What Time of Day is Best for Safari Travel?
OVERVIEW
Most African nations are open all year round, depending on your interests, despite the fact that there has been much written about the ideal time of year to visit. Wildlife is the main draw for many visitors to this enormous and varied continent.
The so-called 'peak season' is precisely that—peak—and lodgings are typically reserved well in advance. Due to the modest size of many Safaris Lodges, room is limited. It is best to make reservations far in advance if you wish to witness the splendor of the Great Migration in East Africa. This is also true if you plan to visit Cape Town and the Winelands in December.
Knowing how seasonal trends may impact your travel is crucial. However, keep in mind that the weather is unpredictable, so it's possible to have thundershowers in the middle of the dry season or days without rain during the rainy season!
The Wet Season
It might be challenging to see wildlife during these times since the grass can be tall in certain places following the rains. since of the abundant water supply in certain places, the wildlife will move about throughout the rainy season since they are not reliant on water holes.
The Dry Season
In Africa, the dry season is usually the greatest time to see game. Trees have less foliage to block the view, the vegetation thins down, and animals are drawn to permanent water sources.
Winter (May–August) and the warmer spring months of September and October often make up this ideal safari season. During the dry winter months of May, June, July, and August, the weather is pleasant. The evenings are a bit chilly, while the days are pleasant.
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are in East Africa.
East Africa experiences two distinct rainy seasons: the first, referred to as the long rains, lasts from April to June, while the shorter season lasts from late November to December. Due mostly to poor road conditions, several homes in the game watching regions do close in April and May.
During this time, the Zanzibar islands are also impacted. Since wildlife tends to congregate near water sources, game viewing is typically better during the dry seasons. Since the animals follow the young grasses, which rely on rainfall, weather patterns are crucial to the big migration.
Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa make up Southern Africa.
The rainy season typically lasts from November to March in the majority of Southern Africa. This is especially valid for the safari regions. Although the summer months may be fruitful, particularly for avid birders, as the migratory species nest at this time, and the Okavango Delta, for instance, becomes a paradise, the dry winter months are the busiest safari season since that is when the wildlife concentrates around the water sources.
Because of poor road conditions, parts of Zambia, including South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, might become inaccessible during certain seasons. Between November and April, certain properties do close.
Summer is the best time of year to visit the Western Cape region, which includes Cape Town, because of the region's propensity for winter rains.
Islands in the Indian Ocean
With summer rains from November to March, the islands' weather patterns are comparable to those of Southern Africa. May through October is the best time of year to go. Extremely bad weather, including severe flooding and cyclones in February and March, can impact Madagascar and portions of Mozambique.
When to Travel to Africa
Researching the ideal time to visit for the experience you want is a smart idea when organizing your African safari or vacation. The migratory herds you came to observe have moved on, and you don't want to begin your beach vacation during hurricane season.
Africa often has year-round warmth and sunshine. However, some nations—and even areas inside those nations have diverse climates.
The distinction between the dry and rainy seasons in each location is the most important weather-related consideration when organizing an African safari.
The Ideal Time to Travel to East Africa
East Africa has more complicated seasons, so choosing the right time to visit depends on the kind of safari you wish to organize.
Wildebeest Migration and General Game Viewing
All year long, the majority of East African safari regions experience pleasant days, refreshing nights, and top-notch wildlife watching. However, the two different rainy seasons in the area should be noted:
During the "long rains" in April and May
(The "short rains") November to December
Tropical downpours typically occur in the afternoons during the major rainy season, which is the long rains, and many safari camps close. Although there are sporadic, light showers throughout the short rainy season, safari camps remain open and animal watching is excellent.