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 head for the north of the park, one of the private concessions within Kruger or the several private reserves along its borders. Besides, the oasis of a luxury lodge (personal splash pool, anyone?) is the best place to be in the summer heat. Game drives in these areas deliver better results than self-driving in the Kruger, as the expert game rangers can track animals off the beaten track.

The rainwater turns the African savanna beautifully lush and green, but it also means animals are harder to spot. More available water keeps them from congregating at larger water holes too. Birding, however, is great since large numbers of migratory species can be seen.

Kruger National Park in May

May heralds the turning point where the climate starts to transition into winter in the Kruger. Towards the end of the month, the rain begins to dry up and the landscape becomes dry and dusty. Daytime temperatures remain warm and pleasant while evenings start getting cooler. Cooler temperatures make venturing to the far north of the park more pleasant and the thinning vegetation helps…

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 November

The first proper rain of the wet season starts to arrive during November in the form of the occasional afternoon thunder shower. Expect hot and humid days and balmy evenings. The southern section of the park has the highest density of animals and in terms of visitor numbers, November is the calm before the storm of the end-of-year holidays. The upper central and far northern regions…

Timbavati

Timbavati Game Reserve is home to one of nature’s most magnificent creatures, the white lion. Ancient folklore tells of a time when the local Shangaan tribe saw a bright light streaking across the sky and crash on the African savannah. Shortly thereafter the lions of Timbavati began giving birth to snow white cubs. These unique lions have been regarded as sacred ever since. Timbavati…

Kruger National Park in February

Daytime temperatures remain in the high 20’s and can sometimes rise into the mid-30’s. February sees the last of the summer rainfall and the occasional late afternoon thundershower can occur. The evening temperatures are usually mild. Birding is excellent during the summer months and the far northern regions (Punda Maria and Pafuri) of the park are especially exceptional since it sees…

Balule

Balule Nature Reserve on the western border of the Kruger National park encompasses 400km2 of unspoiled bushveld. This private nature reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger and neighboring private reserves allowing animals to roam freely. One of the largest rivers in the Kruger, the Olifants River, flows through the reserve and its waters and riverine forests attract high…

Popular Kruger National Park Safaris

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