Climate – and in particular rainfall and flooding – is inextricably linked with game movements. We believe that this very important subject is, generally, poorly understood. It is too easy to say that the "dry season is the best". This statement is partly true - for some of the time, in some safari destinations and for some of the activities on offer. It can never be wholly true. We pride ourselves in having a deep understanding of the subject, built up from working actually on location. If we haven’t been somewhere ourselves, we know the right questions to ask the right people.
Below is a brief, simplified summary of climate but you need to speak to us to find out the optimum when, what and where for the things you want to see and do! Obviously there are unseasonable weather patterns that can change things but we promise to manage your expectations totally and truthfully. We are only interested in creating for you a personal safari journey that will change your life. You will travel with us knowing that you had the best advice and knowledge available.
East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya)
East Africa is Equatorial so the climate is fairly constant and it is a year-round destination.
Tanzania’s climate is predominantly tropical. For the whole country, the hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August when the nights and early mornings can be cold. Year-round in high altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro temperatures can fall below freezing. Coastal areas are hot and humid with an average daytime temperature of 30°C. Sea breezes make the climate especially pleasant from June to September. The long rains are from mid March to late May, and the short rains from November to January. Many camps are closed for maintenance during the long rains.
Kenya’s climate varies across the country from the tropical humidity of the coastline, to the dry heat of the savannah and the hinterland, to the cooler air at altitude. There are two distinct rainy seasons similar to Tanzania.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
Southern Africa is also a year-round destination.
The general rule is that the dry winter months (April to October) are best for game viewing safaris to the interior of the region. During this time, a general absence of surface water causes game to concentrate around the few remaining sources of drinking water, and the short grass and absence of foliage also make for easier sightings of the animals. As the dry season progresses, these effects become more pronounced - the period from July to October (the second half of the dry season) is generally considered peak season in most of southern Africa's safari areas.
The Okavango Delta in Botswana will be in full flood at this time and that has its own effect on game in the different camps in that region.
The period from December through to March is known as the "green season". This is when most of southern Africa's safari areas receive their annual rainfall. Typically, this rain comes in the form of short, sharp afternoon thunder showers that clear up within an hour or so. Rain is unlikely to interrupt your safari activity schedule, the impact is indirect with only puddles of water throughout the bush.
During the "green season" some of the game is no longer dependent on the permanent drinking holes and disperses to lusher areas, the grass grows back and trees have leaves, so visibility is tougher than during the stark dry season.
The main benefit of travelling in the "green season" is that many species of plains game give birth to their young around the start of the rains, and the bush is alive with new born babies. This time can often be tough for mothers and their young with regards to the presence of predators and scavengers. At this time of year migrant birds return making for some of the best birding in the world and the beautiful colours and gentle light make for great photographic opportunities.
There are significant discounts travelling at this time compared to the peak season of April to November.