South Africa

Victoria Falls is not in South Africa it is on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and therefore the climate will be completely different to that of Cape Town. The best time to see the falls in their full blown glory is after the summer rains, between February and May. The best time to visit Kruger National Park is at the beginning or end of the region's dry season, which falls between April and September, whereas the best time to visit Cape Town is between the months of December, January and February which is when you'll experience the best weather. As you can see, it's a difficult one to fit in all three to experience them at their best.

Victoria Falls is not in South Africa it is on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and therefore the climate will be completely different to that of Cape Town. The best time to see the falls in their full blown glory is after the summer rains, between February and May. The best time to visit Kruger National Park is at the beginning or end of the region's dry season, which falls between April and September, whereas the best time to visit Cape Town is between the months of December, January and February which is when you'll experience the best weather. As you can see, it's a difficult one to fit in all three to experience them at their best.

Gee I'd have to go for months for the best weather in each...lololol! Thanks JC. Friends went mid-September so they could walk across the Falls; but I'd like the best time in Kruger Park as don't like touring in the rain. Is Kruger the best Park? Or Serengeti National Park, etc?

We went to Cape Town and Vic Falls in early August. It is winter there and it can be a bit chilly at times so bring a jacket. We had a brief shower when we were outside Cape Town. Other than that the weather was great.

We visited Kruger Park in July. The reason to go during the dry season is so you can see animals in the bush. Leaves have yet to cover bushes and trees which allows one to see game. Another reason to go at this time is school is in and the park isn’t overrun with local vacationers.
It was cool in the mornings but warmed up to mid to high 60s most days. We did not have any rain.

Any info on Maasai Mara National Reserve; which would you tour, this, Kruger etc?

Jean

We did a 3 week trip from Cape Town to Vic Falls starting in early Jun which traveled up the Western Cape and then traversed Namibia and Botswana before arriving in Vic Falls. Since this was getting into winter we did find Cape Town and the W Cape chilly (mid 60s during the days and much colder at night) but Namibia and Botswana were warmer as we headed North and fairly comfortable.

The good about this time frame was that 1) it was after the rains so wildlife viewing was easier 2) the falls were great - we got soaked on both sides (Zambia and Zimbabwe) - though the flow would probably have been greater a month earlier 3) since the schools in Europe were still in session this was more "off season" and it seems like peak season starts around mid-July.

Didn't do Kruger so can't add anything there.

If you are going to Vic Falls, you could try to do Chobe NP in Botswana. Tons of elephants, hippos, crocs, antelope, etc. Definitely try and do an evening river cruise.

Hope this helps.

Thank you all; this forum has amazing members!

Jean