Travel Tips

Green Season: the Best Time to go to Africa

Written by Marike Cronjé

Planning your safari to Africa might seem daunting when you don’t know the ins and outs of the continent’s traveling seasons. Categorised by three seasons, namely High Season (also known as Peak Season), Low Season (also referred to as Green Season) and Shoulder Season, we are here to help you find the best time go to Africa.

Safari goers flock to Southern and East Africa during the high season to witness animals congregate around the remaining water sources in the dry African plains. Although wildlife sightings are guaranteed, you might find yourself competing with the crowds on safari as well as at the lodges. We prefer to do things a little differently which is why we are here to tell you that the best time to go to Africa, is not always as it seems. When the short rains start to erupt across the African landscapes, the crowds of the high season retreat and the parched bush terrain transforms into a vivid, lush landscape alive with activity, Green Season has made its way to Africa. Flowers come to bloom, an abundance of migrant birds fill the air and animals bring their young to feed with predators waiting on the sideline. Why not avoid the hustle and bustle of the peak season and discover the perks of traveling during Green Season, the best time to go to Africa, in our opinion.

Why Green Season is the best time to go to Africa:

Calving season. Hundreds of newborn antelope are bound to attract predators so you can expect to witness cheetah, lion and leopard in action.
Photographer’s dream. The rain transforms the dry winter vegetation into vivid green landscapes with clean-washed air and striking sunsets.
Fewer crowds and lower rates. You can expect up to 30% off high season rates* and to enjoy the same wildlife scenes with fewer vehicles competing for the action.
Birds! The summer months bring a bounty of amazing migratory birds in breeding plumage that prepare to build their nests and raise their young during this time.
Avoid cold temperatures. Because Green Season coincides with summer in Africa, you can expect higher temperatures on your morning game drives opposed to cooler mornings in the dry season.

Red lechwe's bounding through the water

“Hundreds of newborn antelope are bound to attract predators so you can expect to witness cheetah, lion and leopard in action.”

Tanzania’s Green Season

The best time to travel to Tanzania is in November when short rains trigger the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and draw the herds to feast on the fresh new grass in the Southern Serengeti with their newborn calves. During April and May the herds will be scattered between Southern and Central Serengeti, giving you access to the migration by vehicle. This way you get front row seats to the natural phenomenon, without paying for charter flights.

Pros of traveling in Tanzania’s Green Season

Expect almost 50% off high season rates
Escape the crowds
Good opportunity for photographers as the landscapes are green and lush

“Short rains trigger the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and draw the herds to feast on the fresh new grass in the Southern Serengeti with their newborn calves”

Wildebeest with new born calf.

Botswana’s Green Season

The rainy season starts in December, with the bulk of the rain falling in January and February which keeps the landscapes lush and vivid green until end of April. The low season, from December to March, is the best time to travel to Botswana. This means lower rates and more importantly, less crowds!

Pros of traveling in Botswana’s Green Season

Experience the Zebra migration followed by a trail of predators across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Witness a bounty of unique migratory birds flooding to all corners of Botswana
Most of the antelope give birth during the Green Season to ensure their young have enough food

Watering hole surrounded by wildlife

Watering hole surrounded by wildlife.

Africa’s Green Season offers you all the perks at half the price. Experience Africa in its true form, where wildlife thrives and onlookers are few. For the adventurer looking for a more intimate, exclusive safari experience we recommend traveling during Green Season.

If you would like to learn more about Africa’s Green Season, get in touch with our Ker & Downey® Adventurists and start planning you safari today. Are you ready?