We've run game drives every month of the year in the Sabi Sand. Here's what each month actually delivers, stripped of tourism-board optimism.
January – March: Summer
Hot, humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Vegetation is thick — sightings are harder. But the reserve is quieter, rates are lower, and the bird life is exceptional. Calving season means predator activity is high. You'll earn your sightings.
April – May: Autumn
The sweet spot if you want weather and wildlife. Temperature drops, vegetation starts thinning, and the animals begin concentrating around water. April is still quiet season. May is when serious safari operators start sending their best clients.
June – August: Winter
Peak season for good reason. Dry, clear skies. No vegetation. Waterholes become the only water source and every animal comes to drink. Predators are patient and visible. Morning drives are cold — bring a fleece. Worth every day.
September – October: Late Dry Season
The hottest months. But game viewing reaches its apex. Animals are concentrated, desperate, and predictable. October is often the best single month of the year for Big Five sightings. It is also the busiest and most expensive.
November – December: First Rains
Rain returns. Grass greens overnight. Wildlife disperses. Rates drop significantly. If you're a birder, November and December are extraordinary — migrant species arrive from as far as Siberia.
The honest answer: go when you can go. But if you have flexibility, May, June, and September are the months we'd choose for a first safari with a non-negotiable Big Five mandate.
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