When planning a safari in Southern Africa, understanding how safari seasons work is far more useful than simply asking for the “best” month to travel.

Across Africa, seasonal changes are driven primarily by rainfall – which in turn affects vegetation, water availability, wildlife movement, and the overall safari experience. These patterns explain why certain months deliver more predictable game viewing, while others offer greener landscapes, fewer vehicles, and yes, better value.

While the dry winter and spring months are often associated with classic safari conditions, every season has its own character. Knowing what changes through the year, and why, allows you to choose the right destination and timing for your particular interests. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a wonderful safari outside that window — it just changes what you can expect, and where you should go.

This guide explains the core principles behind safari seasons in Southern Africa, what to expect month by month, and how seasonal patterns influence wildlife viewing across the region.

Note on East Africa: This is similar for East Africa but adding in the second dry period of December to mid-March.

Jump Links

• Dry Winter

• Spring

• Early Summer

• Green Season

If your dates are fixed: Check out your season below and then jump straight to our When to Go Where calendar (month-by-month).

How Safari Seasons Work in Southern Africa

Across Southern Africa, safari seasons are shaped primarily by rainfall patterns rather than temperature. Rain determines where animals find food and water, and therefore how predictable wildlife viewing will be at different times of year.

In broad terms, Southern Africa experiences a dry season (in winter and early spring) and a green (or wet) season (summer). Each brings very different safari conditions, from concentrated wildlife and open visibility to lush landscapes, newborn animals and migratory birdlife.

While the dry winter and spring months are often associated with classic safari experiences, this does not mean other seasons are “bad” for safari. It simply means that what you see, where you go, and how you experience the bush changes through the year.

The sections below explain why these seasonal patterns occur, what to expect at different times, and how to use this knowledge to plan around your own travel dates..

Why the Dry Season Often Delivers More Predictable Game Viewing

During the dry winter months, wildlife movement in Southern Africa becomes increasingly concentrated and predictable. Animals need food and water, so as surface water dries up and grazing diminishes, they’re drawn to permanent rivers, waterholes and remaining nutritious grasslands.

Because animals need to drink regularly, they tend to stay within close proximity to  the water sources. As the dry season progresses, this effect intensifies – increasing the likelihood of repeated sightings in known locations. Reduced vegetation also improves visibility, making it easier to spot wildlife and follow their movements. This is why dry-season safaris often feel more productive, even when overall animal numbers remain the same.

How Safari Seasons Work in Southern Africa

Much of what I say below also holds for East Africa. But because of their two rainy seasons and the pattern of animal migration, you might want to look at our page on the Best time to for a safari in East Africa, as well plus our page about the Serengeti migration.

Dry Winter Conditions: Late May to August

Why it’s so good

The dry winter months form the core safari season across much of Southern Africa. Rainfall is minimal, grasses are shorter, and animals increasingly depend on permanent water sources.

• Wildlife concentrates around water sources, so sightings become more predictable as the dry season continues.

• Vegetation thins out, making animals easier to spot, and walking safaris more viable, as it lowers the danger factor of stumbling upon a dangerous animal unexpectedly.

• Days are a pleasant temperature, and drives can be longer and more comfortable, even all day in some East African reserves, with your guide taking a picnic lunch to enjoy in the bush. (Plus the mornings start later so you have a relative sleep-in!)

• You don’t need a roof canopy on your vehicle which can restrict your view. Especially important if you’re a keen photographer or birder.

All these factors make it the best time for a safari.

It’s also when the Okavango Delta is in full flood and Victoria Falls  is generally at its best, and the rivers of the Zambezi and Chobe  are a magnet for animals.

Downside

• Dust increases and landscapes can look very drier as winter progresses.

• Nights can be cold, especially in South Africa.

• Not such as wonderful time to visit the Cape province in South Africa

• Peak game-viewing = peak season pricing in many countries, particularly Botswana, Zambia & East Africa for the migration. (Zimbabwe is less affected and South African lodges tend to have annual prices as their seasonality is not so marked – see later for why.)

Bottom Line: This season tends to have the strongest all-round safari credentials so its often considered the classic safari season.

Spring Conditions (Sept to Oct) – great safari season

As winter gives way to spring, dry-season patterns reach their most intense point. Water becomes increasingly scarce, and wildlife concentrations around rivers can be be spectacular.

This period often delivers some of the most dramatic wildlife encounters of the year, whilst also introducing rising temperatures and more demanding conditions for travellers.

Note: In South Africa, it is also an attractive time to be in the Cape (during the springtime) so it’s a fun time for a varied sightseeing and safari trip.

Downsides

• But it can become very dry and dusty (though big river systems of theSouth Luangwa and Zambezi, and the Okavango Delta can feel less affected). But it will be very noticeable in the Savuti, the Moremi, the Kruger and many other areas.

• Temperatures rise sharply. (There is a reason October is colloquially called ‘Suicide’ month in the safari industry, especially in Zambia.) October can be extremely hot in parts of Southern Africa. Physically, your safari becomes ‘harder’ though the game-viewing does make up for this.

