lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard etc. It is also a breeding habitat for gannets and African penguins.
read ahead: 95 Best Honeymoon Places in the World to Spend Romantic Moments!
That’s South Africa in August for you! A vast confluence of wildlife and adventure, a sea of vast Savannah and a mystical paradise all await you towards the southern tip of the African continent. Plan a trip to South Africa now!
FAQs about South Africa in August
Is August a good time to visit South Africa?
August is considered the dry season in South Africa. The days are warm and sunny, however, the nights can be a bit cool. There is not much rain in South Africa in August, so you can enjoy visiting various tourist attractions in sunny weather.
What are some fun activities in South Africa?
South Africa offers its travelers various opportunities to indulge in adventure activities. Some of the best adventures you can partake in include mountain climbing, hot-air ballooning, shark cage diving, hang gliding, abseiling, fishing and whale watching.
Is it safe to travel to South Africa?
According to international media reports, South Africa is not one of the safest places. However, recent statistics have shown that the crime rate has decreased significantly which has also led to an increase in its tourism sector. Therefore, you can travel to South Africa without worrying much about safety.
Do I need an injection for South Africa?
Yes, if you are traveling to South Africa, you will need certain vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and diphtheria. Additionally, if you are going on a trek or a long vacation, testing for Hepatitis B and Rabies is also recommended.
How long does it take to reach South Africa from India?
The shortest distance between India and South Africa is 8,242 km which will take approximately 9.15 hours to travel by air.
What is the most beautiful place in South Africa?
You will get to see various attractions during your trip to South Africa. Some of the best attractions you can visit include Boulders Beach, Tsukudu Game Reserve, Knysna, Bleed River Canyon, The V&A Waterfront, Pringle Bay and many more.
