Did you know there's a Green Season in Africa?

One of the most common questions we receive when planning any trip, but especially African travel is, “When is the best time to visit?” While the peak travel months of June to September (Africa’s winter) are often recommended for safari adventures, the answer isn’t as simple as it seems. If wildlife viewing is your top priority, then these dry months provide excellent visibility, as sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot animals. Additionally, limited water sources cause wildlife to gather around lakes, rivers, and permanent waterholes, creating prime safari conditions.

However, there’s another season that offers unique advantages—one referred to as the Green Season. This lesser-known time of year provides exceptional value, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters. Here’s why you should consider traveling during this period.

Why Travel During the Green Season?

1. Lower Costs

Many safari lodges and camps adjust their rates based on the season, and Green Season pricing is significantly lower than peak season rates. Travelers can take advantage of special offers, including discounts, free nights, and waived single supplements. This makes it possible to experience luxury lodges and top-tier safari experiences at a fraction of the cost.

2. Fewer Crowds

Since the Green Season isn’t as heavily promoted as peak season, there are fewer tourists, meaning a more intimate and exclusive safari experience. While the high season brings larger crowds and multiple vehicles at popular sightings, the Green Season allows for quieter, more peaceful game drives—ideal for those who prefer a more private connection with nature.

3. Calving Season & Predator Action

With the arrival of seasonal rains, fresh grass growth provides the perfect conditions for many antelope species and other grazers to give birth. Witnessing the arrival of newborn animals is a magical experience, but it also attracts predators looking for an easy meal. This makes the Green Season an exciting time to observe nature’s raw beauty and the circle of life in action.

4. Birdwatching Paradise

Africa’s summer months bring an influx of migratory birds, making the Green Season a dream for birdwatchers. Combined with resident bird species, the lush landscape and abundance of insects create a haven for birdlife, offering some of the best birding opportunities anywhere in the world.

5. Longer Days & Warmer Mornings

In Southern Africa, Green Season means longer daylight hours, allowing for extended wildlife viewing in the mornings before temperatures rise. Unlike the dry season, when early morning game drives can be bitterly cold, the warmer mornings make for a more comfortable start to the day.

6. Lush Scenery & Clear Skies

The dry season can create a dusty haze due to parched riverbeds and frequent fires, but the Green Season transforms Africa’s landscapes into a vibrant paradise. Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and dramatic skies provide breathtaking scenery, with sunrises and sunsets that are even more spectacular than usual.

Green Season Timing by Region

• Southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique): November – May

• Eastern Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda): April – May (Long Rains) & November (Short Rains)

If you’re looking for a unique safari experience with fewer crowds, lower prices, and stunning landscapes, the Green Season is an incredible time to visit Africa. Embrace the beauty of this overlooked season and discover a different side of the continent’s wild wonders.