SOUTH AFRICA

The diving is generally best from April to September, and so is the surfing, but these activities are by no means limited to these periods. Wild flowers are at their best in August and September. River rafting is better at the end of winter in the Cape; and in summer (late November to February) in KwaZulu-Natal.

In Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, activities are not quite as time-dependent but spring and autumn are best for hiking since summer can be very hot. If you want to lounge on the beaches, midsummer is the best time to do so, though bear in mind that everyone else will be there too. The beaches of KwaZulu-Natal are warm and sunny, even in midwinter.

South Africa has the best infrastructure of any country in Africa - the roads are excellent, the major cities and travel destinations well linked by air and the hotels and safari lodges among the very best in Africa.