Kruger National Park in September

At the end of the dry season in September, the vegetation in the Kruger is at its sparsest. For this reason, it is regarded as the best time of the year to visit the Kruger and any of the large permanent water holes make for good animal sightings. Stick to the southern and central regions for the highest density of animals.

The risk of malaria is low and you’re likely to find large concentrations of animals at watering holes at this time of the year, but the days are often uncomfortably hot, dry and dusty.

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,…

Kruger National Park in September

Spring arrives a little later in the Kruger, so this month the flora does not experience a colourful transformation. In fact, vegetation is still sparse and colourless after the rainless winter. Temperatures in the day are hot and humid with little to no rain expected. At the end of the dry season in September, the vegetation in the Kruger is at its sparsest. For this reason, it is…

Kruger National Park in July

July is second only to June as the coldest month in the year and equally dry. ‘Cold’ in the Kruger however only really applies to nights and early mornings, since the daytime temperatures are usually quite comfortable and even fairly hot on some days. The northern parts of the reserve receive fewer visitors which make it a good option if you want to avoid crowds. However, there is a…

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…

Kruger National Park in April

The month of April brings autumn to the Kruger and the vegetation in the park begins a gradual fade from lush bushveld to a dry brown and yellow palette. Rainfall decreases but the occasional afternoon thundershower still occurs. Daytime temperatures remain hot while nights are getting cooler but not cold. For the best probability of seeing animals, the private concession areas and…

Affordable safaris in the Kruger National Park

For the traveller who doesn’t want to rough it, but is also not partial to having the utmost in luxury, the Kruger National Park offers a surprising array of mid-range safari options. Part of making your visit to the park more affordable lies in how you put your trip together: shave off a spa treatment here and a five-course dinner there and soon you’re left with most of the luxury, but…

Popular Kruger National Park Safaris

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