Find
the best time to visit your favourite destination in Africa, when
planning your next safari. Africa offers a diversity of attractions
and highlights that must be visited at the right time to ensure
an experience of a life-time. When to travel Africa is essential
to a great experience!
When
is the best time to travel in Africa?
This depends on your
specific needs and requirements. Interests range from Africa’s
spectacular wildlife to the wide variety of birds that occur in
Africa at different times of the year. Other interest are botany,
culture and natural phenomena (such as the sardine run on the
east coast of South Africa or the migration of wildebeest in Serengeti
and Kenya). Many guests use their favourite activity as the foundation
and build their holiday around these activities such as fly-fishing,
diving, kayaking, photography
or horse riding.
Is there a "best time" to go on safari?
When to travel Africa really depends on the type of animals you
wish to see or the activity you would like to partake in. Certain
reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will
have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals
at different times of the year.
It is generally felt that the African winter is the best time
to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making
game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the
move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have
the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over
two million wildebeests and zebra. Temperatures in winter are
mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack
multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on
afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the
standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen
and mosquito repellent.
Summer is the best time to travel for birding, botany and great
weather.
In areas where malaria is
prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So,
before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary
anti-malaria medication.
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BOTSWANA
Botswana offers exceptional wildlife and game viewing all year
round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal
for special interest travelers:
- Birding season is
from Nov - March when the Okavango Delta is home to the many migratory
birds during their breeding season.
- Botanical season is from Dec - May when the vegetation
is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower.
- Photography
is excellent year-round, but depending on what your main interests
are, note that the scenery is most spectacular from Sept - Feb
during the first rains. For wildlife the winter months from May
- Sept is best, as the vegetation is less dense and game viewing
is generally more prolific.
Seasons
• Botswana’s high season is from July - October. Due
to the low number of rooms in most of the Botswana lodges and
camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential
to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy
time’ in Botswana’s national parks and reserves.
• November to April is a less popular time to visit Botswana
due to the rains that cause the animals to disperse over wider
areas and not around the water holes. It also causes some roads
to be inaccessible due to the seasonal high waters of the Okavango
Delta.
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INDIAN
OCEAN ISLANDS
The Indian Ocean Islands are a year round highlight and a great way to end your visit to Africa. Some islands experience short rainy seasons, during summer. The southern hemisphere islands (Bazaruto and Mauritius) experience exceptional weather except during the months of January to March. The northern hemisphere islands (Zanzibar and Seychelles) experience their rains from mid March to May.
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KENYA
Kenya is a year round destination for both exceptional game viewing
and spectacular scenery. Without a doubt the greatest annual attraction
is the annual wildebeest
migration between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai
Mara in Kenya. This spectacular wildlife event takes place between
June and September.
Seasons
• High season is from January to March when it is most comfortable
for travelling during these warm and dry months. The wildlife
is generally found around the seasonal water holes during these
months, so game viewing is great. The Rift Valley Lakes offer
great bird viewing during this time.
• The rainy seasons are from April to June and October to
December. A positive point during these times is that the lower
numbers of tourists, so the travelling experience is more exclusive
and the rains do not hinder game viewing.
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MALAWI
The dry season is from early May to late October when the vegetation
is less dense and the game viewing best. Bird viewing is generally
good all year round, with October and November being the best.
Hiking is possible all year, but it is recommended that this not
be undertaken in the wet season. August and September are the
most comfortable times for climbing the Southern Highlands as
the mountain air is crisp and cool.
Seasons
• The best weather is in August, and with it being the high
season, national parks and the lake resorts are crowded.
• The rainy season is from January to March when some areas
become inaccessible due to road conditions. This season is very
humid and wet.
• May to July is best for scenery when the landscape is
at its best. July is the coolest month.
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MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique’s main attraction is its beaches and the Indian
Ocean. It offers pristine tropical beach holidays with great weather
year round. It is a top destination for fishing and diving. The
southern parts of the country are generally dryer and less tropical
than the north.
Seasons
• April to September is the best time to visit Mozambique
during the winter months.
• Best fishing months are during the summer from October - March.
• November and December is hot, humid and rainy with the
beach resorts packed with local holiday makers.
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NAMIBIA
Namibia offers exceptional wildlife and scenery all year round.
It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for
special interest travelers:
- Birding is best during the summer months (Nov - April) because
of the greater variety of species to be found.
- Botanical season is from December to May when most plants are
in flower.
- Photography is excellent in August and September with cloud
build-up in the afternoon that offers spectacular scenes.
Seasons
• Namibia’s high season is from July - October. Due
to the low number of rooms in most of the Namibia lodges and camps,
availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential
to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy
time’ in Namibia’s national parks and reserves.
• Christmas and New Year as well as April is high season
for local holidaymakers.
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SOUTH
AFRICA
South Africa as a travel destination is exceptional all year round.
It offers wildlife, scenery, mountains, culture, beaches and excellent
cuisine with some of the best wines in the world.
