If there’s one thing we can say with absolute certainty, it’s that Kruger National Park is a year-round safari destination. With each season bringing something different to the table, there really is no “bad” time to visit. But here’s the thing – when you go should depend on what kind of experience you want.
Every season offers something special on a Kruger safari
A Safari Suited for You
Do you want prime Big 5 sightings? Or maybe lush landscapes and bustling birdlife? Are you looking for budget-friendly travel or exclusive peak-season game viewing? No matter what you’re after, each season in Kruger offers something different. We break it all down for you below, season by season, to help you choose the best time to visit Kruger National Park based on your preferences.
Every traveller’s perfect Kruger safari depends on the season, Image Credit: Brad Mitchell
1. December to March
The Green Season (Summer)
☀️ Weather: Hot, humid days (often above 30°C/86°F), with afternoon thunderstorms.
🍃 Landscape: Lush, green, and teeming with life.
🦓 Wildlife: Baby animals, abundant birdlife, and more challenging (but rewarding) game viewing.
The rainy season begins just before December, with the landscape transforming into a lush paradise. Rivers swell, waterholes fill, and the bush becomes dense – offering wildlife plenty of cover. This is prime birthing season, so expect to see young impalas, wildebeests, zebras, and more. The abundance of newborns also means predators are highly active, making for some exciting sightings.
The downside? The thick vegetation makes spotting wildlife trickier. However, birdwatchers will love this time of year as migratory birds flock to Kruger, nearly doubling its bird species count.
Highlights
- Baby animals everywhere!
- Migratory birds arrive.
- Lush landscapes and incredible photography opportunities.
- Fewer crowds, meaning better rates at lodges.
A season of new life as impala lambs take their first steps
2. April
The Transition Month (Summer Turns into Autumn)
☀️ Weather: Warm days, cooler nights, decreasing rainfall.
🍃 Landscape: Still green, but starting to dry out.
🦓 Wildlife: Good game viewing, as animals still have ample water.
April is an outlier month as rainfall decreases significantly, but the rivers and waterholes remain plentiful, while the bush is still dense. We’ve been on safari in Kruger during this month and had incredible wildlife sightings! You simply never know what waits behind the next bush.
Daytime temperatures ease off, trees are in full fruit, and the rutting season begins.
Highlights
- Less rain means game drives are more comfortable.
- Wildlife is still scattered but easier to spot.
- Cooler evenings and mornings – ideal for photography.
A curious hyena emerges as autumn cools the Kruger bush
3. May to August
Peak Safari Season (Winter)
☀️ Weather: Dry, cool mornings and evenings; milk daytime temperatures (20-25°C/68-77°F).
🍃 Landscape: Sparse, brown vegetation with low water availability.
🦓 Wildlife: Outstanding game viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources.
This is widely considered the best time to visit Kruger National Park for game viewing. With little to no rain, the vegetation thins out, making it much easier to spot wildlife. Animals gather around perennial rivers and remaining waterholes, making sightings more predictable.
The dry season also coincides with South Africa’s school holidays, meaning higher visitor numbers and premium lodge rates. If you’re planning a winter safari, book well in advance to secure availability.
Highlights:
- Widely considered a prime Big 5 safari season.
- Bush is sparse, making wildlife sightings excellent.
- Best time for walking safaris and wildlife photography from hides.
The dry winter season makes it easier to spot wildlife, even the elusive leopard, Image Credit: Garance Chassaing
4. September to November
The Shoulder Season (Spring)
☀️ Weather: Hot days (often over 30°C/86°F, occasional early rains.
🍃 Landscape: Dry with the first signs of green returning.
🦓 Wildlife: Excellent game viewing, predator activity increase.
The tail end of spring sees a dramatic increase in daytime temperatures. And as a result of the long, dry winter, game viewing is excellent! Just head to any water source, and you’ll see many very thirsty animals.
The first rains take the edge off the heat and usually arrive in October, along with the first of the migrant birds. November is noticeably wetter than October, heralding signs of summer’s lush return, including much-anticipated fresh grazing and water supplies. Vegetation is still on the thin side, therefore making for excellent game viewing despite the rising heat and humidity readings.
With many calving antelope, thin vegetation and scarce water, spring is an excellent time to see predators and kills. These spring months can be unpredictable, but with so much action, they are often recommended as the second best time to visit Kruger National Park.
Highlights:
- Migratory birds are back in the Kruger area.
- Calving season begins, with new life emerging around every corner.
- Prime predator sightings and kills.
Get lost in king-sized Kruger
So, When is the Best Time to Visit Kruger?
The best time to visit Kruger National Park is May to September for top game viewing and November to March for lush landscapes, baby animals and birdlife.
That said, the ideal time varies based on your preferences. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:
🦓 For First-Time Safari-Goers: May to September offers the best wildlife viewing.
🦅 For Photographers and Birders: November to March is ideal for lush landscapes and birdlife.
💸 For Budget-Friendly Travel: April and October offer great sightings minus peak season prices.
🦟 For Families Concerned About Malaria: June to August is low-risk and comfortable.
Winter is a great time to see lions in Kruger National Park
Book Your Kruger National Park Safari Today
Your safari expectations are unique – your African itinerary should be too. So, talk to one of our knowledgeable Travel Experts about the best time to visit Kruger National Park – for you – and book your safari with the world’s most awarded safari company today.
