As the UK plunges into the depths of winter, with its gloomy skies and bone-chilling temperatures, many Brits find themselves battling more than just the cold. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) casts a shadow over the nation, affecting almost a staggering 2 million Brits every year.
Rather than trying to slog through the worst of winter, why not give yourself some time in the sun with a bucket list safari holiday? And why not book it for one of the planet’s oldest and most significant game reserves?
January is the ideal time to tick a once-in-a-lifetime safari off your bucket list. While the UK shivers, South Africa’s Kruger National Park basks in its sunny season, teeming with new animal and plant life.
A lush and verdant landscape
Summer in the Kruger and its surrounds is completely different from visiting at any other time of the year. The browns from winter morph into a tapestry of green, with colourful blooms in between. It’s the time to see the circle of life in action in Kruger National Park. Call it the baby boom – it’s the time when many of the animals give birth so there is a good chance of seeing tiny impala lambs or even a playful lion cub (hello Simba!).
“It can feel like a completely different experience when you visit Kruger National Park in the summer season, as opposed to the dry winter season,” says Anton Gillis, Kruger Gate Hotel CEO. “It’s equally magnificent and we always recommend that guests who visit in winter return in summer to see the ‘other side’ of the Park.”
Oh, the drama
Summer in parts of South Africa is synonymous with dramatic thunderstorms. These awe-inspiring displays of nature’s power are a highlight of the season. The bushveld comes alive with a sense of anticipation in the late afternoons when the sky darkens and the thunder starts to rumble in the distance. Witnessing the aftermath of a storm, with rainbows arching over the refreshed landscape, is a truly unforgettable experience.
“Right after a storm, one of the best places to be is in our Pool Bar and Viewing Deck that overlooks the iconic Sabie River,” says Anton. “The earth has been saturated with water, there’s that delightful smell of rain in the air and an unmistakable feeling of freshness that is simply magical. Experience this with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand – few things compare!”
Linger longer
For those in search of stunning scenery, look no further than the Panorama Route, which is centred on the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon. The Graskop Gorge Lift, a first in Africa, is a unique experience that invites you to descend 51 metres into the ancient Afromontane Forest below, in a glass-fronted elevator.
Other notable attractions include God’s Window and Three Rondavels. The former is a vantage point on the Drakensberg escarpment, situated on a cliff with a 700-metre drop. On clear days, you can see as far as the Mozambican border from it. The latter, meanwhile, is a geological feature which resembles the round, thatched huts which people in the region traditionally live in.
The area leading up to Kruger is home to some incredible waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil (named for its similarity to a bride’s veil), Mac-Mac, and Berlin Falls. For cave lovers, there are the Echo and Sudwala Caves. The latter are believed to be among the oldest in the world.
Family fun
While most UK individuals and families take their long holidays in the Northern Hemisphere summer, there’s a lot to be said for saving a bit of leave and money for a mid-winter getaway. A safari holiday offers something for everyone – from old to young – and thus ideal for a summer holiday. Experiences like the kind of wildlife encounters unique to Kruger National Park are as appealing to children as it is to adults.
“To make your family safari dreams a reality, Kruger Gate Hotel offers enticing special packages designed for family travel. Our family packages are perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the African wilderness,” concluded Anton.
- Anton Gillis
