Safari Shortlist
Saved Compare
HomeWhen to go

When to go on safari

Greater Kruger is a year-round destination. The dry winter gives the easiest game viewing; the green summer brings newborn animals, birds and lower rates.

November

Shoulder season166 lodges with a published rate for November 2026

The first rains turn the bush green. Many lodges return to lower rates.

Game viewing
Birding
Rainfall85.7 mm
Day / night32.8° / 18.6°
Published lodge rates for mid-November 2026 range from €11 to €2,924 per person per night.

The year at a glance

Rainfall (mm)Max temperatureMin temperatureGreen seasonShoulderPeak season
03060901200°10°20°30°40°Jan: 110.9 mmFeb: 109.4 mmMar: 79.9 mmApr: 39.8 mmMay: 15.6 mmJun: 9.5 mmJul: 11.4 mmAug: 8.7 mmSep: 27.9 mmOct: 40 mmNov: 85.7 mmDec: 96.3 mmJan: 33.2°CFeb: 33.1°CMar: 32.9°CApr: 30.8°CMay: 28.4°CJun: 26.9°CJul: 26.5°CAug: 28.3°CSep: 30.8°COct: 31.6°CNov: 32.8°CDec: 33.7°CJan: 20.3°CFeb: 20.8°CMar: 19.3°CApr: 15.7°CMay: 10.4°CJun: 5.8°CJul: 6.4°CAug: 8.5°CSep: 13.6°COct: 16.6°CNov: 18.6°CDec: 19.9°CJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecGameSeason

Rainfall and temperatures: Skukuza climate normals 1991–2020. Game-viewing and season rows are Safari Shortlist's summary of the dry-season / wet-season pattern described by Krugerpark.co.za: best time to visit Kruger, Londolozi: the impala lambing season, SANParks: Kruger birds.

Best time for…

Game viewingMay – Oct

Dry season: thinner bush and animals gathered at water. July and August are usually best.

BirdingNov – Apr

Summer migrants arrive, including Wahlberg's, steppe and lesser spotted eagles.

Newborn animalsLate Nov – Dec

Most impala lambs are born within a few weeks, around November.

Lower rates6 lodges

publish a lower rate in mid-February than in mid-July, from the rate tables on Safari Shortlist.