South Africa in February

South Africa in February

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

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In the country’s sunny season, February is a great time to enjoy sightseeing and spending days at the beach. It’s your last chance to experience clear skies, sunny days, optimal game viewing, and beach time before the days become a little cooler and wildlife becomes more challenging to spot.

Although wildlife viewing can be good all year round, the warmer months are generally the best since animals tend to stick around pools of water. Having your holiday in February carries a good chance of seeing a diverse group of wildlife before the animals disperse to various water sources. To add to the fun, you can keep a checklist of the types of animals you’ve seen and reflect on your experience at a later stage.

Weather in February

Considered the last warm month right before the weather gets cooler, February is an opportune time for summer activities.

A South Africa safari in February mirrors that of January in that you have clear skies and plenty of sunshine. You can also experience the best of both worlds regarding animal life on land and in the ocean.

Pros

• Sunny weather
• Good game life viewing
• Good birding safari opportunities
• Less crowded
• Good aquatic life
• Outdoor activities

Cons

• Most expensive time of year – high accommodation costs

National Parks to Visit in South Africa and Why

Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain is a Natural World Heritage Site partly due to the incredible plant life and tree species that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. Activities at Table Mountain National Park are endless and provide an excellent opportunity to experience deep green ecosystems that are millions of years old.

What to do:

• Rock climbing
• Whale watching
• Horse riding
• Penguin viewing – see the endangered land-based African Penguins at Boulders Beach in Simons Town
• Hiking – hike on Lion’s Head to get a view of the Atlantic seaboard, the City, and Table Mountain

Karoo National Park

With one of the most extensive ecosystems in the world, Karoo National Park is unique for its diversity of life. While it previously housed animals such as the black rhino and buffalo, the park is now known for its population of black eagles – this region is a birder’s paradise!

What to do:

• Birding
• Game drives
• Mountain biking

Kgalagadi National Park

Considered one of the most culturally rich regions in the country for its indigenous people, the Kgalagadi needs more than just one day to explore. To see the national park in its entirety, a safari should generally be a few days long to fully experience everything it has to offer.

What to do:

• Birding
• Game watching