As we pack away the heaters and hot water bottles, winter begins to feel like a distant memory at Tanda Tula Safari Camp.
With warmer days, blossoms adding splashes of colour to the Timbavati landscape, and the return of our first migratory birds, we can officially say that spring has sprung – and what a wonderful season it is to consider for your safari.
South Africa – being sub-tropical – doesn’t have the four distinct seasons that many of our readers from the mid-latitudes will be more familiar with. While summer and winter stand out very clearly, spring and autumn arrive more subtly, but both are beautiful times to be immersed in the wilds of the Timbavati. In the southern hemisphere, the Greater Kruger National Park experiences spring from late August until late November, when the first rains arrive and summer begins.
The first signs of spring come as the days warm up and the sound of guests splashing in their pools becomes a daily occurrence. The great thing about this time of year is that, although the days are pleasantly warm, the nighttime temperatures still drop enough to allow for crisp, clear mornings and stunning sunrises. Heading out before dawn, guests can watch as the blood-red sun rises above the eastern horizon. By mid-morning, the jackets come off, the sunglasses go on, and by the time you arrive at bush breakfast for a well-earned feast, you’re in shorts and a T-shirt.
Fresh Flavours of the Season
Spring brings a shift not only in the bush, but also to the table. Days begin to stretch, the air warms, and lighter, fresher meals take centre stage. At Tanda Tula, our team delights in presenting seasonal dishes that reflect the energy of this time of year – crisp greens, vibrant flavours, and meals enjoyed outdoors under wide Timbavati skies.
All this wonderful weather comes with the joy of sleeping with the suite panels rolled up to let in a cooling night breeze and the sounds of the bush – no need for air conditioning. With little rain, there are also fewer insects around – an added bonus for some (though, even in the rainy season, they are rarely a problem).
The absence of rain in the months leading up to spring also creates some of the best safari conditions. By September, most of the trees have shed their leaves, giving the best possible visibility. Elephants, rhinos, buffalo and giraffes can be spotted from hundreds of metres away; steenbok and kudu, usually hidden behind summer foliage, are seen daily; and even the elusive leopard becomes easier to find.
Private Moments of Renewal
As the morning drive gives way to the heat of the day, there’s no better way to embrace spring than with a quiet pause in your private plunge pool. Overlooking the wilderness, this is a moment to savour the warmth of the sun, the hum of insects, and the soft stirrings of the bush, all while drifting into the rhythm of a slower, more spacious season.
Another reason game-viewing is exceptional in spring is that only the largest or man-made waterholes still hold water. With fewer places to drink, animals congregate at these remaining oases. Guests at Tanda Tula Safari Camp can attest to the parade of elephants, buffalo, zebra, impala, warthog, nyala and bushbuck visiting our camp waterhole daily – a spectacle you can enjoy with a refreshing drink at the pool or a private lunch in the hide.
Although a leafless landscape might not sound scenic, let’s not forget: this is spring! From early September, different tree species begin to flower, with bursts of colour contrasting beautifully against the dustier tones of the savannah. These blossoms attract pollinating insects, which in turn draw a host of birdlife to these pockets of abundance.
The Call of the Birds
Spring also heralds the return of migratory birds. Wahlberg’s eagles, yellow-billed kites, red-breasted swallows and several cuckoo species are the first to arrive after long journeys. As the season progresses, barn swallows, European bee-eaters, wood sandpipers and other waterbirds follow, adding to the sense of renewal and promise that spring – and the coming summer – always brings.
From your suite’s private deck or the camp hide, spring reveals the richness of birdlife in a way that draws in even the most casual observer. Yellow-billed kites wheel overhead, swallows dart across the riverbed, and cuckoos call from the tree-line. Even a simple lunch, quietly enjoyed with the bush as your backdrop, becomes an unforgettable birdwatching experience.
Golden Hours, Gathered Together
As spring evenings linger, the skies deepen into summer hues. Out on the plains, a guide pours a drink, and you pause to watch the horizon glow. Sundowners in the Timbavati are more than a ritual – they are a celebration of the light, the laughter, and the connection that come alive in this season.
By November, as spring draws to a close, new life arrives in another form. Impala, wildebeest and warthog time their births to coincide with the first rains, when the land transforms overnight into a lush green landscape, kicking off the summer season in style.
The appeal of spring isn’t just about great game-viewing and beautiful weather. It also falls within the shoulder season after our busy winter. This usually means camps are quieter, adding to the sense of tranquillity and exclusivity – and often, spring brings more attractive rates than the high season. The ideal climate (and lack of insects) allows for more outdoor living: bush breakfasts become the norm, and evening meals are enjoyed under the stars, in the boma, or on your private deck.
So, whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic escape, a photographer chasing golden spring light, or a birder eager to welcome the season’s first migrants, spring is calling your name. Why not get in touch with us at Tanda Tula and make that dream a reality? There really is no better time than now.
