We certainly believe that the Kruger Park and the surrounding Private Reserves are a year round destination. With each month bringing something different, here's what to expect month by month:

Summer 
December, January and February

It is the height of summer. The bush is lush, thick and green, with an abundance of predators and prey. At this time of year you can expect a few puddles on the roads, with perhaps a lion or leopard stopping to drink from them in front of your safari vehicle. 

It is hot during the day and game drives are usually conducted in the very early morning and late afternoon. This gives you plenty of time to relax at the camp during the day and enjoy the private plunge pools that so many lodges now have. Our favourite pool in the Kruger?  We all agree that the plunge pools at Leopard Hills and Royal Malewane are perfect for cooling off. 

Autumn 

March and April

In the early mornings and late evenings there is a slight chill in the air and you can begin to feel that autumn has arrived. The Full Moon in April is usually the time when impalas reach the peak of their rutting season. There can still be the occasional rain shower, but you certainly get the feeling that summer is ending.

Stay at Londolozi Tree Camp where the open plains of the Sabi Sand are a particularly good area to see large herds of impala. 

Winter
May, June, July and August

It is winter. This means the bush is dry and water is scarce. In May the migratory birds start to fly north in search of warmer climates. Big herds of elephant and buffalo have been known to start to break up and become smaller herds, creating less pressure on food and water. The hunt for water brings many out of the bush and towards watering holes. Grasses are thinner and lower so making it easier to spot the wildlife. The light is seemingly perfect and photographers will be in their element. Wrap up warm though, the nights are cold. Read our blog on Winter on Safari. 

With water in short supply, it is a great time to stay at a lodge near a river. We don’t believe that much beats the location of Rattrays on Malamala

Spring
September, October and November

Winter has drawn to an end and spring is here. Wake up early for your safari and you will start to hear that the dawn chorus is getting louder as birds wake earlier, and migrant birds start to return. The first rains usually indicate the arrival of newborns, and the bush becomes alive with baby impalas. 

The rangers at Savanna Private Game Reserve are some of the finest in Africa, they will be sure to point out the migrant birds as they arrive. We particularly enjoy going on safari early to see if we can see a baby impala being born.