Essential Tips for a Winter Safari in South Africa’s Greater Kruger

Image credit: Tania Steyn

The orange-grey landscape pops with fiery winter-blooming aloe flowers and candy pink impala lilies, and while it may not buzz with the vibrant green growth of the summer months, it doesn’t buzz with much bug-life either. Mosquitoes and other biting beasties are far less bothersome in the cooler weather, and the relative sparseness of the landscape means better visibility, making it so much easier for our guides and trackers to follow and find those bucket-list animals. These animals, predators especially, also aren’t in any rush to seek out shady spots before the sun gets too high, so your chances of spotting them on the move in daylight are decidedly better.

Image credit: Jordi Woerts

Birders among you may worry about missing out in winter months, but birding here in winter is still fantastic. The Lowveld area is extremely rich in diversity, and in the absence of our migratory bird species our resident feathered friends get their chance to shine. White-browed scrub robins, crested barbets, grey-headed bushshrikes, and crested francolins lend their voices to the soundtrack of the season while brown-hooded kingfishers, lilac-breasted rollers, and little bee-eaters paint the muted scenery with their brilliant plumage.

Image credit: Jordi Woerts

As summer rainfall ceases and riverbeds, puddles, and other natural pools dry up, permanent water sources, like the camp waterhole (and swimming pools!) become hubs of activity throughout the day and night. Birds, elephants, and prey animals come and go constantly, and you’ll often find crafty predators either following on their heels or lying in wait nearby. They also just pop by for a quiet drink on their rounds, so it’s worth keeping an eye out whenever you’re in camp. 

Image credit: Tania Steyn

Beyond all these excellent reasons to visit our piece of paradise in the dry season, there’s also a unique cosiness about a winter-time safari you just can’t beat. There are decadent dinners and evenings curled up in the luxurious comfort of your suite or beside a crackling wood fire beneath the stars, and snug blankets and fleece-covered hot-water bottles on early morning drives. Arguably the best time of day is the morning coffee stop, when you get to shed your first layers and stretch out in the summer sun while your steaming morning-beverage-of-choice warms your bones. It’s heavenly!

Image credit: Tania Steyn

This time of year is truly magical, especially if you’re suitably prepared, so here are a few tips on what you should pack for a wintertime safari to the Lowveld:

• We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: layers. Even if you’re accustomed to sub-zero temperatures, you might be surprised by the bite in our winter mornings on the back of an open safari vehicle, so it’s worth bringing along your gloves and a beanie. A warm jumper, long pants and a windproof jacket are a must, and if you’re sensitive to the cold, you’ll be grateful for thick socks, a scarf, and a long-sleeve top or two. We supply a blanket and have extra jackets on game drives in case you need them for extra warmth.
• As each day warms up, it can get hot enough to swim, so it’s a good idea to pack your swimwear, shorts and flip flops as well. And don’t forget that our winter sun still packs a deadly punch, so don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.
• Our dry season gets pretty dusty (it’s part of the reason the sunsets are so sensational) and the air is dry at this time of year, so chapstick and eye drops are a good idea. You’ll find soothing body lotion among the amenities in your suite.
• Bring along a light cloth, towel or buff to protect your camera gear from the dust. For safety reasons, remember to pack your cameras and binoculars as hand luggage. This includes batteries and battery banks - if you pack these in your main luggage, it might get left behind. 

We look forward to welcoming you for your winter safari so that you too can experience the stuff that safari dreams are made of. See you soon!