Hey Traveller,

For me, these monthly newsletters are an opportunity to share more about myself with you. Although always travel related, I will often share thoughts, stories, curiosities, anecdotes, interests, and other things which I am passionate about that extend beyond travel alone.

If you’ve been reading every month, you’ll have glimpsed a range of topics from mysteries or conspiracies to technology, dreams, and childhood stories. By now, you’ve also probably got a pretty good idea of some of my top dream destinations, places that I love to research and talk about, travel experiences that I’m passionate about living and sharing. Today, I want to delve into one of these must-dos for most travellers.

An African safari ranks at the pinnacle of travel experiences, offering a mesmerizing blend of wildlife encounters, cultural exchanges, and dramatic landscapes. But with the African continent's sheer vastness and its myriad offerings, how do you ensure you make the most of a single trip? Like Australia for those that don’t live here, this is a tricky one to knock out in one go and it lends itself more to multiple visits, so here are some useful things to know and think about when planning your African Safari.

Why An African Safari?

Magnificent Wildlife: Witness the iconic "Big Five" - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Add to this cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, and myriad bird species, and you've got a wildlife lover's dream come true.

Breathtaking Landscapes: From the sprawling savannas of the Maasai Mara to the stark desert of Namibia, Africa offers diverse terrains that captivate, stunning scenery that inspire, and spectacular sites that mesmerise.

Rich Cultural Tapestry: While it is easy to homogenise and talk about ‘African people’, the truth is that within Africa’s 54 separate and unique countries, there are in fact over 3000 diverse tribes. Travellers can sometimes interact with certain local tribes such as the Maasai, San, or Himba, delving deep into ancient traditions, dances, and tales.

When and Where Matters!

*The East Africa Circuit (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda)

- January to March:

Calving Season: Tanzania’s southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater come alive, witnessing the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves during this period, and drawing predators for some dramatic wildlife encounters.

Bird-Watching: An ideal time for bird enthusiasts as migratory birds from Europe and Northern Africa are present. Flamingos flock to the shallows of Kenya’s Lake Nakuru.

Good Weather: Generally warm and dry, making it pleasant for safaris. However, sporadic short rains can occur.

- April to June:

Long Rains: This is the period of long rains, especially in April and May. While wildlife can still be spotted, certain areas might become inaccessible due to flooding.

Lush Scenery: The landscape is green and vibrant, which can make for stunning photographs.

Less Crowded: Fewer tourists visit during this time, which can mean more exclusive sightings.

- July to September:

The Great Migration: The spectacle of the migration reaches its peak as animals cross the Mara River filled with crocodiles waiting for a catch.

Pleasant Climate: Cooler temperatures prevail, making it comfortable for game drives. Perfect cooler conditions for trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

Peak Tourist Season: This is a popular time for safaris, so expect higher prices and more crowded parks.

- October to December:

Short Rains: Intermittent rains bring fresh grass, attracting herbivores, with exceptional game viewing in Kenya and Tanzania.

Migration Returns: The wildebeest migration starts moving back to the Serengeti from the Maasai Mara.

Birding: Another great bird-watching period as intra-African migrants fill the skies.

*The Southern Africa Circuit (Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana)

- January to March:

Green Season: This is the wet season in Southern Africa. The landscape is verdant, and many animals give birth during this period, Namibia’s desert flowers are in bloom.

Birthing Season: Witness the birthing season for hyena, zebra, antelope and mongoose in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. Also a prime time for bird watching, with migratory species in abundance.

Summer Weather: It's hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms being a common occurrence.

- April to June:

Transition Period: The rains begin to recede, and the landscape starts to dry up. It's a good time for spotting wildlife as animals start congregating around water sources such as the waterholes in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, which come alive with wildlife, and the dry salt pans make for spectacular photos.

High-Waters: Experience the ‘smoke that thunders’ during high-water season at Victoria Falls, when the water flow is at its peak, offering spectacular views of the falls. Botswana’s Okavango Delta is in full flood and offers incredible views, especially on scenic flights.

Mild Temperatures: The weather becomes cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings.

- July to September:

Peak Wildlife Viewing: This is the prime safari season in Southern Africa. Sparse vegetation and limited water sources make wildlife spotting easier.

Cool Climate: Dry with almost no rain and cold nights. Encounter majestic southern right whales off the coast of South Africa in Hermanus.

Busy Period: It's a popular tourist season, especially in prime wildlife areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

- October to December:

Heat Waves: October can be extremely hot just before the rains start.

First Rains: By November and December, the first of the summer rains begin, rejuvenating the parched landscape. Witness South Africa’s incredible landscapes when they are beautifully green and flowering.

Birding: The arrival of the rains also heralds the return of migratory birds. Birdlife comes alive across southern Africa in the Okavango Delta, Sibuya Game Reserve and Greater Kruger National Park.

Regardless of the period, each season offers unique experiences and has its own charm. Travelers should decide based on their interests, whether it's witnessing the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration or enjoying the lush landscapes during the green season. Keep in mind though, none of this is an exact science, and the ‘ideal’ time for an African safari largely depends on the region's specific weather patterns and wildlife movements.

And don’t forget, while the dry seasons are generally considered the best times for wildlife viewing, they are also the busiest in terms of tourist numbers. The wet or "green" seasons can offer beautiful landscapes, fewer tourists, and some unique wildlife spotting opportunities, but accessibility can be challenging due to muddy roads and paths.

Africa's vast and varied wilderness awaits your exploration. Remember, the essence of a safari isn't just about ticking off animal sightings, but about immersing oneself in the rhythm of the wild, understanding ecosystems, and connecting with ancient lands and traditions. 

When you are ready for your next adventure I can help you design your trip down to the last meticulously managed detail; recommend the best tours with the most experienced and knowledgeable guides; access great deals on the most amazing cruise destinations with fantastic lectures and authentic encounters; and offer itineraries that will provide the most meaningful journeys, enriching experiences, and memorable stories to share. Give me a call and let’s get started! Or click here to contact me now!

And remember:

It is said that a picture paints a thousand words. So, we could say that a video shows a thousand pictures. But, neither words nor pictures, nor even a thousand videos, can ever come close to the first-hand experience of being there "in person" to Witness the Wonders of Our World - while we still can, and because we still can... You still can!

Have a wonderful day,
Best regards

Nic

Your Personal Travel Manager

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P.P.S. If you are ready to start planning your next WOW trip, please reach out to me or click here to schedule an appointment.