South Africa (Kruger Park)

South Africa (Kruger Park) – What you should know

In Kruger National Park it is rainfall, not temperature, that determines when to travel. Summer from November to March is hot and humid — 31°C with 99 to 114 mm a month — while winter from May to August is dry to the point of dustiness: 5 mm in June, 7 mm in August, and practically no rain days.

For wildlife viewing, that dry winter is the best time. The grass is low, the trees are sparse of leaf, and animals gather at the few remaining waterholes — the chance of seeing lion, elephant and rhino is considerably higher than in the green season. Bear the morning cold in mind: June and July nights fall to 7°C, and open safari vehicles set off before sunrise.

The rainy season has its own merits — lush landscape, newborn animals, migratory birds and fewer visitors — but brings poorer visibility through tall grass and partly impassable gravel roads. Kruger is also a malaria area, and the risk is highest in the wet season. Prophylaxis should be discussed with a doctor in any case, and all the more so for a summer trip.