Destinations

• WHY

Ranked by many as the number 1 destination in South Africa. The species diversity of the Kruger Park is unrivaled. Travel to the park is easy including the possibility to fly directly into the park. Many camps and lodges to choose from. 2 million hectares of African bush to explore.

• DURATION

Ideal length is between 7 and 10 days as a focused destination. Less than 4 days is not recommended. Two weeks if this is your priority destination.

• BEST TIME

The Kruger Park can produce wonderful wildlife sightings all year round however, safaris outside of local school holiday periods and long weekends are quieter. Specialist birding safaris are best during the summer months (October to March). 

• WEATHER

Summer months (October to March) can be warm to hot with temperatures reaching 40C+. This is also the rainy season so thundershowers can be expected.

Winter months (May to August) can be chilly early mornings and during the evenings, but daytime temperatures are comfortable and usually reach into the high 20’s degrees Celsius.

• WHY

Forming part of the Greater Kruger Park the Sabi Sands is known for its great close-up encounters of especially the Big 5. Private lodges provide that luxury feeling for those wanting something a little more comfortable. Great for photographers who want to get a little closer. Can easily be combined with a few nights in the Kruger Park for a best of both worlds experience.

• DURATION

Ideal length of stay would be 2 to 4 nights. 

• BEST TIME

All year round, but weather and temperatures (see below) needs to be considered. Game drives are in open safari vehicles and early morning drives during winter months (May to August) can be very chilly.

• WEATHER

• Summer months (October to March) can be warm to hot with temperatures reaching 40C+. This is also the rain season so thundershowers can be expected.

Winter months (May to August) can be chilly early mornings and during the evenings, but daytime temperatures are comfortable and usually reach into the high 20’s degrees Celsius.

• WHY

FThe uniqueness of the park with its arid habitat and incredible sightings. This is where the famous black maned lions can be seen. Incredible photographic opportunities. Wilderness camps give a private feel and close-up sightings may often be enjoyed on your own.

• DURATION

Since travel to the park can take long a stay of at least 6 nights is recommended.  

• BEST TIME

All year round, but weather and temperatures (see below) needs to be considered. Game drives are in open safari vehicles and early morning drives during winter months (May to August) can be very chilly.

• WEATHER

• Although anytime of the year can be good, certain factors make specific times better. This is semi-arid desert country, so winter temperatures can drop way below freezing and summer temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius. So April and then September and October are arguably the best months to visit. If you can tolerate the heat then November through to March can be considered. A little rain can do wonders in the desert with flowers popping up everywhere.

This is semi-arid desert country, so winter temperatures can drop way below freezing and summer temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius. Winter months (May to August) are the drier months and daytime temperatures can be pleasant, but night time temperatures less so.

• WHY

Situated in the lush province of Kwa-Zulu Natal this park is a must if traveling to the South African East Coast. The hilly northern section (Hluhluwe) offers a wonderful diversity of species, both mammals and birds, while the slightly drier southern section (Imfolozi) is equally as diverse but offers a different feel and experience.

• DURATION

While a quick two night stay can give you some feel for the park, visiting both the northern and southern parts is recommended and to properly enjoy both a minimum of 6 nights (3 nights and 3 nights) is ideal. This park is not as big as some of the other parks and can therefore be explored over a shorter time period.

• BEST TIME

The drier winter months (May to August) is when animals become more dependent on permanent water sources and tend to congregate around these. The later in winter the better. September and October can be the best, although some rain may be expected during this time already. For general scenery and to capture the lush green hills the summer months, especially December to March may be best.

• WEATHER

• Summer months (October to March) can be balmy and hot with bouts of high rainfall. Winter months (May to August) although cooler during the night and early mornings have pleasant day time temperatures with little to no rain.

This is semi-arid desert country, so winter temperatures can drop way below freezing and summer temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius. Winter months (May to August) are the drier months and daytime temperatures can be pleasant, but night time temperatures less so.

• WHY

A new park having been established in 1995 at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers. Although a fairly small park in comparison to some of the others, Mapungubwe has a wonderful history, amazing scenery and great wildlife. It borders Zimbabwe and Botswana and is a perfect park to combine with a trip to the Northern Tuli Game Reserve across on the Botswana side.

