When to Go to Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park by season
Kruger National Park's year can be split into two - the wet season and the dry season. The dry season is the most popular time to visit, both for its favourable weather conditions, but also for its higher chances of wildlife spotting. However, when to go depends very much on what else you are planning to do in South Africa - the dry season might be good for safari but it's not the best time for Cape Town for example. To help you choose when to travel, we've summarised the seasons below.
May to September
The dry weather and sunny skies in the dry season causes Kruger National Park’s foliage to thin, giving you a greater chance of spotting the wildlife. Not only this, but the lack of rain forces the animals to the waterholes, allowing you to watch them as they come to drink. Humidity levels and temperatures are lower at this time too (in the high teens), with lovely mild weather in September particularly. Note that it can be pretty chilly in the evenings and early mornings.
October to April
The wet season sees rains arrive in the Kruger, turning the landscape many vibrant shades of green. The foliage thickens and the plentiful water sends the animals into hiding, so spotting them is a little harder. Although it can be hot (in the high twenties) and humid, this is a great time to spot newborn and baby animals and to watch for the many indigenous and migratory birds that frequent the park.