• Walking safaris are usually shorter and end by 8am as it’s simply too hot out to walk. Set departure mobile walking safaris end by end of September.

Bottom Line: Excellent safari season for wildlife sightings, as long as you can cope with heat, especially in October.

So what are the implications if you simply cannot come on safari at this time? What can you expect when travelling at a different time?

Early Summer: November to December

Early summer marks a transition period in Southern Africa, and can be tricky. The first rains usually arrive in late October/November, triggering rapid changes in vegetation and animal behaviour.

Once rain comes, animals no longer need to gather at waterholes. In fact they now want to leave those areas as they’ve been eatern out!

Plus, in most parts of Southern Africa, game reserves are unfenced and vast. When the rains arrive, animals – particularly elephants, wildebeest and zebra – are able to trek long distances in search of fresh nutritious grazing, even to completely new regions. (As usually the areas around the waterholes and rivers have been eaten out.) Now they can survive surface water and newly running streams.

The bush transforms almost overnight, shifting the focus of a safari from concentration to exploration.

Note: This phenomenon is not as dramatic in South Africa as the game reserves are fenced and have a good road network, as the animals cannot trek away as far. BUT they will not be as concentrated.

Upsides

• Safari prices come down dramatically in November to reflect this change. (Even in South Africa with its annual pricing, there are often long stay offers).

• Immediately after the summer rains come, the animals start having babies so this is a time when you will start to see lots of young animals.

• The bush bursts into colour

• And it’s a wonderful time to visit other parts of South Africa

Bottom line: immediately after the rains is often not ideal for classic concentrated game viewing – unless you’re going with the right expectations. Or you are having a varied holiday in South Africa.

Green Season: January to March

The green season – sometimes also called the “Emerald Season” – is when Southern Africa is at its most lush, vibrant and beautiful. Rainfall refreshes the landscape, skies become dramatic, and many animals give birth during this period.

Game viewing is usually less prolific than in winter because bush is dense and wildlife is generally more dispersed and visibility is reduced. (See November to December)

So the green season offers a very different safari atmosphere, with fewer vehicles, excellent birding and striking photographic conditions.

The afternoon rains bring slightly cooler weather, you might even need a sweater after the rains, though days are hot and sunny.

Some bush camps in more flood-prone areas of Zimbabwe and Zambia actually close from mid /end November until April/May.

But the season has real strengths:

Upsides

• Lots of Baby animals, colourful landscapes, dramatic skies, and excellent photography light (especially around dawn/sunset).

• Birding is often fantastic with Summer migratory birds adding to the resident species and breeding plumage.

• Wonderful time for butterflies, flowers, and colourful insects.

• Prices typically drop into low season from around November, so value can be excellent until March.

• Fewer vehicles around

• Exciting time to visit if you want to combine a South African safari with other interests such as Cape Town, the Winelands, or the Garden Route.

BUT please don’t expect to see 100 elephants drinking from the river!

Downsides

• Hotter, more humid conditions and mosquitoes can be more noticeable.

• Some periods of rain, usually afternoon thunder showers

• You’ll generally see fewer large concentrations of wildlife

Note on Kruger in South Africa

It’s a mixed bag in South Africa. It can be a wonderful time to visit with all the upsides above. BUT the Kruger and northern KwaZulu Natal are closer to the summer cyclonic effects which impact Mozambique. So they can have day of heavy rain sometimes in January or February.

So you may be lucky, or you may have a very rainy and non-productive experience.

At this time, we generally recommend other regions such as the Eastern Cape, Madikwe  or Welgevonden (those these latter regions are also in the Summer rainfall region)   

HOT TIP: The winter or transitional rainfall of the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa actually makes the summer season an enjoyable time to visit. Check out our Eastern Cape Game Reserve pages.

Useful Links

Sometimes you have to come outside of peak time. If so, check out our Green Season Safari suggestions for the best places for a safari during those months.

Transitional Season: April and May

As summer rains ease, usually from late March into April, the bush begins to dry out and seasonal patterns shift once again. Grazing near rivers and waterholes improves, gradually drawing animals back toward these areas.

Wildlife sightings become more consistent than during peak green season, but without the intensity – or peak season pricing – of the later dry months. Combined with quieter camps and comfortable temperatures, this period is often considered a natural bridge between seasons.

It could be considered the “sweet spot” if the high season pricing horrifies you.

And in South Africa, it’s also a great time to combine with the Meditteranean Cape before the winter chill sets in.

Using Safari Seasons to Plan Your Trip

Understanding safari seasons allows you to make informed choices – especially if your travel dates are fixed.

• If safari is the main purpose of your trip: aim for dry season if you can (June – October).

• If you are combining safari with scenic touring or city stays, parts of South Africa can work well outside peak safari months. Think Eastern Cape or Welgevonden. And, because the parks/reserves are fenced, they are less affected by summer rain dispersal. Though be wary of the Kruger in January/ February time.

• If your dates are fixed: use the month-by-month calendar to choose the best destination for that time

Related Blog Posts