Welcoming 2026 in the African Bush 🌿🐾
There’s something magical about starting a new year in the African bush. For me, Kruger National Park is more than just a destination — it’s a place where adventure, wildlife, and soul‑stirring moments come together. As 2025 drew to a close and 2026 began, I found myself surrounded by the sights, sounds, and untamed beauty of one of Africa’s greatest treasures.
We closed out 2025 and welcomed the new year in one of my favourite places — the African bush. As my English cousin always says: “Who doesn’t love a week in the bush?” And truly, what better way to start 2026 than with a trip to Kruger National Park!
We were fortunate to visit just before the floods arrived, and despite December’s heat and bursts of rain, the wildlife did not disappoint. Our early morning drive was unforgettable — being among the first into the park meant we quite literally woke the animals still resting on the tar roads. A dramatic storm forced us to cancel our night drive, but watching lightning streak across the sky from our balcony was a spectacle in itself. Each day we set off on a self‑drive through the park. If you’re visiting during peak season, I highly recommend pre‑booking, as Kruger has a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed.
If I had to choose a soundtrack for this holiday, it would be “In the Kruger, the mighty Kruger, the Lion sleeps tonight!” For the first time in three different Kruger trips, we saw loads of lions — a true highlight.
If Kruger isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be. More than ever, this incredible park needs our support to recover and thrive.
A trip to Kruger can be designed to fit almost any budget or style. From self‑drive adventures with SANParks accommodation, to fly‑in, all‑inclusive luxury safaris complete with guided game drives — the choice is yours.
