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Summer - December, January, February
December
December is an extremely lively time as the birth of the young calves and lambs offer the predators plenty of opportunity for a kill. The intense heat of day and inevitable thundershowers in the afternoon encourage activity only towards the end of the day when the temperature cools down.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 31°C, 88 F
January
The temperatures in January can be very hot (+35°C, 68 F) during the day, but the relief of the predictable afternoon thundershowers cools the day down. The vegetation is very dense and lush due to the summer rains. As there is plenty of water and grazing, the game is spread out over a wide area in the bush. Some of the browsers give birth around this time.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 32°C, 90 F
February
February brings the hottest temperatures during the summer months. The rains are not as frequent now, and the game only moves around when it is cool enough, mostly seeking shady areas in the thick vegetation.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 32°C, 90 F
Autumn - March, April, May
March
March offers mild relief from the previous month and signifies the end of summer. Although it rains less, the waterholes are still filled with enough water. The young born a few months ago are now stronger, and a little more confident about survival against the predators.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 19°C, 66 F
Maximum: 31°C, 88 F
April
During April, a brief Lowveld Autumn occurs. The temperatures during the day can still be hot, but there is a noticeable change at night as it cools down. The ground water starts drying out, and so the game moves towards the river. Some of the vegetation begins to change colour from green to yellow and brown.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 16°C, 61 F
Maximum: 29°C, 84 F
May
May is a month of change and transformation. The vegetation is less dense and the visibility opens up, providing better opportunity for spotting game. Predators usually select their favourite water points to stalk and lie in wait for their prey. The temperatures during the day are warm, but the nights begin to be cool.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 12°C, 54 F
Maximum: 27°C, 81 F
Winter - June, July, August
June
June brings winter. Although the temperatures are cooler, shorts and t-shirts can still be worn during the day with a warm jacket at night. Due to the cooler temperatures, the predators are fairly active during the day, and witnessing a kill during the day is a distinct possibility.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 9°C, 48 F
Maximum: 25°C, 77 F
July
July is even drier than June, but otherwise the temperatures are similar. The game activity around the rivers is excellent during this time of year.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 9°C, 48 F
Maximum: 25°C, 77 F
August
August is generally viewed as the best month for game viewing as the vegetation is golden brown and least dense. The days begin to warm up again, although the nights are still cold.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 12°C, 54 F
Maximum: 26°C, 79 F
Spring - September, October, November
September
Like May, September brings many contrasts. At this time the colours of spring blossom in the dry bushveld. The bush is still dry, sparse and with the lack of water provides excellent game viewing.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 14°C, 57 F
Maximum: 28°C, 82 F
October
October brings the late afternoon showers, finally bringing much awaited relief to the vegetation. Although there is not too much rain yet, it is enough to see signs of early growth to the trees and bushes, providing the browsers with food.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 16°C, 61 F
Maximum: 29°C, 84 F
November
During November the beginnings of summer show, as the days become warmer. With the afternoon rains, the bush is green and the luscious grass provides grazing for the browsers and their young. With the migration of birds from the north, the avid bird watcher has a wealth of different species to enjoy.
Average Temperatures
Minimum: 18°C, 64 F
Maximum: 30°C, 86 F
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