Sun Destinations

Across the Kruger, giant clouds have rolled in, the earth has softened, and the bush has vividly transformed. This is the green season, a moment of exhale after months of dryness, bringing the waters that will sustain the wilderness for the year ahead.

As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours and this season, the bush has taken that quite literally.

The volume of rainfall we’ve experienced this year in the Kruger has been unprecedented and far heavier than what is typical for this time of year. While rain is expected during the green season, these extreme conditions have occasionally affected road access and the rhythm of daily activities across certain reserves.

Our teams have been navigating the conditions with care, adaptability, and most importantly, good spirits.
The bush may be unpredictable, but it is also deeply resilient, and so are the people who call it home.

The weather makes one thing clear: in the wild, nature is always in charge.

What’s Happening on the Ground

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Umkumbe has remained open and operational throughout the rains. On a few days, road conditions temporarily prevented guest check-ins, but the lodge itself never officially closed. Conditions were assessed daily to ensure guest safety at all times.

Nambu Camp

Nambu Camp has been unaffected by the rains and remains fully operational. On days when weather limited game drives, guests enjoyed shorter bush walks when conditions allowed, as well as special excursions to the Blyde River. These moments offered a different, slower way to connect with the landscape.

Chacma Bush Camp

Heavy rains led to flooding at Chacma Bush Camp.  It followed a dam wall break, resulting in structural damage. Our team is already working to tirelessly (with smiles still on their faces!) to resolving the damage and restoring the camp.

At present, the camp is closed until 9th of February and we are expected to re-open on the 10th of February to welcome guests.

Africa on Foot & nThambo Tree Camp

Both camps are structurally unaffected. However, due to unfavourable road conditions, operations were proactively paused. These camps have just reopened and are happily welcoming guests after a few days in isolation.

Nyala Safari Lodge

The lodge itself is unaffected, however, access roads are currently not passable. The lodge is temporarily closed until 26th of January, allowing time for road conditions to improve.

Nkuwa Wilderness Camp

Nkuwa Wilderness Camp remains open and welcoming guests as usual.

These summer storms bring about the water that will sustain life in the seasons to come. The rains fill rivers, replenish grazing lands, and support the intricate web of wildlife through the dry winter months. It is during this time that new grasses emerge, prey species thrive, and predator populations stabilize.

For guests, the rainy season brings dramatic skies, vibrant landscapes, fewer vehicles, and intimate wildlife moments that are impossible to replicate at any other time of year. It is the bush in renewal mode, alive with promise.

What to Expect When Travelling in Green Season

Under typical rainy season conditions, guests can expect warm temperatures, lush landscapes and intermittent showers rather than continuous rain. Many days still offer clear skies, excellent wildlife sightings, and is an incredibly rewarding time out in the bush.

Across all properties, it is standard protocol during the rainy season for guides and management teams to evaluate weather and road conditions daily to ensure both safety and the best possible guest experience.

On days of extreme rainfall, the following may apply:

• Activity timings may be adjusted, with earlier or later departures

• Alternative experiences may be offered where appropriate

• Guests may be given the choice to participate in activities during rainfall, provided conditions are safe

Our guides will always do their utmost to ensure activities proceed as planned wherever possible, while prioritising safety at all times. These considerations form part of travelling during the green season and are communicated clearly to guests on the ground.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and continued trust as the bush moves through this powerful period of renewal. We look forward to welcoming you into a year shaped by green horizons, dramatic skies, and the quiet magic that follows the rain.

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Contact our reservations team directly to find out more.