Safari in North West & Central Bushveld

Compare Parks in North West & Central Bushveld

Weather & Climate in North West & Central Bushveld

The warmest temperatures in North West & Central Bushveld occur in January, averaging 22.6°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 12.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 2.0mm. Average humidity: 40.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

• January: 22.6°C (rainfall: 103.5mm)
• February: 22.3°C (rainfall: 82.2mm)
• March: 21.4°C (rainfall: 35.6mm)
• April: 18.4°C (rainfall: 48.4mm)
• May: 15.8°C (rainfall: 11.8mm)
• June: 12.6°C (rainfall: 5.7mm)
• July: 12.6°C (rainfall: 2.1mm)
• August: 15.8°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
• September: 20.0°C (rainfall: 7.0mm)
• October: 21.6°C (rainfall: 38.0mm)
• November: 22.5°C (rainfall: 67.8mm)
• December: 22.6°C (rainfall: 113.5mm)

Best Time to Visit North West & Central Bushveld

The best months to visit North West & Central Bushveld are September, January, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Great, temperature 22.6°C, rainfall 103.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 63.6%
• February: Great, temperature 22.3°C, rainfall 82.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 64.8%
• March: Great, temperature 21.4°C, rainfall 35.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 60.1%
• April: Great, temperature 18.4°C, rainfall 48.4mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 60.1%
• May: Great, temperature 15.8°C, rainfall 11.8mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 53.8%
• June: Great, temperature 12.6°C, rainfall 5.7mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 50.9%
• July: Great, temperature 12.6°C, rainfall 2.1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 44.2%
• August: Great, temperature 15.8°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 40.9%
• September: Great, temperature 20°C, rainfall 7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 38.3%
• October: Great, temperature 21.6°C, rainfall 38mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 45%
• November: Great, temperature 22.5°C, rainfall 67.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 54.5%
• December: Great, temperature 22.6°C, rainfall 113.5mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 62.9%

Recommended Packing List for North West & Central Bushveld

Based on average temperature of 19.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 53%.

• Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
• Binoculars - essential for every game drive
• Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
• Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
• Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
• Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
• First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
• Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
• Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Wildlife in North West & Central Bushveld

Home to 165 recorded species including 50 iconic birds, 45 waterbirds, 32 birds of prey, 6 tropical birds, 6 antelope & gazelle, 6 big five.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa

North West & Central Bushveld FAQs

Is the North West & Central Bushveld region malaria-free, making it suitable for families with young children?

Yes, a significant advantage of this region is that key reserves like Madikwe Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park are renowned malaria-free safari destinations. This offers peace of mind for families with young children or travelers concerned about malaria, while still providing exceptional Big Five viewing opportunities.

Can I easily self-drive to and within the North West & Central Bushveld parks, and how does this affect costs?

Absolutely, many parks in this region, particularly Pilanesberg National Park, are very accessible for self-driving from Johannesburg or Pretoria, offering a more budget-friendly safari experience. While Madikwe is primarily a private reserve with lodge-arranged game drives, its proximity still reduces transfer costs compared to more remote destinations.

What unique wildlife or landscape features can I expect in the North West & Central Bushveld beyond the Big Five?

While Big Five sightings are excellent, Madikwe Game Reserve is particularly known for its thriving wild dog populations and successful conservation efforts. Pilanesberg National Park is uniquely situated within an ancient, extinct volcanic crater, offering a distinct geological landscape and diverse ecosystems not found in other safari regions.

What's the best time to visit the North West & Central Bushveld for optimal wildlife viewing, considering its climate?

The dry winter months (May to September) are generally considered the best for wildlife viewing, as vegetation is sparse and animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. However, the summer rainy season (October to April) transforms the bushveld into a lush, vibrant landscape, ideal for birdwatching and seeing newborn animals.

Given its accessibility, can I easily combine a safari in the North West & Central Bushveld with other activities or shorter city breaks?

Yes, its close proximity to major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria makes this region perfect for shorter safari trips, even day visits to Pilanesberg, or combining with urban exploration, cultural tours, or business travel. This allows for flexible itineraries that maximize your time in South Africa without extensive travel.

Recommended Books

• The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
• Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
• Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
• Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
• Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
• Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
• Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide to South Africa including Kruger, Garden Route, Cape Town, and the Drakensberg. Essential for self-drive safari planning.
• The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony - Incredible true story of saving a herd of rogue elephants in Zululand, South Africa. A massive bestseller that will change how you see elephants forever.
• The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
• Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
• Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
• The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
• The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
• Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
• Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
• African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
• Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
• Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
• Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
• The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
• The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
• Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
• When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
• An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony - The moving sequel to The Elephant Whisperer, written by Lawrence Anthony's wife. Continues the story of the Thula Thula elephants after his death. A beautiful account of the bond between humans and elephants.
• Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
• Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
• Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
• Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
• Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
• Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
• Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
• Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.