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At a glance

  • Kruger National Park is one of the oldest and largest reserves in Africa
  • Sabi Sands is one of several private reserves that share an unfenced border with Kruger; it offers arguably the best Big Five game viewing in Africa
  • The private reserves of the Greater Kruger are home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive lodges in South Africa
  • The Panorama Route offers some of South Africa’s most spectacular scenery
  • A highlight of the route is Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world

Overview

Kruger National Park is perhaps the most famous park in Africa, home to all the Big Five and a mass of other wildlife. To the west lie the private reserves that share its unfenced border, creating the Greater Kruger. The oldest of these reserves, Sabi Sands, is renowned for offering the best Big Five game viewing in the country. And thanks to a long history of sensitive interaction, the wildlife is mostly relaxed, allowing unsurpassed viewing and photographic opportunities. Other popular reserves include Ngala Private Game Reserve, famous above all for its leopard sightings, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, a great option for families, and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a conservation success story known for its rare white lions. Some of South Africa’s most luxurious and exclusive lodges can be found in these private reserves.

When to visit

  • January
    33ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    20ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    110mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is the peak of the summer season in South Africa. Days in the Greater Kruger area are hot and humid, interspersed with thunderstorms which usually occur in the afternoons. Wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to the thicker vegetation, however this is breeding season so expect to see many young animals. Bird watching is very good with many summer migrants.
  • February
    33ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    107mm
    Average Rainfall
    As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot and humid with notable rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon; the moody skies make for some excellent photography. Due to the rainfall and lush vegetation, many animals give birth, and bird watching is excellent with many summer migrants. Game viewing is a bit more challenging at this time of the year due to the thicker vegetation.
  • March
    31ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    70mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures start to cool from the height of the summer season. It's still hot during the day but evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended when on game drives. Bird watching is still very good, with an array of migratory birds present.
  • April
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    16ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    35mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures cool as South Africa starts to move into autumn. Days are warm, dry and clear with less humidity, making it a good time to visit. Evenings and early mornings are cooler, and layers are recommended on game drives. Vegetation starts to reduce making game viewing much easier. Bird watching is still good, however many summer migrants are starting to migrate to warmer climes.
  • May
    26ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    12ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    May heralds the end of the summer season in the Kruger area, with the onset of cooler weather, however it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evenings and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, so plenty layers are recommended when on safari, however daytime temperatures are pleasant. Wildlife viewing is good as the vegetation starts to thin out.
  • June
    24ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    7ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    5mm
    Average Rainfall
    June sees the first proper month of winter, with the dry season well under way in the Greater Kruger. Landscapes turn to shades of brown and yellow, and the foliage thins out making wildlife viewing much easier. Days are clear and sunny, but evenings and mornings are cold. With little rain and dry landscapes, wildlife migrate towards the remaining water sources, which become a hive of activity, making for some excellent wildlife viewing as the animals come to drink.
  • July
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    8ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    5mm
    Average Rainfall
    July is an excellent time for a safari with less foliage and wildlife gathering around remaining waterholes. Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are cold, so layers are strongly recommended. The cooler weather and lower humidity are excellent for days spent on safari.
  • August
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    3mm
    Average Rainfall
    This is the peak of the dry season and wildlife viewing is excellent in the Greater Kruger region. Foliage is sparse, so visibility is at its best. Water is also scarce, so wildlife tends to congregate around waterholes. Early mornings and evenings are cold, so layers are recommended. Days are sunny and mild.
  • September
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    12ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    22mm
    Average Rainfall
    September like August is still dry. Days are getting warmer but mornings and evenings are still chilly, so layers are recommended. Vegetation is still sparse and would have been grazed down during the winter months so visibility for spotting wildlife is excellent. The large permanent waterholes make for some excellent wildlife viewing.
  • October
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    14ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    76mm
    Average Rainfall
    October heralds the end of the dry season and you may encounter the first thunderstorms towards the end of the month. Daytime temperatures are hot, humidity is on the rise and evenings are warm. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and some greenery, although for the most part the landscape is still quite parched and visibility is good. Water is still scarce so waterholes are busy, offering some excellent wildlife viewing.
  • November
    30ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    80mm
    Average Rainfall
    The first proper rains arrive in the Greater Kruger area, often coming as spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. With the rains the vegetation thickens making it more difficult to spot wildlife, and as water becomes more prevalent animals disperse. This is the time of plenty, and many animals will give birth around this time. Many migrant bird species arrive from Europe for the breeding season. Days are hot and humid and evenings are warm.
  • December
    32ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    20ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    100mm
    Average Rainfall
    Days are hot and humid and evenings are warm. Expect plenty rainfall, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Game viewing is more challenging as the thicker vegetation reduces visibility. There is also more surface water, so wildlife moves away from the waterholes. However, the lush greenery, dramatic skies and a host of migratory birds in their breeding plumage compensate for this.

Accommodation

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