Sabi Sand Weather Guide

Covering over 65 000 hectares of jaw-dropping landscape in the south-west corner of the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand Game Reserve protects some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.

Home to healthy elephant populations, lion, leopard and even endangered wild dogs, the Sabi Sand is a destination where you can see all of the Big 5 as well as less common animals that might feature on your bucket list.

Take a look at our Kruger National Park weather guide for an idea of what to expect when planning your South Africa safari.

Seasons in Greater Kruger Area

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is located in the Greater Kruger Area in South Africa. Winter falls between May and August, Summer is between October and March. September can be considered a short Spring and April a short Autumn.

Green Season | November to April

The green season falls from November to April. In these months guests can expect to see lush green landscapes and experience afternoon thunderstorms in the bush.

You have a good chance of seeing newborn animals and migrating bird species during this time of year. If you plan on visiting Cape Town during your trip to South Africa, this is also a great time of year to do so.

November & December – temperatures are on the rise and afternoon rains become more frequent. Expect temperatures from 18°C (64°F) in the morning to 30°C (86°F) in the afternoon.

January & February – These are the months with the most rainfall and the highest temperatures. Expect intense humidity and average afternoon temperatures around 31°C (88°F).

March & April – the rains start to taper off and temperatures begin to cool. April is a very pleasant month to visit, with less humidity and more sunny skies. Night temperatures fall to 18°C (64°F) and daytime temperatures of 29°C (84°F) can be expected.

Dry Season | May to October

The dry season falls from May to October. These months are considered to be the best time of year for wildlife viewing. The vegetation thins out and more animals congregate around the water holes, making it easier to spot wildlife especially at dawn and dusk.

May – May marks the end of the rainy season in the Sabi Sand.Typical temperatures are around 12°C (54°F) in the morning and 26°C (79°F) in the afternoon as the weather cools.

June, July & August – These are the coldest months of the year. Early mornings can be very cold 9°C (48°F) and it is a good idea to bring along warm clothing for morning game drives. There will be cloudless skies in the afternoon and temperatures will be pleasant – around 25°C (77°F).

September & October – September is a fantastic time of year to visit the Sabi Sand. Temperatures are lovely and warm and there is still little chance of rainfall – meaning plenty of perfect sunny safary days. October can sometimes bring the first rains, alleviating the dry conditions as the heat rises to an average afternoon temperature of 28°C/82°F.

What To Pack

Whatever time of year you decide to visit, be sure to pack light comfortable clothing that you can layer up and take off as the temperature changes.

At the top of your list should be sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat all year round – the African sun can be vicious, even in winter.

In the winter months, it’s a good idea to pack extra warm layers for the early morning game drive and evenings. The nights can be especially cold, but the days generally warm up to be lovely and sunny.

View our complete packing list below.

The Best Time to Visit Leopard Hills

The best time to visit Leopard Hills ultimately depends on your holiday preferences. If you are a keen birder, it might be best to visit in the green season when the birdlife is at its best. If you are hoping to combine a trip to Cape Town, that also might factor into your trip. If you are interested in seeing the Big 5, the dry winter months are probably the best time to visit for top quality game viewing.

For more advice or information, get in touch with our friendly reservations team via email at book@leopardhills.com or fill in our contact form here.

We look forward to helping you plan your ultimate South Africa safari to Leopard Hills.