July is second only to June as the coldest month in the year and equally dry. ‘Cold’ in the Kruger, however, only really applies to nights and early mornings since the daytime temperatures are usually quite comfortable and even fairly hot on some days.
The northern parts of the reserve receive fewer visitors, which makes it a good option if you want to avoid crowds. However, there is a greater density of animals in the south, especially when it comes to predators, which makes it your best bet for good sightings. Explore the areas adjacent to the Sabie River: Satara, Skukuza, and Lower Sabie.
The winter landscape is dull and dry, but that’s a good thing for game viewing as the vegetation is sparse and the grass low, making animals easier to spot.
The cooler weather and low humidity make for delightful days in the park. Still, South African school holidays and European summer holidays make July the Kruger’s second busiest time of the year.