• DURATION

Because of where the park is situated a minimum stay of 3 nights is recommended. If only visiting Mapungubwe and not combining with the Northern Tuli Game Reserve then 5 days will be ideal. However, if combining with a stay in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve then a combination of 3 nights Mapungubwe and 3 nights Northern Tuli can be the perfect duration.

• BEST TIME

As is the case with most safari destinations the drier winter months can be the more productive months for game viewing as animals become more dependent on the permanent water sources and the bush opens up for better game viewing. Because of the parks more remote location it never becomes very busy with visitors and so if the weather is not a major determining factor for you then a visit at any time of the year can be rewarding. 

• WEATHER

Dry winter months (May to August) may be cool to chilly in the evenings and early mornings, but usually have wonderful warm days. During the summer months (October to March some rain can be expected and temperatures rise considerably reaching the high 30’s Celsius and even low 40’s Celsius on some days.

Winter months (May to August) can be chilly early mornings and during the evenings, but daytime temperatures are comfortable and usually reach into the high 20’s degrees Celsius.

• WHY

This is one of those little-known reserves situated in the very northern Kwa-Zulu Natal on the border of Mozambique. The park is primarily known for its rich bird life with many sought after species, including the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Broadbill and Southern Banded Snake Eagle. It is great for photography with many pans, Fever Tree forests and lush green riverine areas that are also home to both Black and White Rhino’s and the small Suni antelope.

• DURATION

A visit to Ndumo should ideally be combined with other Kwa-Zulu Natal Parks such as the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, Thembe Elephant Park or the Mkhuze Game Reserve. As a combination the ideal visiting time recommended should be between 7 and 10 days.

• BEST TIME

As a primary birding destination the bird life is at its best during the summer months of October to March, but it should be noted that these months can also be warm to hot with heavy showers.

• WEATHER

Winters (May to August) are mild with minimum temperatures seldom dropping below 5 degrees Celsius. The park is in a summer rainfall area and the summers can be warm and balmy but daytime temperatures are generally around 30 degrees Celsius. Some thundershowers can be expected during the afternoons on some summer days.

Winter months (May to August) can be chilly early mornings and during the evenings, but daytime temperatures are comfortable and usually reach into the high 20’s degrees Celsius.

• WHY

Moremi’s open grasslands with floodplains, palm islands and comprising a large portion of the Okavango Delta makes this a special place for that ultimate wildlife experience. Two lane tracks lead to hippo filled pools or an unexpected pride of lions on the move. Wild dogs chase down their prey and a leopard watches from the safety of a Sausage Tree. This is one of Botswana’s iconic reserves and a must see.

• DURATION

To properly explore Moremi a 4 to 6 night stay is recommended. This can be broken up into 2 night stays in 3 different areas or 3 night stays in two different areas.

• BEST TIME

Because of the reserve’s location it never is very busy with tourists, however there will be an increase in visitors during local and certainly South African school holiday periods. August to November can be of the best months to visit for wildlife sightings, but great viewing can really be enjoyed at any time of the year.

• WEATHER

Summer months (October to March) can be warm to hot and afternoon showers can be expected on some days. Winter months (May to August) can be chilly in the early mornings and during the evenings, but clear skies usually dominate during the day with mild and pleasant day time temperatures.

• WHY

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s well-known wildlife parks and very popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts. The northern section is easily reached via the town of Kasane and both game drives and boat trips can be very productive.
The southern section of the park is more isolated and has a very different wilderness feeling. This is where lions were first recorded hunting elephants and where the well-known documentary ‘Eternal Enemies’ was filmed. Lions and hyenas dominate as super predators in this region.

• DURATION

Three to four nights in the northern part of the park will allow for great game viewing and should produce wonderful photographic opportunities as well. If driving to the southern part then a minimum of 4 nights is recommended, but it is possible to fly in and then only do 3 nights, but this would be the minimum recommended time.

• BEST TIME

Wonderful wildlife sightings can be enjoyed throughout the year, but it is best to consider the weather (see below) and what your main goals are before planning a visit. Summer months (October to March) are best for bird watching enthusiasts and the park can also be lush and green especially towards the latter part of summer. This is also the time when antelope species give birth and seeing the young is often regarded as a highlight by many visitors.

• WEATHER

Summer months (October to March) can be warm to hot and some rain can be expected. Day time temperatures are usually in the 30 degrees Celsius but may shoot up to 40 degrees on some days. Winter months can be cool to chilly with temperatures dropping to freezing point especially in the southern part of the park, but day time temperatures are mild and enjoyable reaching average temperatures of around 25 Celsius.

