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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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."
