When is the best time to visit Londolozi? We often get asked this question knowing that the answer will vary depending on personal preference. Each month offers something different, and every season unravels new panels of colour, the presence of different forms of life and of course and a change in weather. This means that you’ll have to visit our reserve more than once, and preferably at different times of the year, to truly get a sense of your favourite season at Londolozi.
We love that every month of the year offers something unique for our guests and it’s for this reason that we’ve compiled a calendar that includes the very best of each month. The best time to visit Londolozi always depends on what you want to see, do and experience. Let’s discover when your best time would be to visit Londolozi:
January
Why should I go on safari in January?
It’s the height of summer during January and it’s at this time that you can expect hot days, often resulting in spectacular thunderstorms. The smell of rain on dry earth signals the beginning of the summer months. The land comes alive in variegated greens from the lush grasses to leafy treetops that provide a delicious feast for tall browsers such as elephants and giraffes.
Guests enjoy a later afternoon drink whilst watching the cloud formations of a frontal system build on the horizon.
A dramatic summer thunderstorm
Leopard in green and lush vegetation in summer.
What is wildlife photography like in summer?
Is the best time to visit Londolozi in summer? Well, you’ll have to decide, but what we can say is that it’s a beautiful season indeed. During summer you will have the opportunity to photograph dramatic thunderstorms, vibrant colours and wildlife in extremely good condition. Most wildlife look spectacular on a green backdrop, in particular zebra and many of the cats, which stand out against the greenery. Come and speak to us at our onsite Photographic Studio for advice, canvas printing or camera rentals to enhance your safari experience.
This zebra calf’s black and white pattern stands out against the greenery.
The rain in summer can also create a great effect like in this image of a male lion at night.
February
Why should I go on safari in February?
February is the month of love, and as you’ll come to experience during your stay, there is no better place to celebrate love than at Londolozi. Many Honeymoon couples choose Londolozi as part of their trip and we love tailoring their experience to a special occasion. Enjoy exciting game drives (you can even have a private game vehicle customised for two), spectacular sunsets, tranquil double body-treatments in the Healing House, and romantic evenings around the campfire followed by candle-lit dinner under a star studded sky.
Couple relaxing next to their private swimming pool in Pioneer Camp.
March
Why should I go on safari in March?
The summer rains mostly fall between November to February each year, however the bush remains alive with flowering plants as the progression towards Autumn begins. It is not uncommon to see many beautiful blooms attracting antelopes that take advantage of the plentiful food sources. While the Big Five often attract the most attention, there’s a world at your feet to marvel at.
Lions wandering along a sand road.
The calm before the storm. 5 members of a wild dog pack scan their surroundings from an elevated area just as the sun is starting to dip towards the horizon.
Clumps of mauve/blue bluebell barleria (Baleria spa); the bunched head of bright scarlet firecracker flowers (Crossandra spp) and the mauve indigo flowers (Indigofera sp) with small bean pods are all part of an array of smaller flowering plants to admire. Days are mild during March making game drives pleasant at any time of the day.
The Pride of the Cape is a spectacular March bloomer.
April
Why should I go on safari in April?
April is a wonderful time with warm, sunny days and crisp evenings. The beginning of Autumn’s chill starts to creep in and is noticeable in the drop in temperature during the evenings. During this time, the landscape is still wonderfully lush owing to summer rains, however big breeding herds of elephants begin to spend more time in and around the Sand River. April is also the month of the impala rut and many interesting sightings of these animals interacting, fighting and mating with each other are possible.
Elephants and antelopes in the savannah.
If you’re at Londolozi during Easter then you’ll be treated to a bush breakfast under a canopy of trees where you might even catch a glimpse of the Easter bunny bearing hot cross buns and chocolate eggs! This is always a special day for the Londolozi Family and guests alike…
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Easter at Londolozi.
May
Why should I go on safari in May?
