South Africa Seasons

Autumn (April)

April brings with it the changes of autumn, the season during which most crops are harvested, deciduous trees lose their leaves with there colours changing from green to yellow and brown. It is also the season where days become shorter and cooler and the nights become longer. During the months of March and April guests will be sure to here the dramatic rutting of impala.

Winter (May - August)

Winter can be one of the better times to visit the Mpumalanga area, particularly Marloth Park and the Kruger National Park. The bush is much sparser so visibility is clearer due to the lack of vegetation and established water points make tracking and finding wildlife much easier. Visitors will be more likely to see the cat family within the Kruger National Park as the cooler days result in the cats moving during the day in search of prey. If you are tempted to go on a night drive you will require warmer clothing for the cool evenings.

August is by far one of the driest of months, the temperature rises during the day and although the nights are still cool the days are very pleasant. The grass is now gold to brown colour and tends to thin out a great deal. During the winter period there are fewer mosquitoes around so there is less concern about malaria.

Spring (September - October)

The southern hemisphere begins to warm significantly, causing new plant growth to spring forth with rivers and streams swelling with spring rains. The bush is still dry, but many of the flowering plants bloom this time of year with the days becoming warmer. In October the ruminant browsers begin to feast on new green leaves as the trees have mostly lost their blossoms.

Summer (November - March)

The tropical rain belt lies in the southern hemisphere roughly from October to March, and during this time the southern tropics experience a wet season, in which rain is common. There will be many migrating birds that will arrive to take advantage of the summer conditions. The distinctive Woodland Kingfisher arrives and their trill like call joins the melody of songs as many of the birds begin to make their nests.

Typically, days start off hot and sunny, with humidity building during the day and culminating in large thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

Summer is the season in which many fruits, vegetables, and other plants are in full growth, with the vegetation being lush allowing the herbivores to hide their young in the thickness of the African bush. The wildlife are more spread out at this time of the year due to good grazing and the abundance of water. The predators however, take full advantage of the wealth of youngsters and the evenings are full of action under the cooler African skies.

Temperatures can easily soar in to the late thirties Celsius and even early forties Celsius in the bush with often dry or humid conditions.