The evidence is clear. The snowdrops are out. We have seen daffodils pushing through our flower beds and Crème Eggs in the shops. The days are getting longer. Temperatures are inching up. This only means one thing. Spring is on its way! Spring in Southern Africa runs from mid August to November (the months we consider our Autumn). A fantastic time to travel to Africa, but realistically you need to be thinking about it now, space goes quickly. 

So what can you expect in South Africa during Spring?

Whale Watching Season

This is the best time to see southern right whales as they migrate from Antarctica to calve in the warm waters off South Africa. 

One of the best places to view the whales is along the Garden Route coast. It is commonly accepted that Hermanus is one of the best destinations to see the whales from a land-based vantage point. Or travel further along the coast, as Suzanne did, to the beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve, where you may even have a whole stretch of beach and dunes to yourself. Families can rent out the exclusive Morukuru Ocean House. Built on the edge of the cliff it feels as if the whales are only there for you. Truly exceptional. 

Wild flowers on the West Coast 

During spring, the dry and dusty landscape is transformed as a carpet of colourful wildflowers spreads across South Africa's west coast, creating the most stunning scenery. 

When you stay at Bushmans Kloof in the Cederberg Mountains you really are in the heart of the action, here you'll see the wildflowers at their best. We recommend booking one of our specialist guides for the drive from Cape Town to Bushmans Kloof - start early and allow time to visit the West Coast National Parks and the areas around Churchhaven and Postberg Flower Reserve. 

Bush Babies 

Spring signals the start of the rainy season. However rain should not deter you, we find rain is never really of biblical proportions on safari. Female impala also have the remarkable capability to delay giving birth until the first rain arrives, to ensure that their newborn calf has sufficient food to survive on. It is a great time to do a safari. 

Avert your gaze if you feel squeamish, but the ‘circle of life’ means that spring is a great time to view predators in action. Head to Rattrays on Mala Mala on the border of the Kruger Park, arguably one of the best safari locations in Africa.  

Migrant Birds Return

Feeling twitchy? Birders get excited in Spring as the migrant birds start to arrive from Europe and North Africa. The bush becomes alive with colour and sound as Woodlands Kingfishers and European Bee-Eaters arrive from the north. 

For birders we recommend a destination such as Phinda Forest Lodge which has over 350 species of birds, due to its 7 different ecosystems.