Although organizing a safari in Southern Africa sounds great, the time of your trip will greatly affect your whole experience. From the well-known Okavango Delta of Botswana to Zimbabwe’s breathtaking Mana Pools, Southern African wildlife and scenery change drastically all year long. Knowing the seasons and how they affect wildlife sightings, temperature, and landscape will enable you to decide when best to start your journey.
Understanding Southern Africa’s Seasons
Southern Africa generally experiences two main seasons: the dry season (winter) and the wet season (summer). Each season offers a unique safari experience, and the best time to visit will depend on your priorities, such as spotting wildlife, enjoying lush landscapes, or avoiding crowds.
Dry Season (May to October) – Peak Wildlife Viewing
The dry season is the most popular time for safaris in Southern Africa, and for good reason. This period is characterized by cooler temperatures, sunny skies, and minimal rainfall. The scarcity of water forces wildlife to congregate around remaining water sources, making it easier to spot animals in large numbers.
In Botswana, the dry season is prime time to visit the Okavango Delta, where seasonal flooding creates vast waterways that attract wildlife. It’s also a great time to explore Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds gathering along the Chobe River. Similarly, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and South and North Luangwa National Park in Zambia are at their best during these months, with animals flocking to waterholes and rivers.
If you’re hoping for some good predator sightings, this is the season to visit. The dry, sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas as they hunt. For birding enthusiasts, while migratory birds may be scarce, resident species are still in abundance.
Nighttime and early morning game drives during the dry season can be quite chilly, especially in June and July, so packing warm clothing is essential. As the dry season progresses, temperatures rise, particularly from September to October, when the heat can be intense. However, these late dry season months are often the most rewarding for wildlife viewing.
Green Season (November to April)
The wet season, also referred to as the “Green Season,” is characterized by heavy rains, vibrant vegetation, and an explosion of new life. While the dense bush and tall grasses can make it more challenging to spot wildlife, this is the time when Southern Africa’s landscapes are at their most picturesque. If you’re a nature lover or a photographer, the lush scenery, dramatic skies, and vibrant sunsets are worth experiencing.
During this time, the landscapes of Botswana transform into fertile plains, drawing vast herds of zebra and wildebeest as part of their seasonal migrations. This season also coincides with the birthing season for many herbivores, including antelope, zebras, and elephants. With so many newborns around, predators are never far behind, so you’ll still have good chances of seeing big cats in action.
For birdwatchers, the green season is especially rewarding, as migratory birds return to Southern Africa. You’ll witness a dazzling array of species, including colorful bee-eaters, kingfishers, and the rare African Pitta, often seen at Hideaways Mhara River Camp. National parks such as Hwange and South Luangwa become a birdwatcher’s paradise during this time.
Just be aware that during the green season some lodges and roads in more remote areas may become inaccessible due to flooding. However, this can also be an advantage, as fewer visitors mean you can enjoy a more intimate and private safari experience.
| Green Season (November to April) | Dry Season (May to October) | Shoulder Season (Late April to Early May, October) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather | Warm and wet; frequent thunderstorms; lush landscapes | Cool to hot; minimal rainfall; clear skies | Transition between wet and dry; variable weather |
| Temperature | Hot and humid, especially in December and January | Cooler temperatures, particularly in mornings and evenings | Mild temperatures; can be warm or cool depending on month. October is very hot, reaching up to 40°C. |
| Wildlife Viewing | Wildlife is dispersed; dense vegetation can obscure views | Wildlife is concentrated around water sources; easier to spot | Wildlife is becoming more active or dispersing from water sources |
| Game Viewing | Newborn animals; less predictable sightings | High visibility; excellent for predator sightings | Good visibility; wildlife movements transitioning between wet and dry |
| Bird Watching | Peak birding season; migratory birds and vibrant plumage | Fewer migratory birds; more focus on resident species | Good birding opportunities; migratory species returning or departing |
| Scenery | Green, lush, and vibrant; dramatic skies | Drier landscapes; less greenery but clear skies | Landscapes transitioning from green to drier conditions |
| Crowds | Fewer tourists; more intimate experience | Peak tourist season; more crowded | Fewer tourists than peak season; still relatively busy |
| Rates | Lower rates; off-peak pricing; some lodges may offer discounts | Higher rates; peak pricing; less room for discounts | Intermediate rates; some lodges may offer lower prices compared to peak |
| Accessibility | Some remote areas may be inaccessible due to flooding | Most areas are accessible; well-maintained roads and lodges | Generally accessible; some areas may still have transitional conditions |
| Activities | Great for photography with vibrant landscapes; good for birdwatching | Ideal for game drives and walking safaris; popular for photography | Activities similar to dry season; some areas may be less accessible for certain activitie |
Best Safari Months by Region
While the dry season is generally considered the best time to visit, certain areas have their own peak seasons, depending on local weather patterns and wildlife movements. Let’s take a closer look at the ideal times to visit specific regions in Southern Africa:
- Botswana:
- Best time: May to October
- Highlights: The Okavango Delta floods during these months, offering excellent opportunities for boat safaris, and the wildlife is concentrated around water sources.
- Zimbabwe:
- Best time: July to October
- Highlights: Hwange National Park and Mana Pools are exceptional for game viewing during this time, especially along the Zambezi River.
- Zambia:
- Best time: June to October
- Highlights: The dry season offers superb wildlife viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks. Walking safaris, for which Zambia is famous, are also most popular during these months.
- South Africa:
- Best time: May to September
- Highlights: The winter months in Kruger National Park offer the best chance to see wildlife, as animals gather around waterholes and rivers. The vegetation is also thinner, making it easier to spot elusive creatures like leopards.
Off-Peak Travel Benefits
Traveling outside the peak dry season comes with several advantages. Though less popular for game viewing, the green season offers a different kind of beauty. With fewer tourists around, you can often secure better rates on lodges, and the landscapes are strikingly green and alive with new growth.
Additionally, animals are less concentrated, and while this might make spotting them more challenging, it also provides a more authentic, uncrowded safari experience. Photographers, in particular, enjoy the vivid contrasts and dramatic skies that the Green Season brings.
The Verdict: When Should You Go?
Ultimately, the best time to visit Southern Africa for a safari depends on what you want from the experience. If your main goal is to see large numbers of wildlife, especially big predators, the dry season from May to October is ideal. However, if you’re looking for a more serene experience with stunning landscapes and birdwatching opportunities, the green season has much to offer.
Whatever time of year you choose to visit, Southern Africa’s national parks and game reserves promise an unforgettable adventure filled with awe-inspiring wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and the timeless magic of the African wilderness.
