BEST TIME OF THE DAY IS WILDLIFE MOST ACTIVE IN EAST AFRICA
Overview
Timing is one of the most crucial factors to take into account while organizing a wildlife safari in East Africa. The time of day you choose to drive might significantly affect your chances of viewing wildlife because various species have distinct patterns of activity. Knowing when to go on safari can greatly enhance your experience, whether you're in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda. The optimum times of day to see wildlife in East African parks depend on the environment and the natural activities of the animals.
Cooler times, especially dawn and dusk, when temperatures are more comfortable and animals are searching for food or water, are usually when wildlife is most active.
The ideal times of day to self-drive in East Africa to see animals are broken down here, with an emphasis on early morning, midday, late afternoon, and night.
Safari in the Early Morning:
The Greatest Time to See Wildlife
Early in the morning, just before and after sunrise, is the ideal time to begin an East African safari. The best time to see animals is during this time, which is usually between 6 and 9 in the morning. This is the reason:
Lower Temperatures:
Since it's cooler in the early morning than it is in the middle of the day, many animals would rather be active during these times to avoid the sun's heat. During the chilly early morning hours, many herbivores, including antelopes, giraffes, and zebras, graze and drink water. As they wrap up their hunts or start searching for prey, predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also more likely to be spotted in the early morning.
Predator Activity:
A lot of predators prefer to hunt early in the morning, particularly large cats like lions and leopards. They frequently take a nap during the sweltering noon hours after hunting all night. Thus, you have the opportunity to view a predator dining on its victim or even the conclusion of a hunt in the early morning. Witnessing a cheetah hunting its prey or a lion strolling across the grassland in the refreshing early light is an experience that will never be forgotten.
Bird Watching:
The best time of day to observe birds is in the morning. Dawn is when many bird species are most active, singing and foraging for food. As the day begins, you can observe a variety of bird species in East Africa, ranging from small songbirds to raptors.
Fewer Visitors:
If you're staying at a lodge or camp that provides early-morning game drives, early morning safaris frequently have fewer visitors. The noise and bustle of noon safari vehicles are eliminated, allowing you to have a more tranquil time in nature.
What to anticipate:
You might need to pack warm clothes because it's cold in the morning, especially if you're going on an open-air vehicle safari.
The best opportunity to witness predators in action is during early morning drives.
Herbivores, which are important components of the food chain, will be visible as they graze and drink water.
Safari at Midday:
When the Heat of the Day Sets in the worst time of day for an East African safari is midday, which normally occurs between 11 AM and 3 PM. Since the sun is at its hottest during this time, many animals hide from the heat. But at this time, there are a few things to remember:
Animal Rest Period:
In the heat of the day, most animals are not particularly active. In order to stay cool, lions, leopards, and other predators can be seen sleeping in tall grass or behind trees. During this time, herbivores like buffalo and elephants also take a break. This is due to the fact that hunting or grazing in the blazing midday sun is physically taxing.
Decreased Sightings:
It can be more difficult to see animals in the middle of the day due to the heat. Since many animals’ shelters from the sun's beams, the dense flora and animal cover become even more crucial. It may also take longer to locate animals because they are typically more dispersed.
Best for Bird Watching:
Midday is a fantastic time to observe birds, but it's not the best time to observe mammals. The heat of the day increases the activity of some animals, like vultures. Eagles and other soaring birds of prey may be simpler to identify as they look for thermals, which are rising air currents that aid in soaring, to keep them in the air.
Impact of Heat on Wildlife:
Elephants, for example, have acclimated to the heat and can be observed drinking from or cooling off in waterholes. It may be worthwhile to visit the park's waterholes or rivers during this time of year, as they turn into hotspots where animals congregate to drink, take a bath, or cool down.
What to anticipate:
In order to stay cool, animals will primarily be hiding or sleeping in areas with shade.
Wildlife, particularly predators, could be more difficult to notice.
You can appreciate quieter parks around midday because it's less busy, but you won't see as much animals.
It can get really hot on a midday safari, so pack plenty of drink and sunscreen.
Safari in the Late Afternoon:
Another Magnificent Moment for Wildlife
In East Africa, the late afternoon, from roughly 3 PM until sunset (roughly 6 PM to 7 PM), is another excellent time to see animals. The light conditions can produce some of the best safari experiences, as animals begin to get active again after the midday heat.
Cooling Off:
As the sun sets, the temperature drops and a lot of creatures start up again. Predators, especially lions, leopards, and cheetahs, become more active as they begin their hunting habits, while herbivores resume their grazing. Because predators often hunt in the late afternoon and evening, this time of day is particularly conducive to witnessing predator-prey interactions.
Hunting Predators:
One of the best times to observe predators getting ready for their nighttime hunts is in the late afternoon. For example, lions frequently start looking for prey around this hour. If you're lucky, you might even see a dramatic pursuit or observe lions hunting a herd of gazelles.
Great Lighting for Photography:
The golden hour, which is right before sunset, offers stunning lighting for pictures. Long shadows are created by the gentle, warm light, which also intensifies the hues of the surrounding area and the creatures. Since animals are frequently silhouetted against a gorgeous sunset backdrop, this is one of the most picturesque times of day to get breathtaking wildlife shots.
Animals With Higher Activity Levels:
Animals become more active when the temperature drops. The cooler weather is ideal for hunting by birds, particularly raptors. Herbivores will resume their foraging after possibly resting in the sun. Because it's cooler and more comfortable for them to walk around, many animals in East African parks are most active in the late afternoon.
What to anticipate:
Right now, the light is ideal for photographing the splendor of East African animals.
As the temperature decreases, animals—including predators—become more active.
The opportunity to witness animals in action, especially during hunts, is frequently provided by late afternoon safaris.
Safari at Night:
A Unique Experience (In Certain Parks)
Some East African parks provide evening safaris, which can be an interesting and distinctive way to see animals, however this isn't always possible. Nocturnal animals come to life after dark in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, Kenya's Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and private game reserves.
Nocturnal species:
A large number of species in East Africa are active at night. After dusk, lions, hyenas, leopards, and even elephants are known to be active. You may be able to view some of the more elusive and timid creatures that are hard to spot during the day.
Hunting at Night:
Because hunting is easier in the cooler weather, lions are more active at night. You might get the opportunity to see them in action, hunting in the dark, when you go on a night safari.
Nighttime Sounds:
The sounds of the African wilderness are another delight of a safari at night. Nocturnal creatures like jackals, hyenas, and owls offer a distinctive sound experience that is absent from daytime drives.
What to anticipate:
Only a few parks allow nighttime safaris, which require specific permits.
Big cats, hyenas, and other nocturnal creatures might be visible.
Although they might be more difficult and call for knowledgeable guides, night safaris provide a distinctive opportunity to view the outdoors.
In conclusion, the optimum times to drive in East African parks to see wildlife are mostly determined by the climate and animal activity patterns. Since animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, these are typically the ideal times to see a variety of creatures. Most animals sleep in the shade to avoid the heat during the quieter midday hours. Schedule your game drives for the early morning and late afternoon for the most enjoyable experience. With the correct time and a little bit of luck, you may see East Africa's amazing wildlife in all its splendor.