For wildlife and wine, coastline and culture, South Africa is the ultimate destination.

In many ways, South Africa is a country of abundance.

September, which tends to be somewhat quiet, can also be more accessible price-wise, according to Calmeyer.

Aerial view of Sea Point, a wealthy suburb on Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard, In the background are Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. South Africa.

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Conversely, December is when prices hit their peak, and oftentimes hotels and lodges enforce minimum stay periods.

Mandys personal favorite season is spring, fromSeptember to November.

It offers beautiful displays of blooming gardens and wildflowers on safari, he says.

Fall colors over a vineyard in South Africa

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The weather is perfect neither too hot nor too cold.

Between October and May essentially the shoulder seasons and summertime (a.k.a.

high season) Calmeyer says the weather on the Western Cape is her favorite.

African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus), or Black-footed Penguin, Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

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The same goes for safari destinations across the country.

The weather is brilliant, she says.

There are epic opportunities for wildlife viewing 12 months a year, she says.

A zebra seen at dusk on a safari

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The vegetation also typically dies back during these months, making smaller creatures more visible.

Still, dont expect leisurely swims in the sea.

TheCape Town Art FairandCape Town International Jazz Festival, which both occur each February, are great draws.

A beach scene in South Africa

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Mandy adds, The popular concerts offer live music in a picturesque setting beneath Table Mountain.