|
| What do we wear? What weather conditions
can we expect? Can we drink the water? What about malaria? For the answers to these and other questions, read on. |
| Western Cape/Karoo | Winter Jun - Aug |
Spring Sep -Nov |
Summer Dec - Feb |
Autumn/Fall Mar - May |
| Max temperature in C | 20 | 22 | 30 | 25 |
| Min temperature in C | 0 | 0 | 11 | 7 |
| Rainfall in mm | 250 | 150 | 50 | |
| Days rained per month | 12 | 7 | 3 | |
| Hours of sunshine | 9 | 12 | 14 | 12 |
| Wind chill potential | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Humidity | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Kalahari | Winter Jun - Aug |
Spring Sep -Nov |
Summer Dec - Feb |
Autumn/Fall Mar - May |
| Max temperature in C | 24 | 27 | 40 | 30 |
| Min temperature in C | -2 | 3 | 10 | 7 |
| Rainfall in mm | 50 | 300 | 50 | |
| Days rained per month | 3 | 8 | 3 | |
| Hours of sunshine | 9 | 12 | 14 | 12 |
| Wind chill potential | High | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Humidity | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Eastern Cape | Winter Jun - Aug |
Spring Sep -Nov |
Summer Dec - Feb |
Autumn/Fall Mar - May |
| Max temperature in C | 20 | 21 | 25 | 23 |
| Min temperature in C | 9 | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| Rainfall in mm | 57 | 59 | 35 | 53 |
| Days rained per month | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
| Hours of sunshine | 9 | 12 | 14 | 12 |
| Wind chill potential | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Humidity | Low | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Kwazulu/Kruger Park | Winter Jun - Aug |
Spring Sep -Nov |
Summer Dec - Feb |
Autumn/Fall Mar - May |
| Max temperature in C | 27 | 29 | 37 | 29 |
| Min temperature in C | 10 | 18 | 20 | 18 |
| Rainfall in mm | 33 | 100 | 170 | 50 |
| Days rained per month | 3 | 10 | 17 | 5 |
| Hours of sunshine | 9 | 12 | 14 | 12 |
| Wind chill potential | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Humidity | Low | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Gauteng | Winter Jun - Aug |
Spring Sep -Nov |
Summer Dec - Feb |
Autumn/Fall Mar - May |
| Max temperature in C | 20 | 22 | 31 | 25 |
| Min temperature in C | -3 | 0 | 11 | 7 |
| Rainfall in mm | 150 | 500 | 150 | |
| Days rained per month | 3 | 10 | 3 | |
| Hours of sunshine | 9 | 12 | 14 | 12 |
| Wind chill potential | High | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Humidity | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| General Comment on the weather |
 Western
Cape |
| Bring something to protect you from the wind and rain – particularly in Winter and Spring. Wind chill can be a factor throughout the year – particularly at wetlands. A good pair of trainers is fine for footwear – hiking boots not essential. For the pelagics be prepared for very cold, very windy or even very hot weather. Depending on sea conditions on the day, you may also get very wet. Sunblock, a hat which will not blow off/woolly cap, a good waterproof windcheater, a warm jersey and gloves are essential. There is room in the aft cabin of the boat to store a togbag with spare clothes. |
| Kalahari |
| Temperatures can fall below zero at nights in winter and spring. Be prepared for this. It normally warms up during the day. Summer temperatures can be very high. Be sure to wear cool comfortable clothes and drink lots of water. |
| Eastern Cape |
| The weather in the Eastern Cape is generally moderate. Bring along Raingear and something to keep the wind out. |
| Kwazulu |
| Kwazulu weather varies greatly from region to region. They enjoy warm wet summers and dry cool winters. Nearer the coast the humidity can be very high especially in the summer months. This can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to humidity. Winter humidity levels are not really a concern. The coldest parts of the province are in the Drakensberg. In the foothills of the Berg one can experience snow in winter. Wakkerstroom and many other inland areas get close to freezing in winter . On the coast the winters are glorious with cool clear days and very little rain. It is always advisable to bring along something to keep the chill out. Raingear is best brought along for all times of year. If in any doubt it is always best to contact us for more specific guidance once you have decided on your trip and the time of year you intend to visit. |
| Gauteng |
| The weather in Gauteng is generally mild to moderately hot, although trips in November – February can be both hot with a maximum of up to 31oC and quite humid. Winters can be chilly (Down to a low of about -3oC in the early morning). For trips between October and March, we recommend short trousers, light cotton shirts and raingear, as showers are regular. A hat and sunblock is essential for all seasons. From April to August, cooler conditions can be expected, with cold snaps possible. Rain is less frequent in this season and very unlikely: June and August |
| Kruger |
| The weather in Kruger is generally warm to hot. Very hot conditions can be experienced from October to February, with high humidity more likely in late summer (December to February). Since one spends most of the time confined to a vehicle, we recommend comfortable slacks or shorts, and light cotton wear. Bring a windbreaker and sweater for night drives, as these can be chilly. A hat and sunblock is essential for all seasons. Good walking shoes are also recommended for birding in the camps, or for bush trails. |
| Can we drink the tap water? |
| Yes
everywhere except northern Kwazulu – see the Cholera comment
below. |
| Malaria |
| The Kruger Park and Northern Kwazulu
are “Low Risk” malarial areas and a malaria prophylactic
such as Larium is recommended. Note that Larium can have unpleasant
side effects for some - please consult your doctor in this regard.
The malaria parasite prevalent in South Africa has become immune
to the old style quinine-based prophylactics. Long-sleeved shirts
and trousers as well as a good insect repellent will also serve
to protect you against this tropical disease.
Malaria symptoms - general body ache, tiredness, headache, sore throat, diarrhoea and fever. Symptoms may not be dramatic. Symptoms appear from seven days to six months of entering a malaria area and urgent medical care is essential. Once back home after visiting a malaria area be aware of the symptoms, seek medical advice and be sure to inform the doctor that you have been in a malaria area. |
| Bilharzia |
| This is an unpleasant disease carried
by water flukes. It is curable but symptoms can appear years
after infection. Clients must avoid all exposure to water in
lakes, pools, rivers and streams in Eastern South Africa. Drinking
or swimming in this water could lead to Bilharzia infection.
|
| Cholera |
| This disease has become a problem in
recent years in Eastern South Africa. In addition to the Bilharzia
precautions, clients should avoid using tap water for drinking
or cleaning teeth in Northern Kwazulu (the only potential problem
area in South Africa in this regard). Buying fresh fruit and
vegetables from roadside vendors in this area is not advised.
Cholera symptoms – Intense diarrhoea with watery stools and dehydration. |
 |
Contact Us:
|
| Copyright © 2008-2021 BirdWatch Cape. All Rights Reserved. |
