With summer finally here, now is the time to start thinking about where to take some time off before the end-of-year rush is upon us. As the warmer months unfurl, exciting changes start happening in our natural surroundings, especially where there is an abundance of animals and flora. Kruger National Park, with its diversity of plant and animal life, is the perfect place to escape to, presenting both solitude and the opportunity to be a part of nature embracing all the newness the season has to offer.
Landscape lushness
There’s a stark beauty to the African savannah in and around Kruger National Park in the winter months when everything is dry. The browns are virtually golden and oh-so Instagrammable, but in the summer season the Park morphs into a tapestry of green, with colourful blooms in between.
Early morning tends to be the best time for a guided safari in summer. Do look out for the many migratory species of birds that start to make their way back to the area in early summer.
“It can feel like a completely different experience when you visit Kruger National Park in the summer season, as opposed to the dry winter season. It’s equally magnificent and we always recommend that guests who visit in winter return in summer to see the ‘other side’ of the Park,” says Miguel Farinha, Hotel Manager at Kruger Gate Hotel.
Circle of life
Summer is the time to see the circle of life in action in Kruger National Park. Call it the baby boom – it’s the time when many of the animals give birth so there is a good chance of seeing tiny impala lambs or even a playful lion cub (hello Simba!). The increased availability of food and water also means one is more likely to see an array of wildlife on a summer safari.
Animal behaviour, too, is fascinating to observe in Kruger National Park during summer. Thanks to an abundance of food and water brought on by the rain, there’s a chance of seeing elephants enjoying refreshing mud baths, hippos splashing in waterholes, or predators taking advantage of the lush vegetation to ambush their prey.
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Oh, the drama
Summer in parts of South Africa, the Kruger National Park included, is synonymous with dramatic thunderstorms. These awe-inspiring displays of nature’s power are a highlight of the season. The bushveld comes alive with a sense of anticipation in the late afternoons when the sky darkens and the thunder starts to rumble in the distance. Witnessing the aftermath of a storm, with rainbows arching over the refreshed landscape, is a truly unforgettable experience.
“Right after a storm, one of the best places to be is in our Pool Bar and Viewing Deck that overlooks the iconic Sabie River. The earth has been saturated with water, there’s that delightful smell of rain in the air and an unmistakable feeling of freshness that is simply magical. Experience this with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand – few things compare!” Farinha shares.
Linger longer
To do a safari holiday justice requires time – and certainly more than a weekend break – which means summer is the ideal period.
In addition to fully immersing oneself in the wonders of the Kruger National Park, the surrounding area also has plenty of must-sees and do’s.
For those in search of stunning scenery, look no further than the Panorama Route, which is centred on the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon.
The Graskop Gorge Lift, a first in Africa, is a unique experience that invites you to descend 51 metres into the ancient Afromontane Forest below, in a glass-fronted elevator.
Other notable attractions include God’s Window and Three Rondavels. The former is a vantage point on the Drakensberg escarpment, situated on a cliff with a 700-metre drop. On clear days, you can see as far as the Mozambican border from it. The latter, meanwhile, is a geological feature which resembles the round, thatched huts which people in the region traditionally live in.
The area leading up to Kruger is home to some incredible waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil (named for its similarity to a bride’s veil), Mac-Mac, and Berlin Falls. For cave lovers, there are the Echo and Sudwala Caves. The latter are believed to be among the oldest in the world.
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Family fun
For many South African families summer is the main holiday of the year and a time for being together. A safari holiday offers something for everyone – from old to young – and thus ideal for a summer holiday. Experiences like the kind of wildlife encounters unique to Kruger National Park are as appealing to children as it is to adults.
“Summer is the ideal time to bring the whole family on safari. Start the day with an early morning guided safari and the rest of the day in and around one of our pools. Or retreat to your suite for a siesta in a cool room. Summer is a magical time in Kruger and deserves to be on your bucket list,” Farinha concludes.
