January marks the height of the wet season. Afternoon thunderstorms bring green vegetation and full rivers. This is a great time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive, and many animals give birth, providing excellent photographic opportunities. The best time for birdwatching in Kruger is from October to March, when both resident and migratory species are active and easily seen.
In February, the rains continue, keeping the bush dense and the landscape vibrant. It remains ideal for birding, while many animals are still raising their young. Though game viewing can be more challenging due to tall grass, the park is quieter and peaceful. Buffalo, kudu, and waterbuck calves are commonly seen at this time.
March signals the end of heavy rains. The vegetation remains green, and animals start to display early rutting behaviour. Temperatures begin to drop slightly, creating pleasant conditions for travel. The best time for birdwatching in Kruger is from October to March, when both resident and migratory species are active and easily seen. By March and April, most migratory species begin their long journeys back north as the wet season ends and food becomes less abundant.
April brings cooler mornings and evenings. The rains begin to taper off, and water levels in rivers and pans start to drop. The grass is still green in many areas, but some parts of the park begin to dry out, giving a mix of green and golden hues across the landscape. This is a transitional month with moderate tourist activity and good wildlife sightings.
By May, the dry season begins. Rain becomes rare, and animals start to gather near permanent water sources. Visibility improves, making it one of the best times for game viewing. A small-scale migration occurs within the park as herds move toward greener grazing areas. Young animals born earlier in the summer are now more independent but still rely on their mothers for protection and guidance.
June and July are peak dry months. The air is clear, and vegetation is sparse, offering the best wildlife visibility. Days are warm and sunny, while mornings and nights can be cold. These months attract high visitor numbers due to the excellent game-viewing conditions. Predators may still have cubs or pups in their dens, especially hyenas and leopards, which breed year-round.
June and July are peak dry months. The air is clear, and vegetation is sparse, offering the best wildlife visibility. Days are warm and sunny, while mornings and nights can be cold. These months attract high visitor numbers due to the excellent game-viewing conditions.
August remains dry and cool. Wildlife activity is concentrated around rivers, waterholes, and dams, as animals need to drink daily. Predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of this, as prey is easier to locate in the open and near limited water sources. Elephant herds often congregate at rivers, and hippos remain mostly in the water to keep cool. By the end of the month, signs of the approaching rainy season begin to appear, with slightly warmer days.
In September, the weather warms, and the first light rains may fall. It’s a good balance between the dry and wet seasons, with strong game viewing and fewer tourists compared to midwinter. In September and October, the first arrivals begin to appear. Wahlberg’s eagles are among the earliest, often arriving in August or early September to breed and leaving again around March or April. Amur falcons start reaching Kruger in late October after travelling thousands of kilometres from Asia. The woodland kingfisher is one of the most anticipated summer visitors and usually arrives in late October or early November. Broad-billed rollers also reach the park around October after migrating from tropical Africa.
October marks the start of the wet season, with increasing afternoon thunderstorms and green shoots returning to the landscape. Baby animals appear, and bird migrations resume, making it an exciting month for nature enthusiasts. The best time for birdwatching in Kruger is from October to March, when both resident and migratory species are active and easily seen. In October and November, the main wave of migratory birds arrives. European bee-eaters come from Europe in large flocks and stay through March. Red-backed shrikes also migrate from Europe and Asia, appearing in Kruger from late October. Barn swallows arrive around the same time from Europe and Asia and remain until March. Steppe buzzards reach Kruger from Eastern Europe and Asia between October and November. Several cuckoo species, including the red-chested, Diederik, Klaas’s, and Jacobin cuckoos, arrive with the rains, usually between October and December.
November continues the green season. The bush is green and full of life, and bird activity peaks with the arrival of summer migrants. While game can be harder to spot, the scenery is strikingly beautiful. European bee-eaters come from Europe in large flocks and stay through March. Impalas give birth in large numbers, often within a few weeks of each other, creating what is known as the “impala baby boom.” Wildebeest, zebra, and warthog calves are also born during this time.
By December, the wet season is in full swing. Temperatures rise, humidity increases, and the bush is thick and vibrant. Many animals give birth, creating abundant life across the region. Visitor numbers also increase during the holiday period, marking a lively end to the year in the Greater Kruger. Predators such as lions and hyenas take advantage of this period because the newborn animals are more vulnerable.
