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We most likely need a raincoat when going to the park next week? How cool can be the nights ´cause we would like to participate in some night drives? A parka-type of coat would be fine I guess, or am I wrong?

Just returned from KTP. We had lots of rain and there are rumours from the Namibian side that the Nossob could flow this year!

I will try again but in the correct section.....

I am a frequent KTP visitor but normally March / April (nice and green) and July (brrrrrr...). I am going this year in Sept Nossob (2) Grootkolk (4) and Urikaruus (2). What is the weather like this time of the year, already very hot or still mild? Too early for rain?? With the current good rain I suspect tall dry grass

Thanks

Hi Tobieo and welcome to the forum !!!
It is a while since we have been to the park in a September. I remember one school holiday camping at TR where we were blown away by the wind...but we managed to survive. No rain and the surrounds were pretty dry ! The sightings were good though..but we always find the sightings good....no matter what time of the year !!!
I think the long tall grass that is busy erupting now would probably have died off by September. Mostly we found the temperatures quite mild...lovely warm days without being too hot and the evenings not too chilly. Having said that though we did expereince one freak chill in September... we woke up to -5° C one morning at Twee Rivieren. I do think that that was the exception to the rule though....go ahead and enjoy. !!!!

September is a good month for most national parks, including KTP. Rain has not yet arrived. Usually mild temperatures, but you can get extreme - it was a hellhole in the upper 30s here in CT yesterday 1 March - It can be a but windy at times. Sightings are good and the migrants have started arriving.

Hi Guys,

Just a couple of days and then we are off on our visit to SA. We will start in Capetown and driving up via West Coast, Namaqua and Augrabies Falls, to get to KTP at around 20th March.
Can anyone tell me the following:
- Nossob webcam shows a lot of grass, so probable a lot of water fell. Is it very wet at the moment, do we need to take that into account with things like raincoats, extra spades for digging out the car, etc?
- how are things now bugwise? Is it really very busy, do we need to take extra anti bugcloth, just in case?
- any news on special animals or special sightings or whatever?

Greetz, Irene

Hello, we just returned last week.
There has been a lot of rain, but the roads are fine. There were some big puddles and some mud, but they were gone within a day or 2. I would recommend 4x4 north of Nossob camp if it rains a lot - or you risk getting stuck. No need for spades. We took raincoats but did not use them because its mainly showers - or you are in the car.
Bugs: There are the usual amount, take Mosquito coils, and Tabard for your skin and you will be ok. Mosquito nets are too hot for me. Also, cook and eat before the sun sets if possible to avoid the bugs.
We saw plenty of things on both rivers - lots of young ones - lots of lions.
Check out my trip report pictures.
Have a great trip!

March is getting to the end of the rainy season, and you will probably have the odd thunderstorm or 2. They last about 90 minutes from first thunderclap to last drop of rain. It could rain on you but not 3 km away.
Insects live in the desert and scorpions catch them. I do not recall any mosquitos, but there are some 'interesting' insects that love the light, so keep your unit's door closed at night when you braai.

I went to KTP in in Sept last year for 10 days. The weather was pretty good, the days were up to 30 degrees celsius but the nights can get rather cold, one morning it was -6 degrees. There were a couple of storms whilst we were there so make sure if you are camping you buckle down your tent properly and look out for those scorpions!

I had the most amazing trip and I can't wait to return again, you lucky thing!

-6 in September is not usual. Nights are mild usually and mornings a bit crisp.

As we are going to be in TR next week I see that it is about 35degrees during the day YAY!
But can someone let me know how cold it is at night? We have never been in the park this early in the year and do not know if it is cold or not. I see Sutherland was 2 degrees yesterday, and just want to be prepared.

Hi Bentony,

this stats includes the temperatures for Twee Rivieren, too. Hope this helps.

http://www.weathersa.co.za/Climate/DailyWxFull.jsp

We visited KTP end March/beginning of April last year. On the whole temperatures were fine at night(low 20s) But we did have 1 very cold night/early morning at Grootkolk (single digits). So, IMO, be prepared in case the weather changes - KTP is unpredictable!
Hope you have a great trip! (ps. I need a leopard update!)

Wanderw is spot on with her reply
Anything is possible in the KTP ...so be prepared for some cooler evenings.
Enjoy your trip Bentony..safe travels

It could also rain....