Facts and Info About Kruger National Park

How much time do you need for your safari?

We are often asked for information about how long to stay on safari in the Kruger National Park. We recommend usually between 2 – 4 nights as this really gives you a chance to see a wide scope of animals as well as having some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful facilities at the camps.

Safari Seasons:

(With thanks to Singita Lodges for use of this information)

November through to December The summer months are hot and humid with either continual rains or very typically afternoon thundershowers which generally clear before the game drives depart.. Lots of young animals are born during this time notably the impala lambs, which are beautiful but vulnerable to predators.

January to March

These are normally drier months with very hot days. There are lots of beautiful migratory birds during the summer periods. Early morning drives with early returns to escape the heat are typical.

April

The vegetation starts changing from thick lush green bush to a slightly sparser browning bush during this Autumn period. The temperatures start cooling down at night but daytime is still warm. Potential scattered thundershowers can be experienced in the afternoons.

May to June

Cold temperatures are experienced at night and at dawn during the winter months. Warm clothing is recommended such as gloves, scarves, beanies and insulated jackets. Large herds of elephant are very mobile. The vegetation becomes totally brown and trees start losing leaves. Visibility during drives is enhanced due to sparser vegetation.

July to September

This period is very dry in the bush with very cold night temperatures and therefore chilly during the early morning and late afternoon game drives. Game viewing is generally fantastic and the visibility is good and the game is concentrated around any water source.

September to October Spring to is the height of the dry season boasting hot dry winds and colourless, sparse vegetation. Because the rivers and dams are low high concentrations of game can be viewed at these areas and game viewing in general is very good. The first rains may start towards the end of October and the sings of spring and a new wet season are evident.

Items to Pack:

Since we want your safari experience to be perfect and completely comfortable we recommend a few items that we believe you should remember to bring along !

From October to April, bring casual summer clothes. A warm jersey sweater would be useful for the cooler morning and evening temperatures

From May to September bring casual light clothing, but remember to bring very warm insulated jacket for the very cold mornings and nights. A scarf and gloves are very useful too – we usually find the most seasoned safari goers are those that look as if they are going on a skiing holiday !

Cotton clothing in neutral colours is recommended for gamedrives and walks and keep whites to a minimum, as white attracts certain bugs at night.

Comfortable walking shoes, track shoes or boots for the bush walk makes life so much easier

Sandals to wear at meals and within the lodge area

Shorts for the walks and warm midday periods

Swimming Costume

Sunblock, sun hat, sunglasses and lip balm

Extra pair of glasses

Contact lenses and solution and extra spares of lenses

Cameras, binoculars and your favourite film. Most of the lodges do stock a good selection of film so if you run out it is not serious

Video Camera and spare batteries