South African Climate

South Africa is famous for its sunshine and champagne days. Our coastal regions are warm even in winter – particularly the east coast regions of KwaZulu Natal – thanks to the warm Agulhas Current that runs into the Indian Ocean. In contrast the cold Benguela Current (fresh from Antarctica) runs up the west coasts’ Atlantic Ocean.

As a result there are striking contrasts between the East and West coast temperatures. In the interior plateau the altitude (around 1694 metres / 5500 feet) keeps the average summer temperatures below 30C (86F). However In winter, for the same reason, the temperatures at night can drop to freezing point and lower.

The far northern regions can average summer temperatures of between 35 – 42C (95 – 107F) but freezing nights are not uncommon. South Africa is a relatively dry country with an average rainfall in the region of 464mm. Most of the country is a summer-rainfall region except for the Western Cape which gets most of its rainfall in Winter.

Being in the southern hemisphere, our seasons are totally opposite to those of Europe and North America. As hard as it is to imagine, we spend Christmas and New Year in our swimming pools and on our beautiful beaches!

Botswana Climate

Botswana – which is north of South Africa - is regarded as a semi-arid region. It is hot and dry most of the time but during the rainy season – January and February being the peak months – the annual rainfall varies from a maximum of around 600m in the far north eastern areas of Chobe to a minimum of less than 250mm in the far south western districts (Kalahari). The rains are erratic and unpredictable.

Often a huge downpour may occur in one area while 10 kilometers away there is no rain at all. Summer is hot and shade temperatures can rise to over 38C (100F) at times reaching as high as 44C (111F). It can also be very humid – with the averages ranging from 60 – 80% during summer to 20 – 30% in the colder months. Winter days are wonderfully warm, but the nights and early mornings are cold. Interestingly enough, the word Pula (which is the name of Botswana’s currency) is also the Setswana word for “rain” – an essential yet sometimes scarce commodity!
 

Estimated Area Temperatures

MONTH	KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE				Northern areas of RSA & BOTSWANA				CAPE PROVINCE				FREE STATE PROVINCE
	MIN		MAX		MIN		MAX		MIN		MAX		MIN		MAX
	F	C	F	C	F	C	F	C	F	C	F	C	F	C	F	C
March	68	20	80	27	55	13	75	24	58	12	77	27	54	14	80	25
April	64	18	78	26	50	10	71	22	54	8	71	24	46	12	75	22
May	54	12	75	24	43	6	66	19	50	3	68	20	42	10	68	20
June	39	4	73	23	39	4	63	17	41	-1	64	18	30	5	64	18
July	39	4	71	22	39	4	63	17	43	-2	63	18	27	6	64	17
August	55	13	71	22	43	6	68	22	46	-1	64	20	30	8	68	18
September	59	15	77	25	48	9	73	30	48	5	66	27	41	9	77	22
October	63	17	78	30	54	12	77	35	52	9	70	30	48	11	80	28

Suggested Safari Packing List

Please note that whether you are traveling by hunting vehicle or private charter during your trip, all forms of safari transportation have limited packing space available. So if possible please restrict your luggage to between 10–12 kilograms (22-26lbs) and make use of a soft bag – particularly for flights.

Our camps are fully equipped and laundry is done daily, so there is no need to bring extra gear. Charter companies are very strict with excess weight and the commercial airlines are also imposing more stringent regulations. Pack for comfort and please note that warm clothing during June, July and August is essential.

 

	Clothing:		Other Items:
	2 short sleeved khaki shirts		Flashlight
	2 long sleeved khaki shirts		Pocket knife
	2 turtlenecks or polo necks		2 pairs of sunglasses
	2 pairs khaki shorts		A small back pack
	2 pairs long khaki trousers		Plenty of Sunscreen
	A couple of T-shirts (no bright colours)		Lip balm / chapstick
	A cap or hat		Binoculars (8x40)
	A warm woolen cap (beanie)		Diary
	A pair of warm gloves		Hair dryer & Gas curling tongs for ladies (optional)
	1 or 2 sets of thermal underwear (just in case)		International plug set (Africa uses 220-240Volt)
	Warm socks		Malaria tablets (as prescribed by your MD if required)
	1 pair comfortable house shoes		Insect repellent
	1 pair comfortable tennis shoes / running shoes		Tick repellent (preferably containing DEET)
	1 pair of ankle high boots		Belt and ammunition pouch
	Warm nightwear		Ammunition as discussed
	1 or 2 warm jackets (down)		Reading material
	1 warm sweater		Clock (optional)
	1 raincoat / waterproof jacket		Any personal medication
	Sweatsuit or jeans for evenings		Camera equipment (We recommend a 400mm standard and wide angle lens, flash, spare batteries, camera bag)
	Swimsuit (optional)
	1 smart/casual outfit (if required)

Touring Destinations

Guests visiting the Western Cape during our winter months (May through August) are advised to bring along rain gear as this is the Cape’s rainy season. The hotels in Cape Town and other cities or towns you may visit are elegantly casual, however dinner at certain restaurants is slightly more formal where a collared shirt and jacket is recommended for gentlemen – a tie is optional.

For guests enjoying a trip on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train, the dress code is also elegantly casual, however dinner is a more formal affair. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant cocktail wear. All private game lodges e.g. Mala Mala are casual where safari gear is suitable both during the day at during evening meals. A warm jacket in the evening is advisable as some lodges serve dinner outdoors in a reed enclosed boma around a fire.

Electrical outlets

Please bring with you an international travel plug set which includes adapters for two prong appliances. Our wall sockets are round, 3 prong, 15 amp units (not square as in the USA). Your plug set should contain a converter so any equipment you bring with you which usually runs on 110volts for example, can be converted to 220 – 240 Volts.
 

Traveling in and around South Africa and Botswana poses no major medical threats. Malaria is prevalent in some areas for which malaria prophylactics are prescribed. Please be sure and contact your Doctor in this regard. Also bear in mind that side effects from malaria medication can be experienced. We therefore suggest that if possible you take your medication at night thereby ensuring that nothing affects the quality of your safari. No other inoculations are required for both countries however a valid international Yellow Fever Certificate may be requested but only if the traveler has passed through or begun his or her journey in a yellow fever belt. Should your itinerary entail hunting or touring in a malaria risk area, you will be notified of this in advance and advised on what precautions need to be taken. All these details are covered with you, prior to your arrival, with your personal CVS safari administrator.

The medical facilities in South Africa are exceptionally high and meet world standards. The facilities are similar to those found in the USA and Europe. Regular internal flights or private charters and excellent road networks facilitate easy travel and, in the case of any medical emergency, prompt assistance and access to first class medical facilities and private hospitals. Other than that, the only other possible threat would be the African sun! Do not underestimate its strength – even during the winter months.