Quick Overview: High Season vs Low Season

High or Peak Season: About May to September, Highest rates, Need to book up to a year in advance, Coldest, driest weather, Easiest to find and see the animals, Not many baby animals or migrant birds, and National parks are most crowded.

Low or Green Season: About October to April, Lowest rates, No need to book so far in advance, Hottest, wettest weather, Harder to find or see animals in Southern Africa, Lots of baby animals and birds around, National parks are least crowded, and More availability of accommodation.

High or Peak Season

𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 – 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰

When to Go:

Africa’s winter occurs from approximately June to October, coinciding with the summer of the northern hemisphere. Nearly all regions, with the exception of Cape Town, endure a dry winter characterised by minimal precipitation.

Weather & Climate:

Expect cool to cold mornings and evenings with warm afternoons. It will be dry with sunny skies. Don’t be fooled: Africa can get very cold with frost in some places.

What to Pack:

Morning and afternoon game drives will be quite chilly, so please dress in layers. If you are susceptible to cold, bring gloves, a scarf, a beanie, long trousers, a fleece jacket, and closed-toe shoes. Game-drive cars may be equipped with hot-water bottles and blankets for your comfort. In South Africa, automobiles are typically completely open (without roofs), allowing for a refreshing air while driving.

Despite the winter season, bring sunglasses, a hat, and environmentally friendly sunscreen.

What the Animals Are Doing:

The primary advantage of travelling during this season is the increased accessibility of game. The foliage diminishes significantly due to insufficient rainfall, causing animals to remain close to the scarce water sources, so making them easier to observe.

Certain nocturnal species, such as bat-eared foxes, transition to a diurnal pattern during the summer heat, significantly enhancing the likelihood of observing them.

Female grazers, such as zebras, wildebeest, and antelope, are typically in advanced stages of pregnancy, anticipating the arrival of summer rains and new pastures to give birth to their offspring.

What You Won’t See:

Migratory birds relocate to North Africa and Europe during winter, and offspring are not produced due to insufficient pasture and water resources to guarantee their survival. Trees are not in bloom, and more delicate species may desiccate entirely.

You will also not observe – and may not lament! – the insects. Insects typically enter the larval stage during the arid winter, resulting in a diminished presence of mosquitoes, ticks, flies, butterflies, ants, dragonflies, and similar species. Consult your travel clinic for malaria prophylaxis, irrespective of the season or destination. The reduction in insect populations has a drawback, as insectivorous birds, reptiles (including snakes), and amphibians will remain inactive until summer. Frogs may be absent even during the peak season in the Okavango Delta.

Biggest Advantages:

The days are milder, humidity is significantly reduced, and there is no precipitation, indicating that air conditioning or swimming pools may not be necessary in accommodations, perhaps resulting in substantial savings during peak season when rates are elevated. The wildlife is somewhat simpler to locate, and there is frequently a substantial amount of predatory activity as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas exploit zebras, wildebeest, and antelope weakened by diminishing forage. The later onset of daylight permits a later wake-up time for morning drives, affording you the opportunity for additional rest.

Certain locations that are inaccessible during summer due to elevated water levels in the Okavango Delta become accessible only after the water recedes in winter. It is important to note that water levels might vary and may decrease significantly by the conclusion of an extended dry winter, rendering water-based activities unfeasible.

For a multi-day walking safari, choose winter. Strolling on milder days will be less arduous and significantly drier.

For anyone wishing to merge a safari experience with an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, winter presents an opportune season for such endeavours. Indeed, it will be colder; but, the shale constituting the peak is far more stable and more manageable to ascend in chilly conditions.

To visit Victoria Falls, plan your trip around the early part of peak season, specifically in June and July, when water levels remain relatively high. As the rains diminish, so too do the Falls – by October, the Zambian side frequently presents merely an unsatisfactory rock face.

Biggest Disadvantages:

Peak season, as globally seen, entails elevated rates. Due to peak season aligning with the summer months in North America and Europe, the demand for accommodations significantly increases, necessitating earlier bookings to secure preferred lodges or camps. Highly coveted locations and events, such as Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta, and the Wildebeest Migration river crossings from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, may require reservations made nine months to a year in advance.

You will often reside in lodges and camps operating at full capacity, with game-drive vehicles accommodating the maximum number of visitors. For a more exclusive experience, try reserving accommodations at a private game reserve or conservancy—refer to our preferred selections of private reserves and conservancies throughout Africa.

The absence of precipitation results in an abundance of dust, which is detrimental for individuals with allergies. If you are an avid photographer, implement measures to safeguard your camera from dust or clean it each evening at camp.

There is both favourable and unfavourable information regarding the combination of your safari with a visit to Cape Town. Cape Town experiences a wet winter and a dry summer, resulting in cold and damp conditions during the safari high season. Fortunately, there is an abundance of attractions and activities available, ranging from premier dining establishments to old wineries where one may relax by a log fire.

