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 in the park. Bad news for the animals, but good news for visitors as the sightings tend to be great at the remaining water sources. It is a quieter time in terms of visitors so your best bet is to visit the southern and central regions where there are high densities of animals. Alternatively, stay at one of the various private reserves on the western border of the park where daily game drives provide ample viewings.

The risk of malaria is low at the end of the dry season and animal sightings are best this time of year. Unfortunately, days can be hot and dry and the landscape is parched.

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…

Makalali

Makalali Private Game Reserve is located on 260km2 of bushveld near the town of Hoedspruit on the western edge of the Kruger National Park. While the styling of the main lodges at Makalali feature more contemporary design elements than your typical safari lodge, the wildlife experiences are as quintessentially African as elsewhere in the greater Kruger area. It is home to the Big Five as…

Sabi Sands

Sabi Sands is often lauded as the most prestigious private reserve in South Africa and perhaps it is due to the reserve’s longstanding conservation efforts. The original reserve was proclaimed back in 1898 and by 1949 the landowners had merged their properties (mostly ex-agricultural land) into what is now the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The huge 650km2 private reserve shares unfenced…

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…

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…

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…

Popular Kruger National Park Safaris

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