Words and Photographs Fiona MacKay

When I lived in the african bush full time, I enjoyed watching the seasonal changes of the landscape and life cycling through its annual accents. As a result of these years I honestly don’t think there’s ever a bad time to be on safari, as all the seasons have their advantages.

Young warthogs quenching their thirst

However I’ve noticed that generally if you are new to safaris or a region, agents will often guide you towards travel during an area’s peak season, which for many regions particularly in southern Africa corresponds to their dry season. There can of course be many advantages to this. It’s often easier to get around the reserves, with less chance of muddy or flooded roads to contend with. Standing water is generally scarce which means animals become dependent on the limited bodies of water that remain. Tall grasses and ground vegetation will have died back, so views are less inhibited by very tall grasses, which can easily conceal some animals entirely.

You’ve probably read my last paragraph and thought to yourself that sounds perfect, so why on earth would I suggest going against the grain and recommending you try something different? Well as long as you don’t mind a little rain, taking your safari in the Green season can come with a whole host of unexpected advantages.

Woodlands Kingfisher

Green season generally corresponds with summer rainfall, meaning the landscape becomes a place of abundance. If you’re a birder (you may be at least an enthusiast after a few safaris) this season sees the arrival of many migrant species that are absent in the height of the dry season. A region’s bird list can swell considerably during these months, birds will be in full breeding plumage and become more active nesting and feeding young, creating a birders paradise and a great chance to tick off some rarities. In South Africa the return of the Woodland’s kingfisher with its distinctive call heralded summers arrival, as did the Trumpeter hornbills returning to their nest site.

Like the birds, the animals also take advantage of this time of abundance. Many antelopes and small herbivores time their calving/birthing season to coincide with the arrival of the rains. So expect lots of babies during these months when food and water are plentiful. If you have a fondness for cute babies, this is definitely the time to visit.

Storm clouds building at Sunset over the Luangwa

Kudu with calf

For photographers the green season can be an incredibly rewarding time to visit. I’ve already mentioned the increased bird and animal numbers, but you can also benefit from the changes to the landscape. Think lush greens and colourful accents creating a truly vibrant image. Passing storms or clouds building can create wonderfully dramatic skies and a fantastic clarity to the light which can add that extra dimension to your image portfolio. The days will be at there longest so there’s more opportunity to be out in daylight to get that perfect shot.

Lastly as a general rule of thumb, fewer people visit at this time of year. In some regions a significant number of the lodges may shut up shop completely. Lower visitor numbers has the obvious benefit of creating a feel of being somewhere truly remote and wild, driving without seeing other people or vehicles. On a recent Green Season safari to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, we were treated to the height of exclusivity when we spent 5 nights as the only guests in camp, needless to say we felt utterly spoilt being the centre of the staff’s undivided attention. There can be a financial benefit too as often the rates for accommodation and sometimes even flights are significantly lower then those of peak season so you can have the same fabulous safari at a fraction of the cost. Something well worth remembering if you are looking for a budget option without having to rough it.

A group of young impala keep watch

If you’d like to try a Green season safari, in southern Africa the season is generally January and February through into March, although November can see the start of the rains and forms a shoulder season, December is generally a more expensive time to travel due to Christmas and New Year.

We also have a green season safari running to Ruaha National Park in Tanzania in February 2018, details of which can be found by clicking here.