“Morning, this is your wake-up call.” And so, your day begins, as you slip out of bed to collect your morning tea tray just delivered to your tent you are immediately aware of the coolth below your feet and the crisp feel to the air. It is still dark outside, and the anticipation for the morning safari begins to grow.
Traditionally the winter months have always been professed as the best time of year to go on safari, summer has its own set of incredible merits, but we are looking at the beauty of the colder months, not that a midday high of 26 degrees can be considered cold, which brings us to the first selling point.
Warm days, cool nights
In South Africa, the Lowveld winters are renowned for their incredibly warm temperatures, so a safari from May through to August really does claim the most fabulous climate. Morning and evening safaris can get pretty chilly (we are talking gloves, beanies, fleece jackets), but equally in the middle of the day you could be lying on a sun lounger at the pool, sipping a G&T and catching a few rays.
Chance to indulge
Not that we need any excuses, but somehow a frosty game drive means more opportunity to indulge in some of the more decadent safari treats. What better than a coffee mixed with Amarula after an epic leopard sighting on a morning safari, or a steaming glass of Glühwein in the evening on return to camp from following lions on the hunt?
Even our world-famous Chef Ryan runs with the winter theme and provides gourmet wonders such a fireside dinners of slow roasts, rich creamy sauces and sticky, hot desserts.
If this is not enough to entice you then it will have to be all about the game viewing.
Animal activity
As the temperatures grow colder, the grasses turn a golden brown and begin to die back, the bush opens up which often means clearer vision and hence better game viewing. The leopards that disappear in the thickets in summer are now visible for long distances, the lack of rainy downpours means tracking is often easier, dissipating waterholes leave the big dams incredibly active with a whole hive of thirsty animal searching for reprieve.
Even the heavens look better in winter, navy blue skies cover the Timbavati day after day, while the sunsets seem to be even more magnificent, dust particles hanging in the air make these natural phenomena last for longer and intensify the astonishing colours.
These are only a few of the highlights of a winter safari, there are so many more, and while we still recover from the many travel restrictions, we urge you to take advantage of our Reignite Rates. Maybe you have always longed to do a walking safari or experience the Greater Kruger area, now is your chance and there is no better time than the present!
