Kruger National Park in December

The last month of the year is extremely hot as well as the wettest in the Kruger. Expect plenty of rain with hot and humid conditions as daytime temperatures climb well above 30°C. Evenings can be equally hot and humid.

December is high season, so the whole of Kruger gets pretty busy. Head for the northern parts of the reserve where fewer visitors venture if it is solitude you are after. However the north has lesser densities of animals, so for the best game-viewing opportunities, you might consider the private concessions in the park and the private luxury reserves on the Kruger’s western perimeter. These areas provide exclusivity and much less crowded game viewing.

Many baby animals are born this time of year to coincide with the abundance of water and food sources. This makes for special sightings even though the lush vegetation makes game viewing harder than in winter. The downside is that this is peak season and the park is packed with visitors. Additionally the hot and humid weather might not suit everyone.

Family safari in the Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park sits right at the top of family-friendly safari destinations in South Africa. The park prides itself on being accessible to young and old alike and many South Africans will confess to cultivating a life-long love for the African bush from an early age in the Kruger. A family holiday in the Kruger is best done in one of two ways; either self-driving or choosing…

Thornybush

The 140km2 Thornybush Game Reserve is located near the town of Hoedspruit on the western border of the Kruger. The famous Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - roam freely in the reserve while great numbers of plains game like giraffes, kudu, zebra and waterbuck can also be seen. Thornybush’s collection of twelve luxury lodges cater to solo travelers, groups of friends,…

Klaserie

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve covers a whopping 600km2 of wilderness on either side of the Klaserie Rivier just west of the Kruger National Park. At Klaserie you’ll come face to face with the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhino - as well as some of Africa’s less spotted species like wild dogs and cheetahs. Klaserie’s range of safari camps and lodges cater for…

Kruger National Park in October

The rainy season is around the corner and you might encounter the first thunderstorms to the end of the month. Slowly but surely the greenery returns to the Kruger. Days are hot and often quite humid while evenings are warm. Spring blooms can be seen from this month onward. October is at the end of the dry season in the Kruger and after not seeing rain for months water sources are few…

Kruger National Park in January

The Kruger is at its hottest during the month of January. You’ll want to be in the shade during mid-day as temperatures regularly soar over 30°C. It’s also the rainy season which brings mild humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Evenings are generally warm and pleasant. The holiday season in South Africa lasts until the second week of the month, so to avoid the crowds it is best to…

Romantic safari in the Kruger National Park

There is something intrinsically romantic about the African savannah, one of the last vestiges on Earth where the majesty of nature so effortlessly inspires a sense of connection. It’s no wonder the Kruger National Park is the quintessential South African safari destination for couples. The park’s proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (only a 5-hour drive away)…

Popular Kruger National Park Safaris

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates