by Emma Gass, 11 February 2010

Choosing when to travel to Africa seems fraught with complicated natural cycles and best time to travel seasons. But I'm here to tell you to relax; just because you're not going when everyone else is doesn't mean you aren't going to have a spectacular and memorable African holiday. In fact choosing to visit Africa at a less obvious time could result in an even more authentic experience.

The Masai Mara when there is no migration

The great migration that takes place in East Africa each year is billed as the greatest show on earth. In fact there is so much emphasis on this safari spectacle that many people are left wondering if there are any animals left in the Masai Mara when the migration is not there.

First, one needs to understand that the great migration is not a science. Instead it relies on weather patterns, rains, and animal instinct to dictate its movement. But generally speaking, the migration will have moved from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti by December at least and only start moving back to the Mara in about June. This means that if seeing the migration is your main aim, it can always be found somewhere between the plains of the Masai Mara and the savannahs of the Serengeti.

The other thing about the migration is that it consists mainly of wildebeest, millions of wildebeest in fact. All very overwhelming and exciting but when these beasts move on the other antelope, the predators and the sought -after Big 5 remain behind, making for much more diverse and some would say, far more interesting game viewing.

As Maureen Stover, Go2Africa's East Africa expert says, "you are always guaranteed of great game viewing in East Africa.” The Masai Mara especially is an area with a high concentration of game at any time of year.

Between December and June is also birthing time in the Masai Mara, with cute and spindly-legged young wobbling around, usually with predators not far behind. The sprinkling of rain during this time also softens the African environment with a touch of green. All in all, a very rewarding time to visit the Masai Mara.

Victoria Falls during the dry season

Victoria Falls is one of the most incredible natural sights in the world. And that's official; Victoria Falls is the largest continuous curtain of falling water in the world, stretching 1700m across and is up to 110m deep, and for this reason is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

As with most things in nature the falls have a cycle; they are at their fullest straight after the rainy season from February to May and is at its driest after the dry season from about October to December.

Although the Falls are at their most spectacular when the largest amount of water is flowing over its rim and the spray from the falls can be seen 50km away it could be argued that it isn't the best time to actually see the Falls. The spray is so dense that it's impossible to see the bottom of the gorge and you'd better insure your camera against water damage. However, seeing the falls from the Zimbabwe side is always an impressive sight, even in the middle of November.

But Victoria Falls is about so much more than just the Falls. Victoria Falls has become the adrenaline capital of Africa. Even if you don't think you're into that kind of stuff, the vibe is contagious and before you know it you're signing up for all kinds of heart rate raising activities.

Two of the most exciting adrenalin activities are only available when the falls are drier; white water rafting on the Zambezi River and swimming in the "Devil's Pool” on the very edge of the waterfall are only possible when the waters of the Zambezi are low.

Whale Coast out of whale season

There is a beautiful stretch of coastline that curves and juts and extends from just outside of Cape Town, through Hermanus and up towards the start of the Garden Route, that is known as "The Whale Coast”. It deserves this name between June and November each year when hundreds of Southern Right Whales can be seen from the shore, from boats and even from the air.

This Whale Coast area is also famous for the suprisingly popular great white shark cage diving, where these beasts of the ocean can be seen in their natural habitat, from the safety of a cage of course. This occurs all year round and is probably more pleasant during the summer months.

The summer months from November to April are the best for exploring and stretching out on the many sandy beaches and coves in the area. Or look inland to appreciate the myriad types of fynbos that grows naturally in the area.

Whenever you choose to explore this beautiful rural area take a slow drive through the little towns so full of character and characters, like Elim the missionary town; the traditional fishing villages of Arniston and Kassiesbaai; and Cape Agulhas the little town at the most southern tip of the African continent.

An African beach holiday in an African winter

You've gone ahead and booked your dream safari holiday during Africa's winter months (about June - September) because it's a particularly good time for game viewing, but does this mean you have to pass on that African beach holiday you've been dreaming about?

In fact, it could all work out perfectly. Although Cape Town's beaches aren't that appealing during winter, the beaches of Mozambique are ideal for an active, or completely inactive, beach holiday whichever you prefer.

The Mozambique islands of the Quirimbas and Bazaruto experience most of their rainfall during the summer months which combines with the tropical heat to create a humid haze that blocks out the sun. During the winter months the humidity drops to reveal clear, blue-sky days perfect for sunning yourself on deserted palm tree-strewn beaches.

Because there is less rain during this time the underwater visibility is at its best meaning excellent scuba diving and snorkelling to rival anywhere in the world. May to September is also sailfish season, so it's the perfect time to try your hand at game fishing in one of the best fishing destinations in the world.

The Seychelles islands and the Zanzibar islands are also great African winter beach choices. The Seychelles provide warm water and warm days all year round and Zanzibar's winter months (June-September) coincide with its dry, high season.

Readers' Comments:

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Article © Copyright 2010 Go2Africa.

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