Mpumalanga in February

April through September gives you the sweet spot - dry weather, clear skies, and animals gathering around water sources in Kruger. May and June are particularly gorgeous, with autumn colors in the highlands and perfect temperatures for hiking. July and August bring the crowds but also the best wildlife viewing conditions. Winter mornings can be crisp in the mountains (pack layers), but afternoons warm up beautifully. September marks the start of spring with wildflowers blooming across the highveld. Here's what to avoid: December and January bring summer rains that can wash out roads and make some waterfalls inaccessible. The heat in the lowveld becomes oppressive, and humidity makes game drives uncomfortable. February and March still see occasional thunderstorms, though the landscape looks incredibly green. But there's a silver lining to wet season - fewer tourists, lower accommodation prices, and waterfalls at their most spectacular. Just check road conditions before setting out, and have backup plans for outdoor activities.