May to September brings cooler temperatures, less rain, and animals congregating around water sources - excellent for safari clarity. December to February gets hot and humid with lush green scenery, which some prefer for landscape photography. Game viewing works year-round, but check before you go since conditions shift by season and recent rainfall.

The multi-day safari packages (5-day Hluhluwe and Isimangaliso, 2-day Hluhluwe-Imfolozi from Richards Bay) fill fastest during peak season, so 4-6 weeks ahead is sensible. If you're flying in on a cruise or have set dates, lock it in earlier. Last-minute slots sometimes open, but don't rely on it.

For safari and major hikes, guides are genuinely worth it - they spot animals you'd miss, know the landscape, and handle the logistics. Most tours here are guided anyway, which means you're not navigating alone. If you rent a car independently, you can self-drive sections of Drakensberg or Lesotho, but guides unlock way more.

The Mafadi peak adventure is serious multi-day camping terrain requiring fitness and mountain experience. Shorter Drakensberg day hikes and the Maletsunyana Falls walk in Lesotho are more approachable for fit families. Check the specific tour details before you go - operators will tell you what fitness level suits each route.

Multi-day safaris usually cover accommodation, meals, park fees, and experienced guides. Shore excursions from cruise ports typically include transport and a guide but sometimes charge extra for lunch. Lesotho tours vary widely - check if horseback rides, camping, or cultural visits are included, plus what meals and equipment you need to bring.

Absolutely. The 5-day Hluhluwe, Isimangaliso and Drakensberg combo does exactly that, as do the falls-to-falls private tours mixing hiking with waterfall visits. Lesotho add-ons work well too - a 3-day Lesotho tour pairs nicely with a Durban-based safari leg if you've got 7+ days total.