Safari Factfile

Planning a South African safari often starts with one big decision: should you stay in the Kruger National Park itself, or choose a private game reserve?

Ever wondered why lions have manes or why leopards seem to spend so much time in trees? Maybe you’ve found yourself questioning how guides know a track is fresh, or why some animals are spotlighted at night while others are left in the dark.

Our guides hear these questions all the time - usually somewhere between a coffee stop and a sighting! So, we thought it was time to put guides James and Khutso from Misava, and JV and Lola of Amani, to the test. In this new Ask Our Guides series, they tackle some of the wildlife questions guests ask most often and share a little insight into the fascinating world of the African bush.

It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked: how long should I stay on safari? The honest answer is – it depends. But if you’re travelling all this way to experience the wild beauty of the Greater Kruger, we would always recommend a minimum of two nights, with three or more being ideal. In our latest blog, we discuss the difference between spending one, two, or more nights on safari.

Not many people start their day before the sun. For safari guides, however, this is simply part of life in the bush. Many predators, including lions and leopards, are crepuscular - most active at dusk and dawn – and often retreat into shade once the heat begins to rise. To have the best chance of seeing them while they are still active, our morning drives begin at sunrise… which means the preparation begins long before first light. So, have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes before a game drive?

Planning a winter safari in South Africa? You’re in for a treat! The winter months (May to August) are among the best times to visit the bush: dry conditions make for exceptional game viewing, temperatures are cooler, and the golden light is a dream for photographers.

But what should you pack to make the most of your winter safari? We’ve outlined some of our top tips below.