The Kruger National Park is regarded around the world as one of the best safari destinations in Africa, receiving over one million visitors a year. This protected park encompasses nearly two million hectares of pristine wilderness and is the biggest game park in South Africa. The park is inhabited by more than 500 species of bird and 147 mammal species, including the sought after Big Five.
The Kruger National Park is a destination that fails to disappoint, boasting a subtropical climate that makes it possible to visit the park all year round. But like most destinations across South Africa, there are more favorable periods of the year to visit the Kruger. The winter months of May to August are generally considered best for game viewing and walking safaris, with a dry vegetation that makes it easier to spot wildlife.
With fewer mosquitoes, little to no rain, and comfortable temperatures, animals don’t move around as they do in the summer months. Although temperatures rise during the day, the early mornings and evenings are much colder. The dry conditions force animals to hang around the remaining water sources, making it easier to spot them during game drives. The winter season is a more convenient time for international travelers to go on safari as it aligns with their summer holidays.
The Kruger is a popular choice amongst locals during the summer months, particularly over the festive season and school holidays. It’s a destination that easily combines with a visit to the tropical beaches of Mozambique or the coastline of KwaZulu Natal.
The summer rains generally arrive in November and are at their peak in January and February. Although the days are hot and humid, the late afternoons often bring with them some of the most spectacular electric storms, offering recourse from the heat of the day. The rains transform the Kruger into a lush green landscape, providing some much needed food for animals.
The presence of food also makes it easier to rear young, so it’s always a great time of the year to spot newborn babies and predators that lurk nearby. The summer rains see a number of migrant bird arrives, transforming the Kruger into a birding paradise.
