The climate in the KwaZulu Natal Province is all year ’round tourist friendly. Sea temperatures are also relatively stable, averaging 21 degrees all year, providing possibilities for a diversity of aquatic activities in any season, including diving, fishing, swimming, boating and surfing.
Visitors to KwaZulu Natal can look forward to a splendid climate. The largest city, Durban, enjoys warmth and sunshine very occasionally mixed with light, steady rainfall. In Durban the air is heavy with humidity and the subtropical latitude of the city brings with it long, hot summers with rainfall, and very mild winters.

Durban boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures range from 16 to 25º C in winter. During the summer months temperatures range from 23 to 33º C (between September and April). January is generally Durban’s hottest month, with an average daily temperature of +/- 32ºC. The warm Mozambique current flowing along the coast means wonderfully warm bathing throughout the year, the water seldom falling below 17º C even in the middle of winter. With these conditions, it’s no accident that Durban is considered the “holiday city” of KwaZulu Natal.

Summer
Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 – 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter
The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures drop, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you have booked on a safari during winter, bring a warm windproof anorak, a scarf and a warm hat, the early mornings sitting on an open safari vehicle can be extremely cold!

General
Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

• In restaurants, hotels and other accommodation, a service fee is not included, but left to your discretion if you are satisfied with the service. As a rule, about 10 % is common practice.
• Porterage – about ZAR 10 per piece of luggage
• Taxi driver – about 10 % of the amount
• Housekeeping staff – about ZAR 10 – 20 per day
• Safari (Game) lodges:  Tipping is common practice, provided you have enjoyed your stay and received good service.   The recommended average is: 
  • Game Ranger – ZAR 100-120 per visitor per day.  
  • Game Tracker:  ZAR 50–60 per visitor per day.  
  • Lodge staff (kitchen, bedroom, reception and dining-room staff) approx. ZAR 100–120 per visitor per day. Please look out for a General Tipping Box for back of house lodge staff at reception. This is common practice in many establishments.
• For clients on city sightseeing tours: Driver-Tour guides: ZAR 100-120 per visitor per day.  
• For clients on group coach tours:
  • Driver: ZAR 30 – 40 per visitor per day
  • Guide:  ZAR 60 – 80 per visitor per day
• For Self-Drive clients:
  • Parking attendants receive about ZAR 5-10. You do not pay on arrival, but only when you return to your car. (Official car park attendants are usually dressed in orange or yellow vests).
  • Petrol attendants – about ZAR 5 Rand (Refuelling is done by a petrol attendant who checks the oil, water and tyre pressure and often washes your windscreen.)