If you’re planning an African safari in 2026, Kruger National Park is one of the best places on the continent to see the Big Five lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo with excellent guides, comfortable lodges, and easy flight access from Johannesburg or Cape Town.

But timing matters.

The right season can mean the difference between “nice wildlife” and jaw-dropping game viewing every day. In this guide, I’ll walk you through Kruger month by month, plus the best time to combine Kruger with the Panorama Route one of South Africa’s most scenic regions.

Quick answer: when should you go?

The best time to visit Kruger for wildlife viewing is the dry season from May to September.
Vegetation is thinner, animals cluster near water, and sightings are at their peak. 

The green season (October to April) is lush, beautiful and great for birding + baby animals but wildlife is more spread out and afternoons can be hot. 

Our most popular Kruger safari (perfect year-round)

If you want an easy, high-value safari with a local guide handling everything:

✅ 4-Day Kruger Park + Panorama Route Safari

• direct flights into Kruger region

• Big Five game drives

• Panorama Route canyons & waterfalls

• mid-range comfort (not overpriced luxury)

View full itinerary:
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Get a quote / customise dates:
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Kruger seasons explained 

Dry season (May – September): best game viewing

Why it’s the best:

• water sources shrink → wildlife gathers

• bush is thinner → easier to spot cats

• mild days, cooler nights

• low malaria risk in winter 

Ideal for:

• first-time safari travellers

• photographers

• families who want “guaranteed” sightings

Green season (October – April): best scenery + baby animals

What makes it special:

• Kruger turns lush and green

• newborn animals everywhere

• amazing birdlife & migrations

• fewer crowds outside holidays 

Ideal for:

• repeat safari visitors

• travellers who want fewer tourists

• birders & nature lovers

Kruger month-by-month guide for 2026

January – February (hot summer)

• peak summer heat + afternoon storms

• animals more spread out

• still great elephant & buffalo sightings

• good for budget travellers if you avoid school holidays

Best for: lush landscapes, birding, quieter lodges.

March – April (green but cooling)

• rain slows down

• temperatures soften

• grass still green, rivers flowing

• game viewing improves as bush thins slightly

This is one of my favourite times for couples and photographers who want both beauty and sightings.

May (start of dry season)

• cooler nights, crisp mornings

• bush begins to open up

• game viewing jumps up

• excellent value before winter peak 

Best for: balanced weather + strong sightings.

June – August (prime dry season)

• best wildlife months

• animals gather at rivers and waterholes

• thick winter sunsets, clear skies

• mornings are cold on open vehicles (pack a warm layer) 

Best for: Big Five seekers, families, bucket-list safaris.

September (still dry, warming up)

• excellent sightings continue

• slightly warmer days

• fewer crowds than July/August holidays 

Best for: travellers who want peak game but quieter camps.

October (hot, dramatic)

• heat rises

• bush very thin → sightings remain strong

• beginning of rain season may appear late month 

Best for: serious wildlife viewing right before rains.

November – December (green season returns)

• Kruger becomes lush again

• baby impala and antelope everywhere

• predators active around newborns

• popular festive travel period (book early) 

Best for: festive trips, family safaris, greenery lovers.

Best time to do the Panorama Route with Kruger

The Panorama Route is gorgeous year-round, but the sweet spots are:

✅ April–May (green waterfalls + crisp weather)
✅ September–October (dry, clear viewpoints)

That’s why your 4-day combo safari works so well in those shoulder seasons.

How to get to Kruger (easy flight route)

We recommend flying directly into:

• MQP (Kruger Mpumalanga Airport)

• or Hoedspruit / Skukuza depending on your plan

We meet you at the airport and transfer you straight to lodge — no Johannesburg detour needed.

Final tip for choosing your perfect safari month

Ask yourself:

1. Do you want the BEST wildlife sightings?
   → May–September dry season.

2. Do you want lush scenery + baby animals?
   → November–April green season.

3. Do you want fewer crowds & good weather?
   → April–May or September.

If you’re unsure, tell us your dates and we’ll shape the trip around you.

Ready to plan your Kruger safari for 2026?

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