Low or Green Season

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢: 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐯𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚

When to Go:

Africa’s summer occurs approximately from November to April, coinciding with the winter of the northern hemisphere. A significant portion of Africa undergoes spring and summer precipitation, resulting in abundant water and sustenance for wildlife.

Weather & Climate:

Despite being the ‘rainy season,’ the precipitation is neither consistent nor reminiscent of a monsoon. Typically, clouds accumulate during the day, culminating in dramatic showers around the late afternoon. Evenings may bring thunderstorms accompanied by significant lightning activity.

The climate will be hot and humid; thus, consider a lodge equipped with air conditioning and a swimming pool, or preferably, a private plunge pool on your room’s terrace. The weather is ideal for utilising outdoor showers.

What to Pack:

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap are essential items. The heat is exceedingly harsh throughout summer, and an episode of sunstroke can jeopardise your trip. Cotton shorts and T-shirts in neutral hues (greens, greys, and browns) will maintain your comfort. Flip-flops are advantageous for camping, and a swimsuit should be included. A pair of trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are advisable for evenings when mosquitoes are particularly busy.

Consult your travel clinic regarding malaria prophylaxis irrespective of your destination, and disclose any plans to engage in scuba diving at a coastal or island locale to guarantee appropriate medication is prescribed.

What the Animals Are Doing:

What aren’t they doing? Rain is regarded as a boon in Africa, with spring and summer witnessing birds, bees, buffalo, and bats capitalising on the plentiful food and water supply.

Migratory birds return, frogs and certain reptiles re-emerge, and, naturally, insects emerge from the larval stage. The pinnacle of the low or green season is the birth of offspring — foals, calves, puppies, piglets, and cubs emerge from their dens to explore the lush environment surrounding them. Anticipate unsteady zebras, awkward giraffes, squeaking jackals, and frolicsome warthogs.

A significant caveat exists: predators target the weakest individuals first, which may include infants. Anticipate poignant moments such as a large crocodile advancing near a baby hippopotamus as its mother interposes herself, or a troop of wild canines isolating a bewildered and naive newborn impala from its herd.

In Botswana, one may have the opportunity to observe the zebra migration through the Savute Channel around March.

What You Won’t See:

Paradoxically, the number of visible animals may be diminished despite an increase in their population. This is due to the bush rejuvenating, with dense foliage and vegetation—particularly in Southern Africa—providing abundant concealment and shade from the sun. The increase in water availability enables them to go greater distances, assured of locating a source of hydration. Waterholes frequented in winter may experience reduced visitation throughout summer.

Do not lose hope. Competent guides embrace the challenge of locating wildlife for their clients and frequently collaborate regarding sightings. Exerting greater effort to locate an elusive rhino or trace the spoor of wild canines significantly enhances the gratification upon its discovery. In contrast, birds are significantly more conspicuous, allowing birdwatchers to thrive in their environment.

Biggest Advantages:

The low season signifies reduced pricing, diminished visitor counts, fewer vehicles, and increased options. Advance booking is not necessary, and your Africa Safari Expert may secure excellent bargains with premier resorts and operators. Occasionally, you may be the sole occupants at a campsite or within a car.

Photographers love the Green Season due to the more vivid hues, enhanced air clarity (absence of dust), the resurgence of vibrant avian species, and the emergence of offspring. The avian observation is exceptional during this season.

Biggest Disadvantages:

It is significantly hotter, muddier, wetter, and more humid than during the peak season. The prevalence of bugs has increased, making it more difficult to locate games; but, the reward upon discovery is far greater.

Certain destinations that experience excessive rainfall may be ‘closed’ for the season. Numerous lodges in Zambia, for instance, are closed around March and April when the prolonged rains render the roads inaccessible due to black cotton soil.

When is the Best Time of Year to See Animals?

Historically, the peak season is best for locating game, as they are more visible due to reduced vegetation and water availability. However, it is crucial to note that the same quantity of animals exists throughout the low season; they merely possess greater access to water and food, which may lead them to wander more extensively and take longer to locate.

When is the Best Time of Day to Find Game?

Throughout Africa, the best periods for observing animals in their most active state are early morning and late afternoon. This occurs because midday is typically extremely hot, prompting them to seek refuge in the shadow of trees, rocks, burrows, and nests, so rendering them more elusive. Even when observed, they often conserve energy and remain at rest.

At dawn and sunset, they proceed to waterholes to hydrate: in the morning to quench their thirst after a lengthy night and in the afternoon to consume water for survival through another night. Lions and leopards mostly hunt nocturnally, making it crucial for prey to avoid vulnerability by refraining from approaching waterholes in darkness, when ambushes are likely.

Activity during the heat of the day expends much energy, resulting in animals often being relatively subdued during this time. This explains why wildlife drives are typically conducted at dawn and dusk.

During a ‘all-day game drive,’ you will be absent from the resort for the entire day, however, akin to the wildlife, you will take a respite with a picnic lunch in the bush during the peak heat of the day.