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Kruger N.P & Beyond

Discover the majesty and beauty of one of Africa’s greatest national parks. Covering nearly 20,000 square km and an array of landscapes, Kruger boasts one of the world’s greatest concentrations of the legendary Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo. This remarkable region is also home to an array of other exotic wildlife such as eagles, vultures, wild dogs, hyenas, monkeys and cheetahs. Visitors here also have a superb choice of lodges to stay in, including luxury and utterly unique accommodation experiences set amid the forests and the bush. Adjoining Kruger are a number of protected private parks which further expand the lands on which these animals can roam. Take a safari in Kruger National Park and experience the trip of a lifetime.

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What you’ll love most about Kruger National Park

  • Embark on thrilling safari drives to spot the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino – in their natural habitat, providing unforgettable wildlife encounters
  • Join guided bush walks led by experienced rangers, allowing you to explore the park on foot and observe smaller wildlife and plant species up close
  • Discover Kruger’s incredible birdlife, with over 500 species to spot, including eagles, kingfishers, and storks, making it a paradise for birdwatchers
  • Enjoy the diverse landscapes of Kruger, from savannahs and forests to riverine systems, offering stunning scenery and a variety of ecosystems to explore
  • Experience the park after dark with guided night drives, where you can see nocturnal animals like hyenas, owls, and even elusive predators in action
  • Stay in one of Kruger’s luxury lodges or camps, providing comfortable accommodations, fine dining, and exceptional views, enhancing your safari experience
  • Beautiful rhino grazing in Kruger National Park

  • Lioness and cub, Kruger National Park, South Africa

  • Viewing buffalo on a Kruger National Park game drive

  • Lilac breasted roller in Kruger National Park

  • Ge Selati River in the northern area of Kruger National Park

  • Elephant in Manyeleti Game Reserve

  • Leopard on the prowl in Kruger National Park

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 32℃
  • 33℃
  • 32℃
  • 30℃
  • 28℃
  • 26℃
  • 26℃
  • 28℃
  • 30℃
  • 31℃
  • 32℃
  • 33℃
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

The summer rains are in full swing, bringing lush greenery, dramatic skies, and an explosion of life. While game viewing can be trickier with tall grasses and thick foliage, the landscapes are stunning, and it's prime time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.

February

Still in the heart of the rainy season, February is warm and vibrant. With average daytime peaks around 33°C, afternoon showers are common but short-lived. Wildlife is abundant - you might spot young antelope or witness predators taking advantage of their inexperience.

March

The rains begin to taper, and visibility improves. March offers a good balance: the park is still beautifully green, but game drives become more fruitful. It's also a great time for photography, with soft light and striking contrasts between vegetation and sky.

April

As autumn settles in, the landscape shifts subtly. Temperatures ease to a more pleasant range, often hovering around the high 20s. The bush starts thinning out, making it easier to spot wildlife, and the humidity drops, adding comfort to full-day safaris.

May

Dry season begins. Mornings are crisp, and the days are sunny and clear - ideal conditions for wildlife watching. Animals start congregating at waterholes, making sightings more predictable. This is the start of what many call Kruger’s best game viewing window.

June

Mid-winter brings cool mornings (often below 10°C) and warm, dry days. With the vegetation sparse, predators and large herds become easier to track. June is also less crowded, offering a more peaceful safari experience.

July

A prime month for wildlife. The bush is at its thinnest, and watering holes draw elephants, zebras, lions, and more. Though early morning game drives may require a jacket, midday temperatures rise comfortably into the low 20s.

August

Similar to July, with continued excellent visibility and crisp air. Some regions may experience strong winds, but the rewards - clear skies, spectacular sunsets, and regular animal sightings - make it worthwhile.

September

The bush is at its driest and dustiest, which is excellent for spotting big cats on the move. It’s also just before the rains return, making it one of the most popular months for a classic Kruger safari.

October

Temperatures climb sharply, often peaking above 30°C. Some early rains may fall, and the park begins to transform. The first signs of greenery return, and impalas and warthogs give birth, adding a new dynamic to game drives.

November

With the rainy season now underway, Kruger bursts into life. Migratory birds return, newborn animals are everywhere, and the bush becomes lush and colourful again. While wildlife is less concentrated, the energy and beauty of the park are hard to match.

December

Expect hot, humid days with regular thunderstorms - and brilliant wildlife activity. December in Kruger means lively birdlife, dramatic skies, and young animals darting across the savannah. It’s also school holiday season in South Africa, so some areas may be busy.

Our Ratings

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Hotels

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5* Last Word Kitara

Last Word Kitara is in the 60000ha Klaserie Private Nature reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, home to the largest and most diverse concentration of wild animals in the world, including the Big Five. Kitara is a real bush retreat in the more remote regions of the Klaserie, where game viewing is very exclusive. It’s the ultimate safari. Guests will have nature virtually to themselves. Six luxury suites are perched on the banks overlooking the Klaserie river where big game can be seen regularly. Day or night guests will be accompanied on game drives and walking safaris in small personal groups. The cuisine is discerning and the drinks most agreeable. Link your safari to visits to The Last Word’s other Intimate Hotels in Constantia, Franschhoek or Long Beach, Kommetjie. All meals and Wi-Fi are complimentary, as are select beverages, wines and premium spirits.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* Saseka Tented Camp

Saseka feels very much like a shining jewel in the Thornybush crown with a strikingly unique layout that finds a superb balance between cutting-edge design, classical style and feeling connected to the outside environment.
The nine luxurious tented suites combine stylish interiors, sweeping decks and private pools with uninterrupted views of the seasonal Monwana riverbed and world-class game viewing in this Big 5 reserve.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* Simbambili Game Lodge

Set in the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Simbambili has world-class game viewing opportunities. The nine spacious suites face the riverbed and woodlands, each with its own private plunge pool, sala bed on the deck and a free-standing bath.
Guests are made to feel at home through the personal touches and calming nature of the setting, with many an hour spent on the main deck keeping an eye on the large waterhole and its ever-changing visitors just below.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* Thornybush Game Lodge

Game Lodge was the first of its kind in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, opening its doors back in 1961. Having undergone an extensive refurbishment in 2022/23, the lodge now combines a classic South African lodge feel with modern and quirky design elements. Alongside the 15 main suites is Kamara House, a 3-bedroom private villa providing the ultimate family or group escape.
This unfenced reserve enjoys an open system with the Greater Kruger ecosystem, making it an incredible wildlife viewing destination.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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