THE BEST TIME TO GO ON SAFARI - SAFARI SEASONS

The best time to go on Safari is…. ALL THE TIME! I will take any month or season, as no two safari experiences are ever the same. You might be drawn to the lush green scenery of the wet summer season. I know I am! Alternatively, the wildlife gatherings during the dry season of winter also offer remarkable discoveries on an African Safari.

The seasons vary, and it really depends on your personal expectations and what animals you want to see. I understand that Africa is a HUGE once in a lifetime trip for so many people, and hopefully this post will give you some guidance in curating your magical safari moments 🙂

Key Factors to Keep in Mind:

Vegetation and visibility

Animal populations and availability

Photographic opportunities

Weather and climate

Seasons in South Africa:

Summer: November to March

Fall: April to May

Winter: June to September

Spring: October

Summer in South Africa is an amazing time to be in the bush, despite some really hot days.

Summer marks the return and nesting season of migratory birds, as well as the local species. The bush transforms from dull brown colors to lush green trees and shrubs. There is an abundance of seeds and fruits, which spikes an influx of animal life into the bush.

Summer is an optimal time for antelope and other mammals to give birth to their young. There is plenty of vegetation for them to feed on. There is also thick bush that acts as natural shelters for the animals. Summer also provides rain, and dried up water holes turn into fresh water drinking sources.

Photographing wildlife during this time might be a bit tricky due to the lush vegetation. However, few animals prefer being in the thickets of the bush. Many animals prefer the open grassy plains where they feel safer in numbers and can scan for danger.

You have a chance of seeing birds, mammals and even some reptiles in the summer.

Keep in mind it gets really hot and humid in some areas of South Africa. If you are sensitive to the heat or sun, you may want to look into a different season. This way, you can be comfortable on your safari.

Below are some examples of how hard it can be to spot Wildlife in the summer. I stayed at a private game reserve – I would recommend this if you go in summer. The land is privately owned. Therefore, they are allowed to take the big safari vehicles off-roading. This helps track and find wildlife. National parks have strict rules about off-roading, making it harder to see the animals in the summer.

If it wasn’t for my safari guide’s eyes, I would have never spotted this animal when we were driving along the riverbank

The lioness blends right into the thick bush in summer

Taken at Elephant Plains Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, January 2024 -South Africa summer

Fall & Spring

Fall and spring are both very short and are transition phases. Depending on where you go, the weather can be very comfortable during this time. Autumn is usually characterized by warm sunny days, clear skies, and it marks the end of the rainy season.

Winter

Winter seems to be the preferred choice for many. For a first time safari goer or a passionate photographer, I would recommend the winter.

This time of the year comes with cold mornings and cold nights, with mild to warm days. Temperature fluctuates a lot in Southern Africa and it’s best to be prepared with layers of warm clothing.

Winter safaris are good for predators because predators tend to birth their babies in winter. You may have the opportunity to see lion cubs, hyena dens, wild dogs with puppies, and leopard cubs. In winter, water is low. Many animals need water, so they congregate around the few remaining waterholes. This makes for great photography! The abundance of wildlife results in less time spent tracking and driving around. This allows more time to view and photograph the animals.

There can be non stop wildlife sightings at the waterhole. Several different species can come together at the edge of the water. It’s fascinating to just sit back and watch the interactions. One of my favorite stories involved a baby elephant. It was being very curious about a couple of hippos laying in the water. The baby elephant used its trunk to touch the hippos. It became very scared when a massive hippo popped out of the water. It was fascinating to watch the whole herd of elephants respond to the hippo. The oldest and most dominant female leads the herd. You could literally see how she taught the rest of the herd and the baby how to respond. Watching the generational knowledge being passed down was a beautiful moment to witness.

When is the best time to go on Safari?!

So in a nutshell, Summer is hot, lush and colorful with loads of species and very enjoyable weather. Winter is the best time to see predators. It is also ideal for wildlife photography due to the congregations of animals with far less vegetation. But at the end of the day, an old saying in the bush, expect the unexpected!!