Blog - Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Seasons of Safari: Discover the Magic of the Greater Kruger Year-Round

2025-05-19T00:00:00+02:00

Planning a safari in South Africa? One of the most common questions we hear at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge is: “When is the best time to go?” The truth is, the Greater Kruger National Park area offers something extraordinary in every season. Whether you're drawn by dramatic summer skies or crisp winter wildlife viewing, there’s no wrong time to experience the African bush — only different kinds of magic.

Let’s take a journey through the safari seasons of the year, from rainfall and wildlife patterns to travel tips and photographic treasures.

🌿 Summer (December to February)
Seasonal Style: Rainy Season | Green Season | Birthing Season | Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Tourism: Holiday Season (December) | Low Season (January & February)

Summer in the Lowveld is alive with energy. Thunderstorms roll across the sky in the late afternoon, transforming the landscape into a lush, green paradise. This is the birthing season for many species — impala, wildebeest, and warthogs all welcome their young, which makes for heartwarming sightings (and excellent predator action too).

It's also prime time for birdwatching. Migratory birds return in dazzling colours, filling the bush with calls and flutters. The abundance of food during this time attracts everything from Broad-billed rollers, a variety of Cuckoo species, to the iconic woodland kingfishers.

While the heat and humidity can rise during the day, game drives in the early morning and late afternoon remain pleasant. Just bring a light rain jacket — you might catch a classic African thunderstorm while sipping sundowners.

Buffalo wallowing in a waterhole after a summer storm

🍂 Autumn (March to May)
Seasonal Style: Mild & Transitional | Clear Mornings & Comfortable Days
Tourism: Shoulder Season

Autumn in the Greater Kruger is often overlooked — and that makes it one of the best-kept secrets of the safari calendar, in fact we rate it as the best time of the year to go on safari! As the rains ease and temperatures mellow, the landscape remains green but becomes easier to navigate, with grass beginning to thin.

Game is still abundant, and wildlife movements become more predictable. The weather is near-perfect: warm days and cool evenings, ideal for outdoor dining and mid-day naps under the shade of a marula tree.

With fewer travelers than in peak season, autumn is also a fantastic time for those seeking a more private experience without compromising on sightings or comfort.

Autumn offers gentle days and intimate encounters - a safari sweet spot.

❄️ Winter (June to August)
Seasonal Style: Dry Season | Peak Wildlife Viewing
Tourism: High Season (especially during Northern Hemisphere summer holidays)

Winter in the Lowveld is famous for one thing: spectacular wildlife viewing. With little to no rain, vegetation thins out and water sources become scarce — drawing animals out into the open and around waterholes.

The days are crisp and clear, with blue skies and golden sunsets that seem to last forever. Early mornings can be chilly (think scarves, beanies and warm coffee on the game vehicle), but the cool air quickly gives way to sunny, comfortable afternoons.

Photographers love this time of year for the clean, dust-filtered light and the sheer visibility of wildlife. If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing a leopard lounging in a tree or a herd of elephants at a waterhole — this is your moment.

Winter brings the wild into focus — clear skies, open plains, and unforgettable sightings.

🌸 Spring (September to November)
Seasonal Style: Reawakening | Blossoming Bushveld
Tourism: High Season (September/ October) leading into Shoulder Season (November)

Spring is when the bush begins to transform before your eyes. After the dry winter, the first rains bring renewal. Trees bloom, fresh grass pushes through the earth, and the air carries a sense of anticipation.

This is a time of rejuvenation — for the landscape and for the animals. Wildlife begins to move in new patterns, anticipating the rainy season. Flowers bloom, insects return, and color returns to the veld. It’s also a great time to visit before the heat of summer sets in.

Expect comfortable temperatures, longer days, great wildlife sightings and vegetation.

Spring awakens the bush: blossoms, beauty, and signs of new life ahead.

🗓️ When Should You Visit?
Each season in the Greater Kruger offers its own advantages:

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Weather: Hot & rainy
Highlights: Newborn animals, migratory birds
Perks: Green scenery, festive energy

Autumn (Mar–May)

Weather: Mild & dry
Highlights: Thinning vegetation
Perks: Fewer tourists, great temperatures

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Weather: Cool & dry
Highlights: Peak wildlife visibility
Perks: Clear skies, golden sunsets

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Weather: Warm with first rains
Highlights: Bush in bloom, animal activity rising
Perks: Fewer crowds, vibrant scenery

So, when is the best time to visit? The answer is simple: whenever you’re ready. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, photographer, honeymooner, or a first-time adventurer, Ngama Tented Safari Lodge offers immersive safari experiences all year round.

📩 Ready to Plan Your Safari?
Let us help you find your perfect season. Contact us for more information on when to travel, what to pack, and what to expect at Ngama Tented Safari Lodge — where every season tells a different story of the African wild.

African Wild Dogs on the move

2019-05-27T00:00:00+02:00

On the way to the lodge early one morning we were greeted by a rather pleasant surprise! Two African Wild Dogs were running up and down our reserve entrance road. These two dogs are more than likely from the local pack of wild dogs whose home range includes our reserve.