• WHY

Although a large percentage of the Okavango Delta falls within the Moremi Game Reserve there are a few highly recommended lodges allowing for wonderful game viewing opportunities as well as boat excursions. The Okavango Delta is Africa’s largest endorheic delta and is home to over a 1000 plant species, close to 500 bird species and 130 mammal species with numerous reptiles, amphibians and fish species.

• DURATION

A minimum 3 night stay at one of the lodges is ideal. Easy access can be made with a flight in from Maun, or many of the camps can be driven to as well as part of a recommended 7 day safari.

• BEST TIME

Being a place with a lot of water suits an abundance of wildlife and therefore a visit anytime of the year can be very rewarding. For avid bird watchers the summer months are better (October to March), but general game viewing combined with good weather can be best over the months of April, September and even into early October.

• WEATHER

The Okavango Delta has definite dry and wet seasons. Summer months between October and March can be warm to hot and afternoon thundershowers are not unusual, while winter months are typically dry, but early morning and evenings can be cool to cold. The days are mild with mostly clear skies during winter months – May to August.

• WHY

This is one of those lesser known parks which produces not only incredible wildlife sightings, but has wonderful scenery too. Large herds of impala and other gregarious species can be seen and consist of numbers not often seen elsewhere. Photographic opportunities abound and travel to the reserve is quick via a direct flight from Johannesburg.

• DURATION

A minimum 3 night stay is recommended, but 4 to 5 nights are ideal.

• BEST TIME

Wildlife sightings are great all year round and having guides in radio contact with each other ensures that you have a better chance of seeing especially the more elusive animals. October is considered the hottest month, but if the heat does not bother you then this can be another wonderful month to visit the reserve as many migratory bird species arrive and breeding and nesting of both mammals and birds gets into full swing. If some rain has fallen then the wild flowers over February can make for great photography opportunities.

• WEATHER

Winter months (May to August) are typically drier months and temperatures drop considerably in the evenings with mornings being chilly out on game drives. Day time temperatures rise to the high 20’s C. October is often regarded as the warmest month in Botswana and can be when the first thundershowers arrive. These are however mostly in the afternoons or during the evenings, allowing a person to still enjoy daytime activities. Summer months (October to March) as a whole can be warm to hot with daytime temperatures reaching the high 30’s Celsius.

• WHY

This is Namibia’s flagship national park and any visit to Namibia should include a visit to this iconic park. The elephants with their usual white, dust covered bodies are considered the largest elephants in the world. Wide open spaces and plains add to dramatic photographic opportunities, while floodlit waterholes at each camp are major attractions for both animals and visitors wishing to lengthen their viewing opportunities.

• DURATION

At over 22 000 square kilometers, sufficient time is needed to properly explore the park. A minimum stay of 6 nights is recommended while a week to 10 days is ideal.

• BEST TIME

The Kruger Park can produce wonderful wildlife sightings all year round however, safaris outside of local school holiday periods and long weekends are quieter. Specialist birding safaris are best during the summer months (October to March). 

• WEATHER

Summer months (October to March) can be warm to hot with temperatures reaching 40C+. This is also the rainy season so thundershowers can be expected.

Winter months (May to August) can be chilly early mornings and during the evenings, but daytime temperatures are comfortable and usually reach into the high 20’s degrees Celsius.

• WHY

• WHY

A desert like you have never experienced before. Red sand dunes reaching heights of 388 meters are of the tallest in the world. The Namib desert is the oldest desert and home to the striking Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras, Gemsbok, Ostriches and Brown Hyena’s. Where the dunes meet the mountains, leopards, kudus and other animals roam. The vast open areas bring a sense of peace and amazement that should not be missed. 

• DURATION

Given the size of the park along with traveling times, a visit of at least 4 nights as part of an extended safari in Nambia is recommended.

• BEST TIME

September and again March, April are of the better months to visit, but depending on your interests the park can be enjoyed throughout the year.

• WEATHER

Being a desert temperatures fluctuate a lot from daytime to evenings. Some areas don’t receive any rainfall in years, while other areas may receive small amounts. Winter months can be chilly and summer months hot, but it’s a dry heat which for many is more tolerable.