Best Time To Visit Kruger (Month by Month)

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is author of ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

January: Fair
February: Fair
March: Good
April: Good
May: Excellent
June: Excellent
July: Excellent
August: Excellent
September: Excellent
October: Good
November: Fair
December: Fair

Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September. At this time, the bush thins out, and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. Conditions tend to get better as winter progresses, and September is particularly lovely since the mornings are less chilly than in mid-winter. The best wildlife viewing time also coincides with the low season, making it even more attractive.

418 Kruger Safaris

Best Time: May to September (Dry season)
High Season: December to January and July to August (Especially during school holidays)
Low Season: April to mid-June and September to November (Except for the October school holiday)
Best Weather: April to May and September to October (Mild weather and little rain)
Worst Weather: June to August (Chilly mornings and nights) and December to February (Hot and humid)

May to September Dry Season – Winter

Wildlife gathers around water and vegetation thins out making viewing much easier
It is low season, except for the school holidays, and the camps and roads are less busy
Sunny skies and no rain
Mild daytime temperatures and low humidity
Virtually no risk of malaria
It is very dry and dirt roads become dusty
Early morning game drives in open vehicles are cold; warm clothing is required

October to April Wet Season – Summer

The scenery is green and fresh
There are many baby animals, and wildlife is in good condition
Birding is excellent, and the migratory birds are present
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the Dry season
It is high season, and the main camps get busy
Hot and humid in the middle of the day
It is advisable to take antimalarial medication

Wildlife Photos

+20 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Excellent
Good
Fair
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Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR
1. January: Fair
2. February: Fair
3. March: Good
4. April: Good
5. May: Excellent
6. June: Excellent
7. July: Excellent
8. August: Excellent
9. September: Excellent
10. October: Good
11. November: Fair
12. December: Fair
Kruger National Park
1. January: Fair
2. February: Fair
3. March: Good
4. April: Good
5. May: Excellent
6. June: Excellent
7. July: Excellent
8. August: Excellent
9. September: Excellent
10. October: Good
11. November: Fair
12. December: Fair
MalaMala Private GR
1. January: Fair
2. February: Fair
3. March: Good
4. April: Good
5. May: Excellent
6. June: Excellent
7. July: Excellent
8. August: Excellent
9. September: Excellent
10. October: Good
11. November: Good
12. December: Fair
Phinda Private GR
1. January: Fair
2. February: Fair
3. March: Good
4. April: Good
5. May: Excellent
6. June: Excellent
7. July: Excellent
8. August: Excellent
9. September: Excellent
10. October: Good
11. November: Good
12. December: Fair
Sabi Sand Private GR
1. January: Fair
2. February: Fair
3. March: Good
4. April: Good
5. May: Excellent
6. June: Excellent
7. July: Excellent
8. August: Excellent
9. September: Excellent
10. October: Good
11. November: Good
12. December: Fair

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