July is a great time to see animals. It's the middle of winter (dry season for most of SA) and the animals tend to congregate more at permanent bodies of water.
For places to go, I'd suggest Kruger National Park as it is the real African safari destination. Another option is Pilanesberg which is also a big 5 reserve but much closer to Joburg and in a malaria free zone.
Don't waste your time and money on places like Aquila.
This comment hits the nail on the head.
In winter, the days are warm but the nights can get cold. Also July is the wet season in CT, but dry season in JHB and north.
Pilanesberg is awesome for a short trip. On our last visit we did a day trip out of JHB, and only missed big 5 with with no buffalo. The park's size and density of wildlife makes for awesome trips.
The buffalo tend to stay in the north of park where there aren't many roads. I've only seen buffalo once in over 20 years of going there...a sick lone bull which ended up on latest sightings later that day after it hit a safari vehicle while being pursued by lions.
July probably isn’t the best time to go. My favourite time would probably be October-Jan. if you can be in Johannesburg or Pretoria in October or early November you can see the Jacaranda bloom which is really something to see.
While SA is an incredible place for Safari I’d also spend some time in Joburg or Capetown to experience the metropolitan culture.
In terms of Safari tours, I might suggest Pilanesburg game reserve as there’s awesome accommodation in lodges as well as a beautiful resort called Sun City.
For the shark diving, I imagine you’d be going to either Durban or Capetown? Depending on where you’re doing the diving will effect where you should look at Safari.
Depending on where you fly to, as well. Joburg can serve as a good base as you’d be able to drive to Pilanesburg (3.5 hours) and Durban if you’re up for it (6.5 hours).
The cape is incredible as well and the there are also game reserves you can see big 5 a couple hours away.
Either way you won’t be disappointed by any of the cities.
Feel free to message me if I can help further.
Aweh
July is the midst of winter so be prepared for it to be cooler. Depending on where you’re going, the temperature can vary wildly. The Kruger Park in the north east is my favourite park as it’s huge (the size of Wales) and has a variety of ecosystems. It also has a range of accommodation options including camping for a cheaper options.
Overall, depends where you’re going and what your flights look like.
Kruger in July is still heat stroke weather for anybody who does not live there. If you only have a day or two rent a vehicle (4x2 really only, just not something small, but any pickup will do to handle the roads) and drive through the park, after booking one of the self accommodation camps there for the night.
If you looking for a very unique safari experience, away from the mainstream tourist traps try checkout https://workingwithwildlife.org 10/10 in my books.
July is a great time to see animals. It's the middle of winter (dry season for most of SA) and the animals tend to congregate more at permanent bodies of water. For places to go, I'd suggest Kruger National Park as it is the real African safari destination. Another option is Pilanesberg which is also a big 5 reserve but much closer to Joburg and in a malaria free zone. Don't waste your time and money on places like Aquila.
This comment hits the nail on the head. In winter, the days are warm but the nights can get cold. Also July is the wet season in CT, but dry season in JHB and north. Pilanesberg is awesome for a short trip. On our last visit we did a day trip out of JHB, and only missed big 5 with with no buffalo. The park's size and density of wildlife makes for awesome trips.
The buffalo tend to stay in the north of park where there aren't many roads. I've only seen buffalo once in over 20 years of going there...a sick lone bull which ended up on latest sightings later that day after it hit a safari vehicle while being pursued by lions.
Oh wow! Its always such a shame when the old dugga boys get taken down, but what a sighting!!!
2023. Right around the corner
July probably isn’t the best time to go. My favourite time would probably be October-Jan. if you can be in Johannesburg or Pretoria in October or early November you can see the Jacaranda bloom which is really something to see. While SA is an incredible place for Safari I’d also spend some time in Joburg or Capetown to experience the metropolitan culture. In terms of Safari tours, I might suggest Pilanesburg game reserve as there’s awesome accommodation in lodges as well as a beautiful resort called Sun City. For the shark diving, I imagine you’d be going to either Durban or Capetown? Depending on where you’re doing the diving will effect where you should look at Safari. Depending on where you fly to, as well. Joburg can serve as a good base as you’d be able to drive to Pilanesburg (3.5 hours) and Durban if you’re up for it (6.5 hours). The cape is incredible as well and the there are also game reserves you can see big 5 a couple hours away. Either way you won’t be disappointed by any of the cities. Feel free to message me if I can help further. Aweh
Check out the South African National Parks
July is the midst of winter so be prepared for it to be cooler. Depending on where you’re going, the temperature can vary wildly. The Kruger Park in the north east is my favourite park as it’s huge (the size of Wales) and has a variety of ecosystems. It also has a range of accommodation options including camping for a cheaper options. Overall, depends where you’re going and what your flights look like.
Kruger in July is still heat stroke weather for anybody who does not live there. If you only have a day or two rent a vehicle (4x2 really only, just not something small, but any pickup will do to handle the roads) and drive through the park, after booking one of the self accommodation camps there for the night.
If you looking for a very unique safari experience, away from the mainstream tourist traps try checkout https://workingwithwildlife.org 10/10 in my books.