Seasons of Kruger

Kruger is in the summer rainfall region of South Africa. This means that the bush is lush and green, the rivers and waterholes are full, the game are fat and happy and the birding is superb, with all the migratory birds flocking in. Game-viewing at this time is more difficult than in the dry winter months, as the vegetation is dense and the grass is higher.

Toward the end of November and into December, many babies are born. There's nothing more special than seeing a newborn impala wobbling about getting its balance, or a tiny, fluffy buffalo. This is cute on another level.

Summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, reaching up into the high 30°C's. If heat is not your thing, be sure to check that your accommodation and vehicle are air-conditioned.

While summer is the 'wet season', the rain that falls is usually in the form of dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, preceded and followed by beautiful sunshine. A light raincoat is all you need and the rain brings a welcome respite from the summer heat. The smell of the rain on the African dust is heavenly.

December and January are the South African long school holidays, so camps get booked quickly and visitors to the park are many.

October to May is also malaria season. While the risk is low in Kruger, it is there, so consult with your medical practitioner, before going, to discuss malaria prophylaxis.

This is the dry and cold season. By cold, we mean African cold i.e. daytime temperatures average in the low 20°C's and nights can be very cool, sometimes dropping into single figures. Remember to bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves for early morning and evening drives.

The days during winter are beautifully sunny and this is perfect game-watching time. The bushveld dries out, many trees lose their leaves, and grasses die down, making animal spotting much easier than in summer.

As the dry season progresses, reaching its driest in September/October, water sources become more scarce and animals gather at those that remain. It's not unusual to come across a waterhole surrounded by a range of buck, zebra, giraffe and an elephant or six. And where there is prey, the predators are never far behind.

School holidays are in July, and the park may be more crowded than normal during those two to three weeks. Check with our consultants before booking your dates if you prefer a less crowded experience.