There’s a unique magic that settles over the Timbavati Nature Reserve during the winter months. As part of the Greater Kruger National Park, this region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, incredible wildlife sightings, and immersive safari experiences. But come winter—typically from May through August—the bushveld transforms into something extraordinary. The days are crisp and clear, the game viewing is unmatched, and the romance of the African wilderness deepens in every frosty breath.
A Chilly Morning Awakening
“Morning, this is your wake-up call.” With those soft-spoken words, your day begins. It’s still dark outside, and a quiet hush has fallen over the camp. You bundle up in layers, grateful for your warm blanket and the unexpected comfort of a hot water bottle on your lap. As the safari vehicle pulls out into the pre-dawn light, your breath puffs in front of you in delicate clouds, and the grasses shimmer with frost.
It’s these frosty winter mornings that offer a kind of serenity and clarity only found at this time of year. Golden spider webs hang suspended in the shrubs like tiny chandeliers, and the bush is quiet—just for a moment—before the day begins to stir.
Exceptional Game Viewing in the Greater Kruger
Winter is widely regarded as the best time to embark on a safari in the Greater Kruger, and for good reason. With little to no rainfall, the lush greenery of summer gives way to short, blonde grasses and sparse vegetation, creating ideal conditions for wildlife sightings. You can scan the open plains with ease, making it far simpler to spot elusive predators like lions, leopards, or even the occasional cheetah gracefully moving across the savanna.
Big game like elephants, buffalo, and giraffe become more predictable in winter as they’re drawn to reliable water sources. Smaller mud wallows dry up, and herds congregate at larger dams and waterholes—like the one right at Tanda Tula Safari Camp. While you sip on a hot Amarula-laced coffee, you may find yourself watching a full spectrum of animals going about their morning routine.
This is also the time to keep an eye out for rarer species like the African wildcat or even a pack of African wild dogs on the move. The drier air and open terrain make tracking and photography more rewarding than ever.
Picture-Perfect Weather in the Greater Kruger
This region of South Africa boasts one of the most temperate winter climates in the world. While mornings and evenings may carry a sharp chill, the daytime temperatures are delightfully warm—perfect for lounging by the pool or enjoying a leisurely lunch outdoors. There’s little humidity, minimal risk of rain, and a general clarity in the air that seems to sharpen every detail of the landscape.
This contrast between brisk mornings and sun-drenched afternoons is one of the true joys of a winter safari in the Timbavati. You start your day bundled up in woolly scarves, and end it basking in the glow of a golden sunset with a cool drink in hand.
Sunset Skies & Starlit Nights
Even the skies seem more vivid in winter. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the Timbavati is bathed in rich hues of red, orange, and pink—a daily spectacle that stops even the most seasoned travellers in their tracks. These awe-inspiring sunsets are prolonged by dust particles in the air, intensifying the colours and creating a fiery canvas across the sky.
Then comes the twilight transformation. As the last light fades, the African night sky reveals its grandeur. The Milky Way arches overhead, the Scorpio constellation dominates the southern sky, and winter is prime time for meteor showers and shooting stars. Wrapped in a blanket with a glass of wine in hand, you’ll find yourself gazing upward, captivated by the sheer immensity and clarity of the cosmos.
Fireside Comforts & Culinary Indulgence
As the safari vehicle returns to camp in the evening, a warm towel and glowing fire await you. Gathered around the flames, guests swap stories, share laughter, and savour the kind of primal warmth that only firelight can offer. This is where the soul of Tanda Tula shines—in moments of connection, comfort, and community.
Chef Ryan and his culinary team embrace the winter spirit with open arms, creating menus full of rich, comforting fare, but always maintaining a fresh and modern flair. Think slow-cooked roasts, creamy risottos, and sticky, indulgent puddings that warm you from the inside out. But winter dining at Tanda Tula isn’t all about heavy dishes—it’s also about balancing comfort with freshness to suit the warm midday temperatures that the Lowveld is famous for.
