In winter the days are sunny and warm. The country is also home to the last substantial populations of black and white rhinos - with horns intact. You're most likely to encounter these critters in one of South Africa's national parks, but you should keep an eye out for lurking crocodiles in lowveld streams and rampaging hippos in the northern coastal regions. When to Go Summer can be uncomfortably hot, especially in the lowveld. Higher altitudes are pleasantly warm over summer, but the mountains are rain and mist-prone.
Spring is the best time for wild flowers in the Northern and Western Cape provinces.
Winters are mild everywhere except in the highest country, where there are frosts and occasional snowfalls. No visas are required for travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, the USA and the European Union for visits of up to 90 days. Bilharzia is also found mainly in the east but outbreaks do occur in other places so you should always check with knowledgeable local people before drinking water or swimming in it. Travelling, other than hitching, will bump this up considerably as the road is long and public transport can be expensive. Although the First National Bank has a higher minimum charge, it takes a lower commission so it can work out cheaper if you're changing a few cheques.