Kruger National Park Safari Calendar

December to March

This is the height of summer, and daytime temperatures can soar to well above 30 degrees C (up to 100 F). At night it cools down to 20 degrees C. The rains are here in the form of dramatic thunderstorms. It is a time of abundance, lots of baby animals and therefore lots of predator action. The bush is lush and green and the birdlife is prolific. Game viewing during this time is a bit more difficult due to the lush vegetation but still very rewarding.

April and May

The beginning of the dry season and a great time for going on safari. Animals start returning to the rivers and waterholes as the rain puddles dry up. The bush starts turning from green to brown and it becomes easier to spot wildlife. Migratory birds head north. Temperatures are not as hot anymore but still around 25-35 degrees C during daytime.

June to September

This is the dry season and peak safari time in the Kruger Park. Animals flock to the remaining water sources and one can spend some very productive time waiting at waterholes for animals to come and drink. Predators lie in wait for their prey near the waterholes, and exciting game viewing is guaranteed. The bush is drier and starts thinning out as the remaining grass gets trampled and eaten. During the day it is warm (20-25 degrees C) but at night the temperature can drop to 10 degrees C so bring warm clothes for the morning and evening game drives.

October and November

The height of the dry season, when the bush waits in eager anticipation for the rains to come. Many waterholes dry up and animals desperately compete for the remaining water sources. The bush is dry, dusty and the remaining grass is brown and trampled. The game viewing can be spectacular. The days become hotter, reaching well above 30 degrees C on most days. In late November, soon after the first rains, the impala's give birth in their thousands and the time of abundance begins again. The bush transforms within a matter of days from death to life, and from brown to green. This is an exciting time to be on safari.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is South Africa's premier safari destination. At over 2 million hectares in size it is the largest national park in South Africa, and one of the most accessible yet unspoilt wilderness areas in Africa. Adjacent to the Kruger National Park are a number of private game reserves which share unfenced boundaries with the park. Examples of these are the Timbavati and Sabi Sand Game Reserves, which are home to a variety of private game lodges. The whole conservation area is known as the greater Kruger National Park.

Read more on the Kruger National Park travel guide page.