One of the current favourites among guests is our Chicken Masala Naanwich—a delicious, freshly made naan bread filled with spiced chicken breast, crisp greens, and a perfectly balanced chilli kick. It’s hearty enough for a winter lunch, yet light and vibrant enough for those sunny afternoons that invite you to dine poolside or under the shade of a Leadwood tree. This dish has quickly become a go-to during the cooler months, offering the perfect combination of warmth, flavour, and flair.
Chicken Masala Naanwich
Masala Marinade:
• 4 skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• 3 cm fresh ginger
• 2 TBS Masala curry powder
• 2 TBS ground cumin
• 2 TBS ground turmeric
• 2 TBS ground coriander
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 4 TBS sunflower oil
Method:
1. Toast all the spices in a dry pan.
2. Add the garlic, ginger and sunflower oil to the pan and mix.
3. Place the cooked spice mix and yoghurt into a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Cut the chicken breasts into flat schnitzels and place in a container along with the marinade.
5. Cover the container and place in the fridge.
6. Marinade the chicken for at least 6 hours.
Green chutney
• ¼ bunch fresh coriander, with stems
• 1 green chilli, seeded
• 1 small bunch mint leaves
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• ½ clove garlic
• 2 cm fresh ginger, peeled
• 3 TBS coconut cream
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 1 tsp white sugar
• sea Salt, to taste
Method:
1. Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Store in a glass jar with a sealed lid until needed.
To assemble:
1. Toast a Naan bread (on both sides) in a medium hot pan with butter.
2. Once light brown, set aside.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the same pan and fry until golden brown on both sides.
4. Add a large knob of butter and continue cooking (whilst basting) until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Spread a spoon of plain yoghurt in the Naan bread and top with fresh washed baby spinach.
6. Place some sliced baby tomatoes on top of the spinach and then place the cooked chicken breasts.
7. Dress with the green chutney and some pickled red onions. Enjoy!
And of course, winter is the perfect excuse to treat yourself more often—cappuccinos with warm blueberry muffins after a morning tracking rhino, or an irresistible piece of homemade fudge enjoyed fireside beneath a canopy of stars.
Meals at Tanda Tula are never just about the food; they’re about the experience. Guests dine together at long communal tables, sharing not just dishes, but the day’s best moments—from leopard sightings to birding triumphs to the perfect sundowner.
A Word from Nina Scott: Embracing the Magic of Winter Safaris
“There’s something truly special about a winter safari. The crisp mornings, golden grasses, and soft, slanting light create a quiet beauty that’s hard to describe. With the bushveld thinned by the dry season, wildlife is easier to spot, and every sunrise feels like a reward. Evenings are spent around the fire under starlit skies, wrapped in warmth and wonder.”
Nina’s list of what to Pack: Winter Safari Essentials
When preparing for a winter safari, layers are key. As Nina advises, “I always bring a puffer jacket or warm coat, a cosy fleece or jersey, my mohair scarf, beanie, and gloves. As the day warms up, it’s easy to shed layers and stay comfortable.”
Despite the cooler air, the winter sun can be surprisingly strong—so don’t forget your sunscreen. And to keep your skin protected and hydrated, a good lip balm is essential. Nina’s go-to? The classic 8 Hour Cream.
The Essence of Winter Safari at Tanda Tula
A winter safari in the Timbavati, nestled within the Greater Kruger, is a multi-sensory experience. It’s the chill of the early morning air and the heat of a fire under a sky full of stars. It’s the thrill of tracking lions through dewy grasses and the joy of sipping Amarula while watching elephants at a waterhole. It’s the quiet of the bush before dawn and the roaring laughter around a communal dinner table.
Tanda Tula offers an intimate, authentic safari that celebrates the rhythm of nature and the magic of the seasons. And in winter, that magic is palpable—etched in the frost, sung by the birds, and seen in every fiery sunset.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, winter in the Timbavati is a time of stillness, splendour, and unforgettable moments. So come prepared to bundle up, look up, and fall in love with the African bush all over again.