Wild dogs have huge home ranges that can span between 250 and 950 square kilometers here in the Greater Kruger National Park area! With such a large home range it is extremely difficult for Wild dogs to find suitable space to live, which often creates risk when they come into contact with human habitation.

The Wild dogs are persecuted by farmers and livestock owners, as well as the ever-present threat of contracting diseases from domesticated dogs. These are some of the main reasons why wild dogs are the most endangered of the large carnivores in Southern Africa. With only an estimated 3000 – 5000 left in the wild, it is always a privilege to bump into these beautiful animals.

Luckily for these two Wild Dogs their visit to the other side of the fence was on friendly territory and it seems like they were trying to find their way back under the fence and possibly reunite with the rest of the pack after an early morning hunting expedition.

As we move into the winter months the wild dogs will be denning and hopefully this will be located in close proximity to our lodge. if this does happen then we might be able to enjoy regular sightings of these amazing animals in the coming months.

Virtual Tour

2017-11-21T00:00:00+02:00

Enjoying a guided bush walk at Ngama

2016-10-10T00:00:00+02:00

All five senses are set into high gear as we set out in the early morning to discover the magic of the bush. Devin, the owner and highly experienced guide leads us through the unspoilt wilderness, sharing his knowledge and using his experience to give us a wonderfully natural insight that has deepened my appreciation for the African bush.

On foot, life slows down and our senses are sharpened to absorb the smaller things that surround us and make up this incredible ecosystem. Our walk allows us to experience the diverse ecology of fauna and flora close at hand. Who knew a Magic Guarri tree could be used as a tooth brush or that the milky latex from a Euphorbia is highly toxic and should not be ingested.

As we kneel down to examine some leopard tracks or admire the intricacies of an Ant Lion in action, our focus is fully engaged in the present moment. With each new discovery we come to understand a bit more about our surroundings.

Not being stuck inside a vehicle creates a more intimate safari experience. Feeling the African soil beneath your feet somehow makes you feel a part of it. And viewing a giraffe from just a few meters away was infinitely more exciting on foot. A moment when time stood still, a memory that will last forever.

We identified spoor, touched and even tasted trees and plants and enjoyed the quiet moments simply absorbing the many smells, sounds and sensations of the bush – this is a safari in its purest form.

Ngama Bush House

2015-02-19T00:00:00+02:00

The Ngama Team is proud to introduce the latest addition to our accommodation offerings, NGAMA BUSH HOUSE.

The Ngama Bush House is situated on the same property in close proximity to the Tented Safari Lodge.

The House sleeps up to 8 people, is self-catering and is booked out as a unit allowing you exclusive use throughout your stay.

A Brief look at the house and the facilities provided:

Sleeps 8 Guests – self catering

2 bedrooms and 1 loft, sharing 1 bathroom with bath, outside shower and in-bath shower

Separate bedroom with bathroom including bath and shower

Fully equipped Kitchen

TV/dining room

Raised deck with swimming pool

Garden with fireplace/braai area

DSTV + WIFI provided

While staying at Ngama Bush House you have a full range of activities on offer such as guided bush walks and game drives. There are also a great selection of attractions close by, allowing you the opportunity to explore the area during your time spent at Ngama Bush House.

The bush house is a great place for friends and family to get together and spend time, the central location means that it is possible to visit all the great attractions nearby such as Kruger National Park, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Blyde River Canyon, Hoedspruit and its surrounds.

If you are looking to relax and unwind then the shaded garden, swimming pool and raised deck allow you to do so.

Please see the rates page for reduced opening special rates.

The birth of Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

2014-09-04T00:00:00+02:00

The lodge consist of 6 luxury safari style tents, designed to take advantage of the beautiful natural setting, while ensuring the guests can enjoy plenty of privacy.
The Ngama family is excited to open their doors and we’ve taken the utmost care to ensure you experience pure relaxation and enjoyment, accompanied by warm and welcoming African hospitality.
Should you require any further information, please contact us and we will be delighted to assist you.

Spring Time

2014-09-04T00:00:00+02:00

Buds on the Sickle Bush open into bright yellow and pink flowers creating brilliant splashes of summer sunshine. Sausage Trees and Weeping Boer Beans are flowering in shades of red from brilliant scarlet to deep ruby. The Marula trees stand majestic in their grassy setting showing an odd tendency for new leaves to appear on just one branch at a time. Wild flowers are brightening up the drab winter landscape. The bush turns from a muted grey beige colour into a brilliant spring green.

The waterholes are crowded with wildlife delighting in the water. Buffalo and warthogs wallow in the mud. Many animals have recently borne young and are nurturing youngsters in the bush. Giraffe’s incredibly long tongue is clearly visible as it strips the new leaves off the branches. Baboons perch gingerly in the trees, browsing greedily on tasty flowers.

Temperatures are warming and hot days blend with mild evenings and cool breezes, making for some great game viewing in the early morning and late afternoon.

Spring also puts a smile on any keen birders face. Many birds are in their mating pairs, notably among them the Bateleur, Tawny Eagles and the magnificent Martial Eagle. The very first European bird migrants are starting to return to their summer home in the South.

It’s the perfect time to come and enjoy all the splendours the great outdoors has to offer. Breath in the fresh air, sit back, relax and unwind. You deserve it!