May marks the beginning of winter at Londolozi. It’s during this time that the reserve offers a variety of activities best suited to the winter months. Think tracking, bush breakfasts, wine tasting and stargazing. Huddle around a fire while enjoying some of South Africa’s finest wines under a blanket of stars. The benefit of this time is that the insects of summer have left and you need not worry about bugs!
Lion cubs staring at the camera.
What is wildlife photography like in winter?
Winter skies in South Africa are at their clearest during the months of May, June, July and August. Londolozi is one of the best places to see stars without the pollution and lights that limit stargazing in cities and areas where there are large populations of people. Take along your camera and practice your night photography capturing the African skies at their brightest. Ask your guide to tell you a bit more about the constellations and to advise you on the correct settings for capturing night scenes like this:
African night skies.
And this…
A great night of music and sing-alongs in the Varty Camp Boma.
June
Why should I go on safari in June?
In winter the sacred coral tree steals the show with its conspicuous red flower spikes. These tube-like flowers appear from June through to October. It’s also aloe flowering season making for attractive displays. The nectar is a magnet for a variety of bird species such as starlings, weavers, orioles and butterflies. Despite the early morning chill, the days are balmy and grasses are short making your morning game drive longer and easier to spot wildlife.
Leopard returning victorious from a hunt.
Tip: Bring along your binoculars and bird books to identify the sightings that you see. June is a wonderful time for bird viewing – remember to bring along your telephoto lenses for getting close-up images or hire a lens/binoculars at our Photographic Studio.
A Collared Sunbird sits on an aloe branch after feeding on the nectar.
Wild dog viewing can often be more productive in the winter. Should a pack of wild dogs choose a den-site on Londolozi or the surrounding properties, the likelihood of regular sightings is greatly enhanced as the dogs localise their vast movements and hunt almost daily.
Wild dogs pack staring at a Safari Jeep.
July
Why should I go on safari in July?
It is now the height of winter where the days are cool and the animals are a lot more active during the daytime. This means that your chances of seeing a lot more action taking place are increased. The summer rains have dried up but for a few pans, dams and rivers where animals congregate and interactions play out.
Leopard mother and her cub drinking at the waterhole.
Head Tracker Jerry Hambana surveying landscape, searching for wildlife during sunrise at Londolozi.
August
Why should I go on safari in August?
The pans have dried up and large breeding herds of elephants are frequently seen throughout the Sand River and often from camp. This localisation of water, also makes predator viewing spectacular as the big cats spend time around water points ambushing their prey.
A herd of elephants quenching their thirst at the waterhole.
September
Why should I go on safari in September?
September is the start of spring in South Africa, however the bush remains golden brown, with dusty sunsets owing to the long winter. The spring rain has not yet arrived, however the first glimpses of green shoots and leaves start to appear.
Magnificent winter sunsets continue into September
October
Why should I go on safari in October?
During this time plants and grasses begin to resurface attracting sunbirds, sugarbirds and insect pollinators. It’s the end of the dry season and days start to become warmer as we head into the summer months. Birding at this time of the year is at its best with the return of summer migrants. Look out for the red-chested cuckoo and carmine, white-fronted and little bee-eaters as well as the many other fancy feathered birds that make the long trek from the cold northern hemisphere to the much warmer south.
A Little Bee-Eater perches on some dry elephant dung on the riverbed sand.
November
Why should I go on safari in November?
This is the start of lambing season when impalas give birth to their young. There is nothing as exciting as seeing young newborns springing up in all corners of the reserve. The lambs are very skittish being vulnerable to predators and tend to stay close to their mom at all times for protection.
One of the fist impala lambs of the season that stood still for long enough to capture a picture. These new born lambs are extremely vulnerable, so it is understandable that they are quite skittish for the first few weeks of their lives..
Towards the last week of November, a mass of wildebeest calves are born. Many survive these initial weeks on earth, however there are a few which are hunted by lions and leopards. Their small size and lack of experience make them easy targets for big cats.
Following hot on the heels of the impala births are the wildebeest. this was the first calf seen this season, one of two in the resident herd on Tu-Tones crest.
December
Why should I go on safari in December?
