Safari FAQs | Plan Your Perfect African Adventure

1. What is the best time of year for a safari in Africa?

The best time for a safari in Africa depends on the specific destination and the type of wildlife experience you're seeking. Generally, the dry season, from May to October, offers the best game-viewing opportunities, as animals congregate around waterholes and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.

However, each season offers its own unique advantages. For example, the wet months from November to April in Southern Africa mark the calving season, when the bush comes alive with newborn wildlife and predators are more active. In East Africa, the open plains and vast horizons provide exceptional photographic opportunities, especially outside the peak migration months, offering a more tranquil and intimate safari experience.

2. What are the key differences between Kruger National Park and private game reserves?

Kruger National Park and the adjacent private game reserves share the same wildlife and ecosystem, with no fences separating them. The main differences lie in the safari experience: Kruger offers extensive public roads, affordable guided safaris like our 3-, 4- and 5-day Kruger Park safaris and self-drive options, while private reserves focus on exclusive, more intimate experiences, including off-road game drives and luxurious accommodations.

3. Which part of the Kruger National Park should I visit?

Choosing the right region of Kruger National Park for your safari is essential to make the most of your experience. Each area offers something unique, from the high animal densities of the south to the open plains and predator action in the central region, to the scenic remoteness of the north. Your choice will depend on your wildlife preferences, the time of year, and what kind of safari experience you're looking for.

4. What animals can we expect to see in the Kruger National Park?

On a Kruger safari, you can expect to see an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Game viewing differs across regions of the Kruger National Park, with the southern and central areas offering the best opportunities.

5. How should I decide which lodge to visit?

With hundreds of safari lodges across Southern and East Africa, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming. The best lodge for you depends on factors like your travel goals, budget, preferred level of luxury, and whether you're travelling with children or as a couple.

6. What are the Big Five and will I see them on safari?

The Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—were once known as the most dangerous animals to hunt and are now among the most sought-after wildlife sightings for safari-goers. While spotting all five isn't guaranteed, the excitement of a safari lies in the unpredictability of the experience. Over 80% of our Kruger National Park safaris have delivered Big Five sightings!

The term "Big Five" originated from hunters who deemed these animals the most challenging to track and hunt. Today, they represent Africa's iconic wildlife and are at the top of many travellers' safari wish lists.

7. Where do you recommend for a honeymoon destination?

Choosing a honeymoon destination can feel overwhelming with so many romantic lodges and destinations to consider. That's where our expertise comes in. We've personally visited many lodges across Africa, so we know which ones offer the ultimate blend of romance, privacy, and pampering.

8. What can I see or do with limited time?

What you choose to do will depend on your interests, budget, and the time of year, as availability and weather can play a big role. Whether it's a game drive, guided walk, or cultural experience, we'll tailor your itinerary to make the most of your time.

9. Which area is the best for game viewing?

The best area for game viewing depends on several factors, including the time of year, rainfall patterns, and the reserve or lodge you visit. Southern and East Africa are home to some of the world's most renowned game reserves, each offering unique experiences.

10. Is Sabi Sands Part of Kruger National Park?

Sabi Sands is not officially part of the Kruger National Park but is part of the Greater Kruger Park, a vast conservation area that includes the national park and adjacent private game reserves. The fences between Kruger and these reserves have been removed, allowing free movement of wildlife.

11. Do you drive off-road during game drives?

Off-road driving depends on the location of your safari. In national parks and government game reserves like the Kruger National Park, off-road driving is not permitted, and vehicles must stay on designated tarred or dirt roads.

However, at private game lodges and on private safari concessions, off-road driving is allowed. On Wild Wings Safaris in Kruger, we follow park regulations and do not drive off-road but provide courtesy binoculars, bottled water, and blankets for your comfort.

12. Can we fly directly between Cape Town and Kruger National Park?

Yes, there are direct flights between Cape Town and Kruger National Park. South African Airways (SAA) and Airlink offer flights to key airports like Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport), Hoedspruit, and Skukuza. These flights make it convenient to connect Cape Town with various areas of Kruger National Park and nearby private reserves.

13. Can we fly directly from Kruger National Park to Victoria Falls?

Direct flights from Kruger National Park to Victoria Falls are limited, but they are possible during the peak safari season (June to September) with daily flights from Nelspruit. Otherwise, most travellers fly via Johannesburg, which typically requires a one-night stopover due to flight schedules. Flights to Livingstone (Zambia), near Victoria Falls, are also available but may require additional visas.