Packing clothes for a trip to South Africa
Short answer: South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so summer runs from November to March and winter from June to August. Pack layers for cool mornings and warm days, neutral colours for safari and something smart for evenings in Cape Town and the winelands.
Reversed seasons and many climates
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers around 26 degrees and mild, rainy winters. Johannesburg sits high, at about 1,750 metres, and has sunny winters with cold nights close to freezing. The Kruger area in the north east is hot and humid in summer and dry in winter, which is the best time for spotting animals. The coastal city of Durban is subtropical and mild for most of the year, with warm sea water.
Light T-shirts for the day
During the day a light T-shirt is comfortable in town, on a wine estate and at the beach. Choose fabrics that breathe and feel soft when you are outdoors all day. Viscose made from bamboo is light and smooth against the skin. See bamboo T-shirts for men. On safari, neutral colours such as khaki, olive and beige are preferable, while navy and black can attract insects in the bush.
Smart for the winelands and restaurants
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia are known for wine estates and restaurants with a relaxed but well dressed atmosphere. A polo with chinos is a good choice for wine tasting and dinner. See bamboo polos for men. In Cape Town the wind known as the Cape Doctor can blow hard in summer, so bring a light jacket or jumper for the evening.
Mornings on safari
Game drives start early, and in winter it can be just 5 degrees in the open vehicle. Bring a hat, gloves, a fleece and a windproof jacket, and remove layers as the sun rises. Many lodges put blankets and hot water bottles in the vehicle. In the afternoon it can reach 25 degrees, so a thin base layer is practical. Ask your doctor about malaria prevention if you are travelling to the Kruger area.
Quiet mornings at the lodge
Between the morning and afternoon drives there are often several hours of rest at the lodge. It is time for breakfast, reading and relaxing. A light dressing gown is pleasant between the shower and getting dressed, or when you sit on the deck with coffee at dawn. See bamboo dressing gown for men. Many lodges provide one, but your own is nice on a longer tour.
Packing for a tour
A typical trip combines city, winelands, coast and safari, so your clothes need to work in several places. Choose neutral colours that mix well, and pack layers rather than many thick pieces. Small planes to safari lodges often have a 20 kilo limit in a soft bag. Laundry services are common at hotels and lodges, so you can pack light.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit South Africa
It depends on where you go. November to March is best for Cape Town, while May to September is best for safari in Kruger.
Is South Africa cold in winter
Yes, especially at night and in the morning in the highlands and on safari. The days are often sunny and mild.
Do I need malaria tablets in South Africa
It depends on the area. Kruger and the north east may require prevention, so talk to your doctor before you travel.
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