When is the best time to go on an African safari
Article By: Alex Roldan
When is the best time to go on an African safari? This is a very relevant question which, as a Professional Field Guide, I have been asked countless times - and my answer remains pretty much the same. Any time is great to experience an African safari. That may sound like a bold statement, but it’s true. Any time is indeed the best time to experience the beauty of Africa because it has so much to offer all year round. However, it also depends on your personal reasons for visiting and where in Africa you wish to go.
Southern Africa has an abundance of different habitats and biomes – it is pretty much a guarantee that you will develop a serious case of wanderlust when looking through photos, itineraries and suggested attractions. One thing to certainly take into consideration is that Southern Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere – so the seasons are opposite with very short spring (September to November) and autumnal (March to May) seasons in comparison to the Northern Hemisphere. The winter (June to August) is much dryer and a little cooler (especially at night), whereas the summer (December to February) is hotter, more humid with spectacular thunderstorms.
As with any destination, seasons need to be taken into consideration when planning your trip. They are an important part in determining what you are likely to see and experience. If your trip is planned for spring/summer; the African bush will be much fuller and greener – with tall grasses, flowers, trees in full bloom, beautifully coloured migratory birds spending the northern winter months in warmer climates. You’ll also see lots of animals being born; both the herbivores and carnivores – this is a very relaxing time to be in the bush with the flora and fauna all at their most impressive.
In comparison, the autumn and winter months are much dryer. But this isn't necessarily a negative point. Far from it. The bush may be less green, but that means the wildlife will be more centric towards water sources; improving your chances to see the Big Five or even Magnificent Seven (not the cowboys...). These seasons will give you a much clearer opportunity to view the wildlife and potentially see the rut, whereby the antelope species are battling for dominance amongst each other.
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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!
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Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%
...read moreRecommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.
From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.
Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.
Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see
...read moreWe’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly
...read moreOur experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.
So, in conclusion – there is no conclusive answer. Your trip to Southern Africa should be planned around what you would like experience. Perhaps speaking with friends or relatives which have been previously will give you a taster – or – speak to a reputable, experienced guide, organisation or travel consultant who will be more than happy to talk with you until your heart is content about when is the best time to travel to Southern Africa and the life-changing experience that is going on a safari.
“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”
* John Hemingway
Article By: ALEX ROLDAN
"Alex has a number of years' marketing and social media experience. He made the decision to leave the corporate world a few years ago to study and qualify as a Field Guide, to enable him to pursue a life-long ambition and change his career path to one where by he can be actively involved with eco-tourism and wildlife conservation and educating people about the importance of the natural world. He has experience of living, travelling and working in South Africa and enjoys getting back to Africa and the bush as much as possible. He has a huge passion for nature and wildlife photography and his camera is never far from his side."
