In contrast to the Cape, during the summer, the Kruger National Park has its rainy season. The rainy season in Kruger National Park will begin in September and can run through to May. Therefore, safaris are most popular during the South African winter as it is much warmer and the grasses are much smaller. During the South African summer, it can happen that you can only see the head of antelopes and zebras because of the long grass. Only with very big luck you will be able to witness lions or leopards on your safari. At the water holes, a prime wildlife viewing is possible!

Kruger National Park: Summer

Summer is during a period between October and April. Day-time temperatures will be cool. Heavy rains with thunder and lightning are not uncommon occurances. However, the rains do not usually last for a very long time. The flooded streets will dry out very quickly again. The safari can be resumed after a rainfall. There are some disadvantage of going on safari in the summer compared to the winter time. The animals in the Kruger National Park will find big or small water holes everywhere and are not limited to the major dams. Thus, finding wildlife during your safari tour can prove difficult. Furthermore, the risk of catching malaria increases during the South African summer in all parts of Kruger Park. We encourage you to take a malaria prophylaxis if you stay at the National Park. The Malaria-risk can be reduced if you stay 700 meters above sea level!

Kruger National Park: Winter 

During the South African winter, the weather at the Kruger National Park is very dry and rain is rare. In the morning, the landscape along with the mists are great to watch. Many plants are supplied with water only from the dew in the morning. The day-time temperatures are very pleasant as well. The days are mostly sunny. However, when the sun has set, it can get very cold. Tempertures of 4-7 degrees are normal. If you take part in safaris during the night, you should take warm clothing along.

Best wildlife viewing - When to Go

The best time to take part in a safari is at the end of the South African winter, when the savanna has short grass. As there is almost no rain during this time, the large and small wild animals depend on the large water dams and can be easily found. In general, one needs to stay near a water-hole and wait as more and more animals come to drink some of the water. The thirst of the wild animals is greater than their fear. It happens again and again that crocodiles strike and attack their pray! But even lions and leopards are waiting for the perfect opportunity. In our own experience, we had more success in seeing animals during the late afternoon!

Malaria prophylaxis

We encourage you to take a malaria prophylaxis at all times, if you intend to stay in the Kruger Park. If you live outside the Kruger Park and the property is located 700 meters above the sea level, one can dispense with a malaria prevention. The malaria mosquito is pnly active in areas below 600 meters and only once it gets dark. You will need to leave the Kruger Park before sunset and enter it after the sun has risen, to mimimise the malaria risk. Most residents in the area of Kruger National Park live in higher areas and need not be to protect themselves from malaria. For expert advice please visit your doctor or pharmacist!

Traveling with young children

We do not recommend that you visit the Kruger National Park with childeren. The Malaria Risk is always prominent and a major threat, especially for small children. We can recommend a safari in the Western Cape, where you can visit the malaria free Addo National Park. A safari park has also opened in the vicinity of Cape Town, where the Big 5 can be seen. If you are in the vicinity of Johannesburg, you can also visit the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park.

Please let us know, if you are planning a safari in the Kruger Park, on the Garden Route or Cape Town. Please contact us for tours in the Western Cape, if you are bringing young children along! Do not take any risks with a toddler!

Kruger National Park Climate - Rain-Season - Temperatures: Day & Nights - Weather