Unforgettable Experience: Celebrate Spring with a Safari through South Africa

From blooming flowers to big 5 sightings, here’s why spring is the best time to visit our lodges.

Spring in South Africa is a season of renewal and vibrant energy. As the temperatures rise and the landscapes burst into bloom, the bush comes alive with new life, making it one of the best times to embark on a safari. Whether you are a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, a spring safari offers a unique experience full of breathtaking beauty, wildlife sightings, and unforgettable adventures. Let’s explore what makes spring the perfect time to visit our lodges and how each property offers something truly spectacular this season.

Seasonal Changes in the South African Bush:

As winter fades away, South Africa’s landscapes begin to transform. Spring ushers in warmer days, clear skies, and lush greenery, creating the ideal backdrop for game drives and nature walks. Wildflowers start to bloom, painting the plains with splashes of color, while the rejuvenated waterholes attract thirsty wildlife, providing prime viewing opportunities. The temperate climate makes outdoor activities more comfortable, allowing you to spend your days fully immersed in the wonders of the bush.

Wildlife Behaviour in Spring:

Spring is a particularly active time for wildlife. The Big 5—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo—become more visible, especially around water sources, as they bask in the warmth of the season. It is also a great time to spot young animals, as spring is the season of birth for many species. Newborn antelopes, impalas, and zebras are often seen frolicking in the fields, while predators like lions and leopards are on the lookout, making for exciting game-viewing opportunities.

Birdwatchers will be thrilled as migratory birds begin to return, with many species entering the region for breeding. This means guests can enjoy sightings of rare and colorful birds against the vibrant spring backdrop, adding an extra layer of beauty to the safari experience.

Lodge-Specific Activities and Experiences in Spring:

Each lodge within the African Safari Collective offers something special during the spring season. Whether you prefer the serenity of the bush, the history of the battlefields, or the luxury of coastal retreats, our lodges have you covered.

Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge – Big 5 Luxury in Full Bloom

Spring at Leopard Mountain is a prime time for Big 5 sightings in the lush Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the verdant landscape while sipping a glass of wine from their private plunge pool. The warmer weather also means more time for outdoor spa treatments, followed by intimate, sunset game drives, where you will likely spot rhino calves and lion cubs making their debut.

Sungulwane Private Game Lodge – Photographic Hide Heaven

Spring is the perfect time for wildlife photography at Sungulwane Private Game Lodge. The lodge’s photographic hide gives you the opportunity to capture up-close shots of elephants, giraffes, and more as they gather around the waterhole. The blooming flora offers a colorful background for your photos, and with the warmer weather, you can spend more time outdoors on guided walks or relaxing in your luxury suite.

Makakatana Bay Lodge – Spring Wetland Wonders

As South Africa’s only lodge located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Makakatana Bay Lodge offers a unique wetland and beach experience during the spring months. Guests can embark on eco-boat safaris, gliding through the waterways to witness birdlife returning from migration, or head to the beach for a relaxing spring day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site from a different perspective.

Three Tree Hill Lodge – Spring Adventures in the Berg

Springtime at Three Tree Hill means endless adventures in the Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take advantage of the comfortable temperatures with horseback rides, mountain biking, or unguided hikes through the blooming berg. Guests can also partake in community tours and battlefield explorations, where the season’s blossoms add a touch of beauty to South Africa’s rich history.

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge – Battlefields and Springtime Beauty

At Fugitives’ Drift Lodge, spring brings new life to the rolling hills surrounding the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. As you explore these historic sites on a guided battlefield tour, take in the wildflowers that dot the landscape, creating a serene contrast to the powerful history beneath your feet. After a day of history, relax in luxury while enjoying views of the Buffalo River below.

Fairview House – Garden Route in Full Bloom

For those seeking a spring coastal retreat, Fairview House is perfectly positioned on the Garden Route, offering views over the Keurbooms Nature Reserve. Spend your days wandering through the fynbos in full bloom, with spectacular views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the background. Spring is also a great time to explore the surrounding areas, with whale-watching and beach picnics being particularly popular activities during this time of the year.

Why Spring Safaris Are Spectacular:

A spring safari in South Africa is not just about seeing wildlife—it is about experiencing the season in full bloom. The pleasant weather, the new life in the animal kingdom, and the bright colours of nature all combine to create a safari experience like no other. Whether you are keen on exploring the bush, learning about South Africa’s rich history, or simply relaxing in luxury, African Safari Collective lodges offer something special for every traveller during the spring months.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable spring safari adventure with us!