​Best Time To Visit – Kruger NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

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

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

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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.


500 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

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (22)
+20 Photos Want To Visit

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

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500 Kruger Safaris