Any time of the year is perfect for a safari but the Winter months add an extra special dimension to the experience. Here’s why...
1: Climate: The Winter months in the Madikwe are generally dry and mild. Plus there is low humidity. With average daytime temperatures in the mid 20’s ( Celsius), loads of clear skies and glorious sunshine there are few better Winter destinations. You’ll even be able to work on your tan.
2: Thinner vegetation: Winter offers great opportunities for game viewing and the reason for this is very simple. The bush is less dense so you are more likely to catch sight of animals. You can start ticking off your big and little five lists. (The Road Less Travelled).
3: Nocturnal activities: Winter night drives give you the chance to spot some of the lesser seen creatures. Think Pangolin; Lesser Bushbaby; Aardwolf; African Civet and striped Polecat. These unusual animals will light up your Instagram feed.
4: Waterholes: Another advantage is that with food and water in scarcer supply, animals congregate at waterholes and along riverbanks. This means you will probably see a greater variety of wildlife during longer viewings. Take it slow and give your soul a chance to catch up.
5: Food and Wine: Chilly temperatures mean our chefs are fired up. Now’s the season to enjoy hearty soups, traditional potjies, and warming puddings. Allow yourself to be tempted by spiced butternut soup with stickbread toasted on open flames, slow-cooked oxtail potjie and hot malva pudding served with vanilla custard! Award-winning, local wines are the perfect complement to authentic South African fare - especially robust reds which are famous for keeping the chill at bay.
6: Cosy up Inside: Morukuru Family is a 100% exclusive use property, which means it is just you and your party with the entire house to yourself! If it gets really chilly, head indoors to the snug lounge, draw the curtains and relax in front of a roaring fire. Get competitive with some family board games and see who comes out tops or enjoy a candlelit dinner prepared by our team. Note to self: there is underfloor heating throughout the houses including the bathrooms. So the outlook is balmy.
7: Game drives at Dawn: Nothing beats a crisp, bushveld morning. Our team will make sure you are wrapped up in snuggly blankets and kitted out with hot water bottles so that you experience spectacular wildlife in toasty style. Fortify yourself with a decadent hot chocolate or a steaming mug of coffee infused with a shot or two of Amarula. Don’t forget about our homemade buttermilk rusks - even better when dipped!
8: Boma fires with a warming nightcap: What could be more satisfying than a wee dram savoured around the fire? Now’s the time to catch up on all the day’s sightings and share your favourite bushveld tales. Some stories are bound to be taller than others! We believe in the native American proverb which says: Tell me the facts and I will learn. Tell me the truth and I will believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever”. Your winter safari adventures will never leave you.
9: Photo opportunities: The winter conditions are exceptional at Morukuru, with great light lasting longer in the day and skies that remain clear and blue. This is a picture-perfect setting for photography enthusiasts. You will be stunned by the landscape and panoramic views - not forgetting the unforgettable wildlife. (Photographic Tips).
10: Winter Nighttime Skies: Winter offers cold, clear skies which means stargazing is even more rewarding. You can look forward to brilliant constellations and seemingly brighter stars and even the moon looks bigger and more brilliant. Pull on your jacket, grab your wrap and scarf and head out on a night sky safari. Look out forthe most famous Southern sight of all, Crux – the Southern Cross
11: safari chic: A trip to Morukuru Family during the Winter months means you can show off your style in both sunny and cool temperatures. Early mornings and evenings are cold but from around midday, it can be very hot. Aim for a capsule wardrobe which accommodates dressing in layers. Neutrals, greens and browns can be elevated with an on-trend animal print scarf or some fabulous earrings.
Essential items for game drives are a cosy fleece or jersey, a warm jacket, beanie, gloves, and warm socks. When the sun rises over the Eastern horizon you will need your sunhat and sunglasses and definitely SPF, as the Winter UV index is still high. ( link to What to pack for a safari).
Any time of the year is perfect for a safari but the Winter months add an extra special dimension to the experience. Here’s why...
1: Climate: The Winter months in the Madikwe are generally dry and mild. Plus there is low humidity. With average daytime temperatures in the mid 20’s ( Celsius), loads of clear skies and glorious sunshine there are few better Winter destinations. You’ll even be able to work on your tan.
2: Thinner vegetation: Winter offers great opportunities for game viewing and the reason for this is very simple. The bush is less dense so you are more likely to catch sight of animals. You can start ticking off your big and little five lists. (The Road Less Travelled).
3: Nocturnal activities: Winter night drives give you the chance to spot some of the lesser seen creatures. Think Pangolin; Lesser Bushbaby; Aardwolf; African Civet and striped Polecat. These unusual animals will light up your Instagram feed.
4: Waterholes: Another advantage is that with food and water in scarcer supply, animals congregate at waterholes and along riverbanks. This means you will probably see a greater variety of wildlife during longer viewings. Take it slow and give your soul a chance to catch up.
5: Food and Wine: Chilly temperatures mean our chefs are fired up. Now’s the season to enjoy hearty soups, traditional potjies, and warming puddings. Allow yourself to be tempted by spiced butternut soup with stickbread toasted on open flames, slow-cooked oxtail potjie and hot malva pudding served with vanilla custard! Award-winning, local wines are the perfect complement to authentic South African fare - especially robust reds which are famous for keeping the chill at bay.
6: Cosy up Inside: Morukuru Family is a 100% exclusive use property, which means it is just you and your party with the entire house to yourself! If it gets really chilly, head indoors to the snug lounge, draw the curtains and relax in front of a roaring fire. Get competitive with some family board games and see who comes out tops or enjoy a candlelit dinner prepared by our team. Note to self: there is underfloor heating throughout the houses including the bathrooms. So the outlook is balmy.
7: Game drives at Dawn: Nothing beats a crisp, bushveld morning. Our team will make sure you are wrapped up in snuggly blankets and kitted out with hot water bottles so that you experience spectacular wildlife in toasty style. Fortify yourself with a decadent hot chocolate or a steaming mug of coffee infused with a shot or two of Amarula. Don’t forget about our homemade buttermilk rusks - even better when dipped!
8: Boma fires with a warming nightcap: What could be more satisfying than a wee dram savoured around the fire? Now’s the time to catch up on all the day’s sightings and share your favourite bushveld tales. Some stories are bound to be taller than others! We believe in the native American proverb which says: Tell me the facts and I will learn. Tell me the truth and I will believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever”. Your winter safari adventures will never leave you.
9: Photo opportunities: The winter conditions are exceptional at Morukuru, with great light lasting longer in the day and skies that remain clear and blue. This is a picture-perfect setting for photography enthusiasts. You will be stunned by the landscape and panoramic views - not forgetting the unforgettable wildlife. (Photographic Tips).
10: Winter Nighttime Skies: Winter offers cold, clear skies which means stargazing is even more rewarding. You can look forward to brilliant constellations and seemingly brighter stars and even the moon looks bigger and more brilliant. Pull on your jacket, grab your wrap and scarf and head out on a night sky safari. Look out forthe most famous Southern sight of all, Crux – the Southern Cross
11: safari chic: A trip to Morukuru Family during the Winter months means you can show off your style in both sunny and cool temperatures. Early mornings and evenings are cold but from around midday, it can be very hot. Aim for a capsule wardrobe which accommodates dressing in layers. Neutrals, greens and browns can be elevated with an on-trend animal print scarf or some fabulous earrings.
Essential items for game drives are a cosy fleece or jersey, a warm jacket, beanie, gloves, and warm socks. When the sun rises over the Eastern horizon you will need your sunhat and sunglasses and definitely SPF, as the Winter UV index is still high. ( link to What to pack for a safari).
