Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights
If our January 2022 wildlife sightings are anything to go by, the coming year might be one of the best yet for going on a Kruger National Park safari. January brought us some affectionate interactions between lions cub and their mothers and aunts, wonderful rhino calf sightings and an exceptional encounter with the wild white lion of Kruger who we've watched from afar growing from young cub to healthy male.
Never before, though, have we enjoyed such a close encounter with Casper and our safari guests were delighted to see Kruger's famous white lion lazing on the road right in front of our safari vehicle! Scroll down to see some of our favourite shots of Casper along with other highlights from our January 2022 Kruger National Park game drives.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 1](/imager/files/336221/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-1_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336221/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-1_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
Elephants enjoyed the abundance of green grass that is prevalent in Kruger in January.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 2](/imager/files/336230/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-2_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336230/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-2_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
When the weather is hot like it is in January, the wildlife finds inventive ways to keep cool. We encountered this African wild dog cooling down in a puddle of rainwater.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 3](/imager/files/336559/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-3_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336559/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-3_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
Impala kindergarten.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 4](/imager/files/336608/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-4_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336608/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-4_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
A Green-backed/Striated Heron.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 8](/imager/files/336633/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-8_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336633/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-8_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
This is one of the Biyamiti males, easily recognisable by his left eye. He was still mating, though, so the eye doesn't hold him back.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 12](/imager/files/336706/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-12_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336706/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-12_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
Rhino with calf.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 13](/imager/files/336747/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-13_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336747/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-13_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
Leopard in a tree.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 17](/imager/files/336910/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-17_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/336910/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-17_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
We found two lion cubs relaxing by the side of the road. This cub seemed to take an interest in our vehicle.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 19](/imager/files/337233/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-19_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/337233/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-19_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
We spotted this cheetah resting on a termite mound just in time to snap a few photos before he disappeared.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 22](/imager/files/337430/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-22_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/337430/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-22_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
This was a wonderful sighting! We discovered two lionesses and five cubs.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 23](/imager/files/337669/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-23_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/337669/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-23_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
And our guests were treated to a stern rebuke from Mom...
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 24](/imager/files/337810/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-24_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/337810/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-24_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
... as well as some affectionate interactions.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 54](/imager/files/338119/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-54_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338119/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-54_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
A black-backed jackal scenting the wind.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 30](/imager/files/338358/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-30_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338358/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-30_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
A pair of Tawny Eagles.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 33](/imager/files/338389/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-33_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338389/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-33_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
The highlight of our safari was encountering Casper, the white lion.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 34](/imager/files/338420/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-34_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338420/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-34_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 35](/imager/files/338431/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-35_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338431/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-35_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 56](/imager/files/338443/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-56_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338443/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-56_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
The tail tip of a white lion does not have the typical black tuft normal or tawny lions have.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 31](/imager/files/338504/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-31_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338504/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-31_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
What a delight it was to see that Casper is thriving in his prime!
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 51](/imager/files/338695/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-51_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338695/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-51_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
We also had some great rhino sightings.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 40](/imager/files/338769/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-40_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338769/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-40_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
Another leopard in a tree; a female with a full belly.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 42](/imager/files/338736/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-42_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/338736/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-42_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
We discovered the reason for the leopard's big belly when we watched her removing her steenbok kill from a nearby tree.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 44](/imager/files/339035/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-44_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/339035/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-44_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
This male lion was clearly recovering from a severe injury, proving just how resilient animals can be.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 39](/imager/files/339234/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-39_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/339234/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-39_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
Western Cattle Egrets taking flight.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 36](/imager/files/339303/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-36_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/339303/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-36_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
The elusive, nocturnal African wild cat.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 16](/imager/files/339867/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-16_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/339867/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-16_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
A Two-pip Policeman feeding on a cleome.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 7](/imager/files/339881/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-7_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/339881/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-7_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
A nyala bull.
![Kruger Safaris January 2022 Highlights 6](/imager/files/339899/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-6_f4ef04c6d493f6ab489a39857449c4e3.webp 1200w, /imager/files/339899/Kruger-Safaris-January-2022-Highlights-6_9bc1d7ec99ff15fa2e56d491341cb022.webp 320w)
Buffalo.
If you would also like to experience the wildlife wonder of South Africa's Kruger National Park, take a look at three of our most popular Kruger safari itineraries below:
Feel free to contact us directly if you would like us to put together a customized Kruger itinerary tailor-made to suit your wishes.
You may also want to look at
![Feature Goodbye 2021 Hello 2022](/imager/files/324775/Feature-Goodbye-2021-Hello-2022_f2d0131b3119673e6c8e033b488b14d0.webp 540w, /imager/files/324775/Feature-Goodbye-2021-Hello-2022_b6f1a935ff5f661da53bd8890b73dbc1.webp 200w)
Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022
Before we say goodbye to 2021, we'd like to take the opportunity to look back at some of the incredible wildlife sightings we were privileged to share with our safari guests on our game drives and reflect on their experience of what it was like to escape lockdown and go on safari. And those who watched from the sidelines, unable to travel but following us on social media for their daily update from the African bush? We're also looking at what your favourite 2021 posts were.
![Kruger Safaris December 2021 Highlights 17](/imager/files/333446/Kruger-Safaris-December-2021-Highlights-17_18b7877d57e554be7ca05d52750c6505.webp 540w, /imager/files/333446/Kruger-Safaris-December-2021-Highlights-17_685d1b146b01f82098a3e4b4bf9ddc40.webp 200w)
Kruger Safaris December 2021 Highlights
December is the height of summer in Kruger with daytime temperatures soaring to well over 30° C (up to 90° F). A lot of the wildlife we spotted on our game drives seemed unperturbed by the hot weather, though. Zebra stallions put on quite a display play fighting and we also spotted boisterous elephant bulls engaged in a wrestling match. December also sees the return of migrant birds to Kruger.
![Feature Kruger Safaris November 2021 Highlights Woodland kingfisher Simon Vegter](/imager/files/319391/Feature-Kruger-Safaris-November-2021-Highlights-Woodland-kingfisher-©-Simon-Vegter_821f1b0432667edfc4ae58a8f06993ea.webp 540w, /imager/files/319391/Feature-Kruger-Safaris-November-2021-Highlights-Woodland-kingfisher-©-Simon-Vegter_100d0cc2788a7d937400ccbe179111c0.webp 200w)
Kruger Safaris November 2021 Highlights
The cat's out of the bag! November really could be the best time of year to go on safari in Kruger. We've always loved how the bush comes alive after the first rains in November. Flowers bloom, leaves turn green and baby animals abound. Everything smells fresh and new and there's a feeling of anticipation in the air.
About the author
![Dianne](/uploads/files/_200x200_crop_center-center_none/D.-Kokkonidis.jpg)
Dianne Kokkonidis was born in Johannesburg, grew up in the Transkei and spent years exploring Europe. She returned to South Africa to live on a farm in the Outeniqua Mountains when the call of Africa got too loud to ignore. She comes from a family of storytellers, so it's no surprise she's now found her way into writing about one of the oldest stories known to mankind - the lure of Africa.