GCF Ecotour Safari’s – Flight Edition

Welcome to the GCF Ecotour Safari blog series designed to prepare you for an upcoming South African ecotour with Global Conservation Force.

Many of you have been asking about flights, so in this edition, we’re here to answer your questions. Don’t worry—there’s still plenty of time to purchase your tickets! We’ll cover when to book, how to find the best deals, and key details about arrival times and dates to ensure a smooth journey to South Africa.

When To Book

In general, the best time to book a flight to South Africa is typically around 4 to 6 months in advance which means this December to February 2025 should be a good time to purchase your flight. This allows you to take advantage of potential early bird deals and avoid last-minute price hikes. While flight prices can fluctuate, booking within this window generally provides a balance between price and availability, especially for international long-haul flights like those to South Africa. The best way to get good prices on bookings is to track flights. Learn the best way to do this below. 

Finding Deals

When looking for flight deals and tracking prices, the following websites and apps are great tools:

1. Google Flights – Offers flexible date searches, price tracking alerts, and a comprehensive comparison of airlines. It’s user-friendly and provides a visual calendar to easily spot cheaper dates.
   
2. Skyscanner – Allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites. You can also set price alerts and explore flexible date options to find the best deals.

3. Hopper – A mobile app that predicts flight price changes using historical data and provides recommendations on when to book. It also allows you to set up price alerts and track flight prices.

These tools can help you find competitive rates and keep you updated on any price drops or deals.

Key Dates and Times

When planning for your GCF Ecotour Safari in South Africa, understanding the seasonal changes can enhance your experience. Here’s an overview of the key travel seasons and considerations for your upcoming adventure:


Peak Season (May – October)


The months from May to October are the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing in South Africa. During this time, animals are more visible around water sources, and the vegetation is thinner, making it ideal for safaris. This season is also cooler, with sunny days and clear skies, especially beneficial for those who prefer a more temperate climate. These months are in high demand, so booking in advance is essential to secure your spot.


Note: GCF books most of its travel during this season to ensure that participants get the most out of their wildlife viewing experience.


Low Season (November – April)


The period from November to April is considered the low season in South Africa. During these months, temperatures are warmer, and you’ll experience lush, green landscapes as it coincides with the rainy season (particularly from November through February). While wildlife viewing can still be rewarding, especially for birdwatching, animal sightings may be less predictable due to increased foliage and water availability across the landscape.


Rainy Season (November – February)


South Africa’s rainy season typically spans November to February. During this time, short, heavy showers and thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoon. While this season brings beautiful, vibrant scenery and fewer tourists, it’s also the time when mosquitos are more prevalent. Travelers should prepare accordingly and consider this period if they prefer fewer crowds and a different ecological perspective.


By selecting dates in the May-October window, GCF ensures a peak-season experience that maximizes the safari’s impact and allows you to witness the awe-inspiring wildlife and conservation work at its best. We look forward to sharing this journey with you and immersing you in the extraordinary landscapes and ecosystems of South Africa.

Baggage Information

As you prepare for your journey, please keep in mind that each guest is allowed a maximum of one checked bag 20Kg or less, one carry-on 7Kg or less, and a personal item that fits under an airline seat. Bringing additional luggage or weight may result in extra charges from the airline, so we recommend packing light and efficiently. This will not only help avoid unnecessary fees on your flights within South Africa but also make your travel experience smoother. 

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