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Timing is everything. If you want the best seats in the house, you need to book your place well in advance. When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime journeys to Africa’s vast playground, you definitely want to be in the front row seats for all the legendary spectacles.
If you want to witness the Wildebeest Migration’s epic river crossings or see the Victoria Falls in full flood, enquire now. If you're still deciding, here is our guide to what you need to book now, in July and August, to get the best views three, six and 12 months from now.
3 months from now: October / November
Southern Africa in October and November is very hot, especially in inland destinations like Botswana. The southern coastline around Cape Town warms up wonderfully after a wet, chilly winter – its climate is milder and more temperate, so it will get into full summer sunshine by December.
Traditionally, the heat in the interior keeps all but the hardiest travellers out but if you enjoy sizzling hot summer days, the reward is having superb wilderness areas all to yourself! So if you don’t fear heat, book now for a Zambia safari. This exceptional destination is completely dry in October and offers some of the best game viewing on the continent with legendary guides.
We recommend A 9-day safari that combines two of Zambia’s best wildlife areas – the Basunga Plains in Kafue and the Lower Zambezi National Park – with two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.
East Africa in October and November is shoulder and low season respectively, which means you get much more value for your travel dollar, share the wilderness with fewer travellers and still get all the grandeur of Africa’s iconic great plains. This is an especially good time for families who want an exclusive, premium safari with the benefit of seasonal savings. Book now for late October and November.
We recommend This 8-day Tanzania Family Adventure takes in the wildlife and cultural highlights of this extraordinary safari destination, from the grandeur of the Ngorongoro Crater to the abundant savannah plains of the Serengeti.
6 months from now: December / January
December and January in Southern Africa see hot summer days and plenty of sunshine everywhere. It’s high season along South Africa’s popular southern coastline, which is dotted with premium hotels, superb villas and championship golf resorts. The epicentre of coastal attractions is Africa’s gourmet and design capital, Cape Town and the nearby Cape Winelands. High season means the best spots are booked far in advance so talk to your Africa Safari Expert right away if you want a superb Cape Town escape this December or January.
If you’re an adventurous traveller, you’ll want to look a little further north. Botswana is one of Africa’s most exclusive destinations with wildlife that rivals the best on the continent. December / January is the Green Season – the season of hot days, cooling afternoon showers, lush temporary grasslands spreading over the Kalahari thirstland, and the chance to witness a mass migration of zebra with plenty of predator action, too!
We recommend This 9-day Cape Town and Kruger honeymoon, which combines the gorgeous city of Cape Town – your base is at the lavish Ellerman House– with the Singita Lebombo Lodge a classic big game destination bordering the Kruger National Park.
If you’re intrigued by the Green Season further north, we recommend the 4-day Bespoke Kalahari Experience, a luxurious safari taking in one of Botswana’s most unique camps; Jack’s Camp in the enigmatic Makgadikgadi Pans (scene of the Green Season zebra migration).
It is also the Green Season in East Africa, and a good time to see mass calving – the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves and zebra foals – on the vast grasslands of the southern Serengeti. This seasonal event is very popular so book now if you want front-row seats.
A big advantage to a Green Season safari is that it’s the perfect time of year to add-on long white sandy beaches, waving palm trees and Crusoe-chic luxury. If that sounds like your style of relaxation after the thrilling action of a big game safari then you’re in luck: because now is the best time to book an African island escape.
We recommend This 13-day escape to Tanzania and Zanzibar combines the best of both Green Season wilderness and a postcard-perfect island vacation. Explore three of Tanzania‘s most celebrated game reserves before settling into a sumptuous tropical island retreat to rest and relax.
12 months from now: July / August
July and August are high season for safaris in Africa – it’s the most comfortable weather, the fewest bugs and the densest concentrations of game. If you want the best of Southern Africa, book now for high season Botswana – the Okavango Delta will be in full flood and the wildlife truly epic.
We recommend This 7-day classic journey Through Botswana, which takes in the splendour of the Okavango Delta and the Chobe’s iconic Savuti Channel.
If you want the best of East Africa, book now for the Wildebeest Migration – from July through to September, you stand the best chance of witnessing the legendary river crossings when thousands upon thousands of courageous wildebeest cross croc-infested rivers, fighting their way up steep banks, to reach the sweet, fresh grasses on the plains beyond.
We recommend This sensational Serengeti Grumeti Safari, a magical 7-day safari featuring the best of the Serengeti from sensational Singita lodges in prime positions in the Grumeti Reserve – this is, undoubtedly, Africa at its most dramatic and luxurious.
Experienced travellers know the value of researching, planning and consulting their Africa Safari Expert well in advance – it’s the only way to embark on an authentic adventure confident that you are heading for extraordinary experiences and front row seats to all the action, every step of the way.
Happy travels!
