Bearing in mind that there’s always something to fascinating to see or do on a southern
African safari, there really is no best time to travel. That said, each season does have its highlights.
The Rain in Africa
The rainy season in Southern Africa is usually from November to March but can vary considerably, even within one country. In South Africa, Cape Town is a winter rainfall area (April to October), while the eastern parts of the country are prone to summer showers.
In the major game-viewing areas of South Africa, rainfall takes the form of brief, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms.
Winter in southern Africa is not cold by international standards, with temperatures rarely dipping below zero.
Best Places for a Southern African Safari in our Summer
While game viewing is generally easier during the winter (a result of the lower grasses and less dense bush) you can still enjoy incredible sightings year round in established game viewing areas such as the Kruger National Park. Guided safaris and walks will take you into the heart of the action whenever you decide to travel.
Summer is the best time to visit Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans which are filled with flamingos and host to the longest zebra migration on Earth.
It’s also the time for turtles to hatch all along the Indian Ocean seaboard.
Birding in southern Africa is at its peak during the summer with over 200 species in-house for their breeding season. In Botswana’s northern Chobe National Park, keen birders can tick off up to 300 species during a 4-day trip. The Okavango Delta is a lush water wonderland for birders during the summer.
The bat migration is in full flight at Zambia’s Kasanka National Park in summer.
Safaris in Southern Africa in our Winter
Due to its very hot climate, winter is the best time to visit Namibia. You’ll be grateful for the cooler daytime temperatures on your safaris to see the desert lions, rhinos and elephants of Damaraland.
Like all southern African safari destinations, game viewing is at its peak in Etosha National Park. It’s also a great time to photograph the shimmering scenes of the pan at its driest.
Autumn and spring in Southern Africa
Apart from the occasional shower, spring is a wonderful season to visit Southern Africa. The wild spaces of most regions are at their prettiest, and the first baby animals are starting to make their appearance after the first rains.
Experience a southern African safari of a different kind as fields of wild flowers erupt into color in the West Coast National Park (August and September). Or take a wander in the Postberg in search of red hartebeest, Cape grysbok, eland and caracal where you may even get to see whales offshore.
Spring conditions are great for safaris in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana - there isn’t too much water around and the vegetation hasn’t yet reached its lush summer extremes.
Picking the Perfect Time for You
If you want to avoid the hubbub, try to book a seasonal safari during the shoulder periods outside of school holidays.
Get in touch and we can arrange it all for you. We have the know-how to tailor-make your southern African safari of a lifetime, regardless of the season.
