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There is a general consensus in South Africa (and this also applies to many other parts of Africa) that the dry, cooler winter months are better for big game viewing and, therefore, for safaris in general. However, summer has its advantages too, and should not be overlooked.

To get the best overview of parks like our beloved Pilanesberg, you should see them in both winter and summer. The differences can be truly striking.

But if you can only choose one and with summer now in full swing, here are four reasons you might want to consider a summer Pilanesberg safari over a winter one.

The Vegetation

Pilanesberg is a pretty and picturesque park all year round, but particularly pleasing to the eye in the wet winter months – the grass and vegetation are wonderfully green, lush and full of life; the dams, streams and waterholes full to bursting; the earth a deep, rich red; and the sky often painted in a myriad of colours as the rain clouds, thunder and lightning roll across the surrounding hills.

The Birdlife

The summer months are a favourite with keen birders and bird photographers, with the plethora of migratory and resident birds particularly abundant at this time of year thanks, among other things, to more readily available water sources for them throughout the park, which also means more readily available reflective backdrops for fantastic bird images. In total, there are more than 300 bird species in the Pilanesberg.

The Prices

Provided you are not visiting during the school holidays, you can find great accommodation specials in Pilanesberg during the summer months (including last minute specials, particularly for local residents. To see what specials are currently available across Pilanesberg’s various accommodation options, click here.

The People

So long as you avoid the school holidays, you’ll generally find Pilanesberg a much quieter place during the summer months, as many visitors prefer to follow the recommendations to book a winter Pilanesberg safari. The animals might be harder to spot, but when you find them there’s more chance of having them all to yourselves, which makes the sightings that bit more special.