Green Season Safaris

Is a Green Season Safari Right for You?

Eastern-Cape-Giraffe-great-light Sometimes you will want (or need) to take a safari outside the "peak" safari season. The wetter summer months from December to March are generally considered to be the ''green season'' for African safaris. While wildlife is often more dispersed than during the dry season, there are plenty of reasons why experienced safari travellers actively choose this time of year. It may simply be the only time your holiday allows. Perhaps you're combining safari with Cape Town during the southern summer, escaping a northern winter or looking for the best possible value.

Let's compare and contrast the Green Season safaris in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.

What is the Green Season Like on Safari?

The Green Season is very different from the traditional safari months, but different doesn't mean worse. The game-viewing will not be as prolific as in the dry winter months. Indeed, in some countries, the animals literally leave the main parks and head off in search of fresh pastures when the rains come.

Plus it will also be harder to spot the wildlife because of the lush bush. BUT the wildlife won’t be completely absent, and there are some distinct plus points for green season safaris.

This is the time when many animals are giving birth, so you'll see lots of youngsters around.
It’s also a beautiful time of the year when all is green and lush.
Fantastic time for keen photographers with interesting skies & sunsets
Exceptional birdwatching as migratory species arrive in breeding plumage. (Plus it’s a great time for butterflies, flowers and colourful insects.)
And finally, in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia the prices are much LOWER than during the shoulder or peak seasons. Even in South Africa, where safari prices don't change much by season, there are often long stay offers during the Green Season.

For photographers, birders and repeat safari travellers, it's often one of the most rewarding times to visit. So where should you go?

South Africa

South Africa is one of the easiest countries to recommend during the Green Season. Unlike many safari destinations further north, its private reserves and national parks are generally fenced, so wildlife doesn't migrate away in response to seasonal rains. Many visitors combine safari with Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route, making the Green Season particularly attractive for a longer holiday.

Madikwe is often an excellent choice. It is in the summer rainfall area, but it is generally drier than the Kruger National Park and less prone to the cyclonic influences coming in from the Indian Ocean from mid-January to early March.

The Eastern Cape game reserves and the few Western Cape reserves are about the only area in Africa where the months of May to August are NOT the best time for a safari. The Eastern Cape has a temperate transitional climate which means that it can rain at any time of year. But its winters are pretty cold and so the animals tend to head for protective thick bushveld away.

So actually, the green season safari months of summer are THE PERFECT time for a safari here. There may be some rain but much less than elsewhere in Africa.

Zambia

Many safari camps in Zambia close during the peak rainy season as floodplains become inaccessible. However, there are notable exceptions.

Some of the central lodges of the South Luangwa remain open for green season safaris. Some bush camps also open especially for a few weeks. During this time they focus on game walks, boating and game drives in the part of the park which is not flooded. This can be surprisingly good for game-viewing given that the animals are ‘forced’ to hang out in these non-flooded areas as well. If you're looking for a more unusual safari experience with relatively few visitors, this can be an excellent choice.

Botswana

Botswana has two attractive reasons to visit at this time of year.

Firstly, November, and again from mid January to March are some of the best months to visit the Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi pans in Botswana with the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest to and from these areas.

But, more mundanely, nearly all Botswana camps offer very attractive Green Season pricing. This means that the price of the camps can be easily less than HALF the price of the peak season. If the very high cost of a Botswana safari in July or August brings on a panic attack, then this is the way to see the beauty of the Okavango Delta. Without having to pawn your Granny’s jewellery collection...

Check out our blog articles on Best time to Travel.

Not sure whether the Green Season is right for you? Our Africa specialists will help you choose the destination that best matches your travel dates and interests. Contact us to get started!

Frequently asked questions

Yes and No. Wildlife viewing is different rather than inferior. While animals are generally more dispersed (and may be harder to find), you’ll enjoy lush scenery, fewer visitors, newborn wildlife and excellent birdwatching.

Usually not. Rain often falls as short afternoon or evening thunderstorms, with spurts of sunshine before and after. However, with rain comes the lush bush!

South Africa offers consistently good wildlife viewing year-round, while Botswana provides excellent value and Zambia offers a more adventurous safari experience for those happy to embrace the season.