Seasons
Please take note that certain regions should be visited at specific
times:
• The northern parts of South Africa (Kruger, Gauteng, Limpopo)
are best during the winter months (May to September) with wildlife
and game viewing at its best. The temperatures are very mild (maximum
20-23ºC). There is very little winter rainfall in the north.
• The southern parts (Cape Town, Garden Route, Eastern Cape)
are best during the summer months (October to March). The temperature
can reach 28-30ºC or higher offering beautiful sunny days.
The Atlantic Ocean brings relief in the form of a cool breeze
along the coast. Rainfall is low during the summer.
• A ‘must-see’ for those who enjoy spectacular
scenery, be sure to diaries a visit to the floral extravaganza
in Namaqualand when the desert-like terrain is transformed into
a carpet of flowers and draws thousands of visitors. It is situated
in the Western and Northern Cape Provinces and takes place from
mid-August to mid-September.
• The warm waters of the east coast make for almost year-round
swimming. Winter is mild, except in the highest parts of the country.
Take
note of the South African holiday season when locals take their
annual holidays in summer. Mid-December to late January is a busy
time of the year, but most areas are equipped to handle the large
numbers of tourists. Other holiday seasons are in April and July,
when school holidays are utilized to visit places such as Cape
Town, Kruger and Durban.
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TANZANIA
Tanzania is the ideal destination for an abundance of wildlife
and beautiful scenery. Some of the highlights include the famous
Serengeti and the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro. This country has
a diverse range of national parks and reserves offering habitats
ranging from forests to deserts, all connected with regular air-
and road transfer services.
Seasons
• Summer: Oct-March. Winter: April-Sept.
• Tanzania offers excellent game viewing all year round.
The migration between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is a spectacular
sight and a highlight when visiting Tanzania, but it is important
to note that not all animals migrate and are year-round residents.
The Great Migration takes place from April-June and Oct-Dec.
• There are two rainy seasons in East Africa, the first
known as the long rainy season is from April through to June and
the shorter season from late November through to December. A positive
point during these times is the lower numbers of tourists, so
the travelling experience is more exclusive and the rains do not
hinder game viewing. The dry seasons are generally better for
game viewing when the game concentrates around the water sources.
• Birding is excellent year round but the south is best
at the height of the northern winter. Tanzania boasts over 1 000
bird species, with Lake Manyara alone being home to more than
400. It is a year round birding destination, but at the height
of the northern winter, some 160 species of migrating birds make
their way south.
• For the traveller interested in the botanical aspect of
Tanzania, the months immediately after the two rainy seasons are
best for floral and botanical interests.
• Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is best from August to October
and January to March.
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ZAMBIA
Zambia has a distinctive season for visiting the game rich national
parks. Most lodges and camps welcome guests between April and
November (with a few exceptions). This season starts after the
rainy season and stretches up to when the first rains arrive in
November/December. A few lodges are open during the rainy season,
offering exceptional birding safaris and spectacular scenery.
Another important factor to keep in mind is the Victoria Falls
and the Zambezi River. It is spectacular in April and May after
the rainy season, although the thick spray may obscure your view
(a flip by helicopter or micro-light is an amazing way of viewing
the falls). At the end of the dry season, October to December,
the water levels are low and one can see the magnificent rock
formation of the falls. River rafting is most exciting during
low water (August to December) and is limited at high water.
Seasons
• Wildlife and game viewing is best in September and October
as the wildlife is found mostly around waterholes and along river
banks. It is also excellent from June to August.
• Birding is exceptional from September to mid April, when
the migrants are most prolific during their breeding season in
the southern hemisphere.
• Rainy season is from December to March with heavy thunder
storms occurring regularly. The wildlife is scattered and the
vegetation is lush and green.
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ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe is exceptional for game viewing and scenery all year
round. It offers excellent special interest safaris at certain
times of the year:
Seasons
Zimbabwe offers exceptional wildlife and game viewing an all year
round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal
for special interest travelers:
- Birding season is from Nov - March when the waterways of the
Zambezi and Lake Kariba are home to the many migratory birds during
their breeding season.
- Botanical season is from Dec - May when the vegetation is lush
and green, and also when most plants are in flower.
- Photography is excellent year-round, but depending on what your
main interests are, note that the scenery is most spectacular
from Sept - Feb during the first rains. For wildlife the winter
months from May - Sept is best, as the vegetation is less dense
and game viewing is generally more prolific.
Seasons
• Zimbabwe’s high season is from July - October. Due
to the low number of rooms in most of the Zimbabwe lodges and
camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential
to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy
time’ in Zimbabwe’s national parks and reserves.
Also
take note of the following:
The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the
rainy season, although the thick spray may obscure your view (a
flip by helicopter or micro-light is an amazing way of viewing
the falls). At the end of the dry season, October to December,
the water levels are low and one can see the magnificent rock
formation of the falls. River rafting is most exciting during
low water (August to December) and is limited at high water.
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WHEN TO TRAVEL AFRICA AND BEST TIME TO VISIT
