Luxury Kruger National Park Safaris

Kruger’s private concessions offer outstanding safari experiences throughout the year, but each season delivers something unique. The dry winter months from May to October are generally considered the best for reliable Big Five sightings, while the green season offers lush landscapes, dramatic skies and quieter lodges.

Dry Season (May to October)

• Cool mornings and warm, comfortable afternoons
• Vegetation thins, making wildlife easier to view
• Animals gather around riverbeds and waterholes
• Exceptional Big Five sightings, especially predators
• Ideal for first time safari travellers
• Clear skies and crisp lighting perfect for photography

Green Season (November to April)

• Warm temperatures with short, refreshing afternoon rains
• Lush, vibrant scenery that transforms the landscape
• Excellent birding with many migratory species
• Calving season for antelope, attracting predators
• Quieter lodges and great value for longer stays
• Beautiful photographic conditions with dramatic skies

Additional Considerations for the Kruger

• Private concessions offer off-road ability and limited vehicle numbers year round
• Predator viewing remains strong in both seasons
• Summer storms are often brief, with clear mornings and soft evening light
• Green season suits travellers who enjoy quieter safaris and rich landscapes

Overall Recommendation
The dry season is best for classic, high-visibility Big Five game viewing, while the green season offers exceptional photographic opportunities, fewer vehicles and excellent value. Kruger’s private concessions deliver world class wildlife encounters in any month, with different advantages depending on your travel style.

Kruger’s private concessions offer exclusive access, limited vehicle numbers, off-road viewing and highly trained guides, creating a much more intimate safari experience. Game drives follow wildlife movement rather than public road networks, and sightings are managed sensitively by only a few vehicles at a time.

In contrast, the public areas are designed for self-drive visitors, with no off-roading and the possibility of larger viewing groups, especially in the southern region of Kruger. Although this is a wonderful way to experience the park for many travellers, Ubuntu Travel partners only with premium lodges inside the private concessions to ensure comfort, exclusivity and personalised guiding.

Yes. Kruger’s private concessions are ideal for first-time safari travellers due to their consistent Big Five sightings, excellent guiding and seamless logistics. The lodges offer personalised service, curated activities and comfortable suites, making the experience easy, stress-free and deeply engaging from the very first drive. The combination of diverse habitats and highly skilled guides makes Kruger one of the best introductions to African safari.

Yes. The more the merrier. Many luxury lodges in Kruger’s private concessions are very family friendly, offering spacious suites, children’s programs, flexible mealtimes and private vehicles for multi generational groups. While some walking activities have age minimums for safety, game drives and lodge experiences remain accessible and welcoming for families of all ages.

The green season often includes excellent family specials and added value at selected lodges, making it a popular time for longer stays and relaxed, crowd-free safaris.