Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park
By Pieter Strydom • Registered Tourist Guide
Whether it’s green summer or dry winter, every month in Kruger Park has its own charm. Learn which season fits your style of safari.
Read MoreTravel Tips • Safari Advice • Inspiration
Practical advice and personal insights from registered tourist guide Pieter Strydom on Kruger safaris, Swaziland, Mozambique, Lesotho and Southern Africa tours.
This blog is written for guests who are planning their first Southern Africa trip, as well as returning visitors who want to see something new. All articles are shaped by real experiences guiding guests from Johannesburg to destinations such as Kruger National Park, Swaziland (Eswatini), Mozambique, Lesotho, Cape Town, Namibia and Victoria Falls.
Below you’ll find practical tips on the best time to visit Kruger, hidden spots in Swaziland, how to cross the Mozambique border with less stress, what to expect on Lesotho’s Sani Pass, photo tips, and what to pack for a Southern Africa safari.
By Pieter Strydom • Registered Tourist Guide
Whether it’s green summer or dry winter, every month in Kruger Park has its own charm. Learn which season fits your style of safari.
Read More
By Pieter Strydom • Swaziland & Mozambique Route Specialist
Discover the lesser-known highlights of Eswatini — from Mantenga Falls to rural glass workshops and the warm Swazi hospitality.
Explore Swaziland
By Pieter Strydom • Tour Guide & Cross-Border Safari Specialist
Crossing the border doesn’t need to be stressful. Here’s what documents, timing and etiquette make it easier.
Mozambique Tours
By Pieter Strydom • Lesotho & Mountain Tour Specialist
Experience breathtaking views, crisp mountain air and Basotho culture on Africa’s most scenic high-altitude road.
Lesotho Tours
By Pieter Strydom • Big Six Tour Safaris
From clothing to documents — here’s your essential packing list for a comfortable and memorable safari.
Ask for List
By Pieter Strydom • Safari Guide & Photographer • Big Six Tour Safaris
Capturing the perfect safari shot isn’t about having the most expensive camera — it’s about being ready when that special moment happens. Whether you join one of my Kruger Park safaris or Swaziland tours, these five tips will help you bring home unforgettable images.
Animals move on their own rhythm. Wait, watch — and you’ll often capture behaviour few others see. Early-morning light and late-afternoon “golden hours” are the best times.
Practice with your camera at home so you can change settings quickly in the field. A fast shutter speed helps freeze motion, while aperture f/4–f/8 keeps subjects sharp and backgrounds soft.
Rest your camera on a beanbag or window mount instead of standing up — it’s steadier and quieter. On bumpy roads, image stabilization makes a big difference.
Include landscape, vehicles, and people to show scale and emotion. Mix wide scenic shots with close-ups of eyes, textures, and movement.
Never ask your guide to move too close; safety and respect come first. Turn off flash for animals — use natural light and increase ISO instead.
Remember, every photo tells a story. When you travel with Big Six Tour Safaris, I’ll gladly share more tips on framing, timing and editing during the trip.
Join Our Next Safari
By Pieter Strydom • Owner & Guide • Big Six Tour Safaris
One of the most common questions I receive is: “Should I go to Pilanesberg or Kruger?” The good news is that both are excellent Big Five safari destinations — the best choice depends on how much time you have, your budget, and whether you prefer a quick day trip or a multi-day adventure.
Pilanesberg safaris from Johannesburg are perfect if you only have one day available. It’s malaria-free, close to Sun City and easy to reach from Sandton and Pretoria. Kruger Park safaris give you the classic, bigger wilderness experience with multi-day itineraries, more rest camps and longer game drives.
Many guests start with a Pilanesberg day safari to “taste” the bush and then return another year for a 3–5 day Kruger safari. If you are unsure, send me your dates and I’ll suggest the best combination for your holiday.
Every picture tells a story – from Kruger sunrises and Swaziland mountains to Mozambique beaches and Lesotho’s high passes. These are the kinds of scenes you can expect on tour.