The Londolozi choir arrives in full force. Frogs of all sorts ring out beautiful melodies that harmonise with the sounds of crickets chirping. Along with frogs, summer time brings great tortoise and butterfly sightings. It’s also at this time that you can experience long fiery sunsets and windless evenings.
The evening chorus of frogs is one of the highlights of summer. The males vocalise to try and win the attention of females. A painted Reed Frog crouches on a grass strand. These tiny frogs have the ability to change their skin colour between white and a dark, almost black colour which is believed to help with thermoregulation and moisture control.
Have you ever spent a Christmas on safari? If you haven’t experienced it yet – find out more here: Why An African Christmas? Join us on New Year’s eve as we say goodbye to the year that has been. The Londolozi team know how to put on a party that will have you in high spirits as you dance out the old year!
What is the best time to visit Londolozi?
What is the best time to visit Londolozi? What time of year do you most enjoy visiting the bush?
Please share your thoughts and reasons with us below…
If you have any questions about what time of the year to visit Londolozi, please ask it below and we will get back to you.
For me personally – Anytime. There is something about being out there that never gets old for me. Thank you for a excellent blog!
July was amazing!
Really love the winters: brisk mornings beginning with a hot cup of coffee & porridge; hot water bottles & blankets as the breeze intensifies the chill in the open vehicle; magnificent sunrises; as the day warms up, shedding the layers of clothing; unobstructed views of the wildlife as the foliage is down; no bugs; magnificent nighht skies.
Our first trip was during the first week of April. Whenever we return, I’m thinking June – I want to see those aloes in bloom!
Jemma, it sounds to me like anytime is the right time to visit Londolozi! Thank you for taking the time to review the pluses of visiting during each month. Maybe some day I will be able to come for a visit.
I’ve enjoyed visiting Southern Africa during the months of November through April, and have found that each of those months was a great time to visit, especially during Christmas and New Year’s! Eventually I’ll book a winter safari just to experience the difference in the weather, colors, water levels , etc, but this year I’m returning to spend the month of April in South Africa. For anyone who hasn’t experienced an African safari, my advice is just visit whenever you can – the bush, the delta, the deserts will provide you with sighting that will forever be inscribed in your soul.
I’ll be happy to just be able to come. Not this year but hopefully next if I can save enough money. Hopefully Londolozi but anywhere in Sabi Sands, I want to be in Mapogo territory.
I’d love to go to Malamala and see the actual split rock that the Split Rock Males were named after, you see it briefly in the Predators in Peril doc. Seeing Mohawk Avoca or the Ndhzengas would be amazing.
Spectacular photos! I think every month is a good one to visit the bush, depending on personal tastes and possibilities.
Anytime! I’d prefer blooming time though. Animals and spectacular flowers and light effects. Baby impala and wildebeest are our top choice here, of course big cats are always gorgeous especially leopards. The young zebra is also a cutie. I wonder if wild dogs pondered the chance of having passengers of the jeep as a meal….
When Is The Best Time To Go On Safari? For us, it’s anytime! But, yes, there are personal preferences…We especially love the fall – May, June, July – when it’s not too hot, not too cool, the vegetation is starting to brown and thin out, the animals a bit easier to spot. And there’s nothing quite like celebrating our “special dates” while at Londolozi which means early July. Then again, anytime in the bush is special time!
I think anytime of the year is good to visit Londolozi. Each month brings different scenes to Londolozi and with different seasons, it could just be magical.
Jemma, Ok, we agree that any month is a good time to visit Londolozi! Our visits have always been in July & August. We have always enjoyed stellar wildlife viewing and spectacular sunsets and star-gazing. Of course we know that any time you visit, the hospitality will be fabulous!
Thank you for your lovely descriptions Jemma. I am excited to be visiting very soon for my first time. It is very hard to choose a time to visit. I first thought the winter months would be best to view the animals but I wanted to see the spring and summer plants and flowers. Next time I will choose another season!
My favourite is now August/September. December has also been great – but so so hot – the pool is lifesaver in December.
I love the lion cub photo.