We love going on safari. We love sending clients on safari. Many people mistakenly think there is a good time or a bad time of year to visit the bush. Not so! Each season – each month – offers surprises and unique opportunities depending on your priorities and interests.
For example, the dry season (July-Aug-Sep-Oct) offers:
- greater quantity of wildlife
- drier climate
- thinner & more open bush (animals easier to spot)
- incredible sunsets
- cooler temperatures in July & August
- fewer water sources = higher concentrations of animals
- more intense wildlife viewing
- Downside: high demand, premium prices, wind (August), high temps (Oct/Nov), parks & airports are busier, wildlife can be stressed searching for water
In comparison, the green season (Dec-Jan-Feb-Mar) offers:
- lush, green vegetation
- great birding
- quieter camps = more exclusivity
- special deals
- great photographic opportunities
- fewer people
- lots of animals having babies
- warmer temps
- longer days
- Downside: afternoon rains, can be buggy/more mosquitoes, muddy roads and trails
The shoulder months are exciting as well! It all depends on good guides, your priorities, and having realistic expectations about what you will see and experience. Expect less, be surprised by more. What is important to you? Quantity of wildlife? Quality of experience? Photographic opportunities? For example, several of our clients who have visited Africa on multiple occasions prefer to go on safari in May. Often you can get shoulder season rates, the rains have ended, the animals are getting easier to find and the parks still aren’t crowded. Through our Safari Planner, we help you to prioritize and focus on what you want to get out of the safari experience. For us, the most important thing is to increase your understanding and match your expectations with reality. This is where Global Sojourns really excels.