A lush green landscape as a herd of elephants, with new members, migrates through the Kruger National Park. Picture: Pexels
Summer is around the corner and now is the time to start thinking about where to take some time off before the end-of-year rush.
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.
Though peak safari travel season is over, a visit to your favourite safari destination is still viable.
Kruger Gate Hotel manager, Miguel Farinha, shares reasons why you should choose a safari holiday this summer.
Landscape lushness
According to the Farinha, 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,” he said.
The manager highlighted that early morning tends to be the best time for a guided safari in summer with many migratory species of birds starting 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,” said Farinha.
Circle of life
“Summer is the time to see the circle of life in action in Kruger National Park. Call it the baby boom as 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.
“The increased availability of food and water also means one is more likely to see an array of wildlife on a summer safari,” he said.
The manager also advised to pay attention to animal behaviour which is also fascinating to observe around this time.
“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,” said Farinha.
Oh, the drama
According to the manager, summer in parts of South Africa, the Kruger National Park included, is synonymous with dramatic thunderstorms and these awe-inspiring displays of nature’s power are a highlight of the season.
He added that 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 while witnessing the aftermath of a storm, with rainbows arching over the refreshed landscape; it is a truly unforgettable experience.
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,” said Farinha.
He said that 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 manager added that you can visit Graskop Gorge Lift, God’s Window and Three Rondavels, Bridal Veil (named for its similarity to a bride’s veil), Mac-Mac Falls, Berlin Falls and the Echo and Sudwala Caves.
Family fun
Lastly, Farinha noted that for many South African families summer is the main holiday of the year and a time for being together and a safari holiday offers something for everyone, young and old.
“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,” said Farinha.