Menu
Whether you are planning to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, experience a Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park or spend your honeymoon in the Seychelles, timing is important. Our guidelines are based on our expert, on-the-ground knowledge of Africa’s travel seasons.
What
In Cape Town, everything from wine tasting, making friends with African penguins, visiting Cape Point, sampling great wine, climbing Table Mountain and shopping up a storm to eating at exciting restaurants and visiting moving heritage sites. In Kruger, getting your camera ready for Green Season Big 5 action!
Why
These are South Africa’s most popular destinations and they are chockful in December and January (they’re also much hotter). November gives you good weather, all the sights and off-season rates without the crowds. What’s not to love?
When to book
If you were travelling in December, we’d say anything from six months to a year in advance. But November is more forgiving so get in touch as soon as you know you can travel to see what your Africa Safari Expert can do for you.
Good to know
How to combine South Africa’s favourite destinations.
A guide to your first South African safari.
The Top 10 reasons to visit South Africa.
South Africa’s best affordable luxury accommodation.
What
A post-safari bliss out on some of the Indian Ocean’s most beautiful islands coupled with exploring historic Stone Town for gifts and mementos. The truly adventurous can snorkel and dive with colossal whale sharks, which generally arrive off the coast in about November.
Why
Safaris have a lot of early mornings, late nights and bumpy roads, making them exhilarating but often tiring, too. A few days on an idyllic island like Thanda, Pemba or no-expense-spared Mnemba will help you arrive home truly recharged. Zanzibar gets only on average nine rainy days this month and the underwater visibility for divers is at its best.
When to book
If you specifically want to dive with whale sharks, we’d recommend securing your beach lodge as early as possible. If you’re just keen on ‘shopping and flopping (onto a sun lounger)’ then you can leave it a little later although Zanzibar is a popular honeymoon destination.
Good to know
Read about why Zanzibar is a beach paradise and how its ancient dhows still sail its azure waters.
What to expect if you tour Stone Town on Zanzibar.
What
Wildebeest on the move as they migrate away from the Masai Mara in Kenya down to their birthing and feed grounds in the Southern Serengeti. And, according to the ancient laws of nature, where there are wildebeest en masse, you are sure to find lions, leopards, wild dogs, spotted hyenas and cheetahs (the Seronera Valley is thought to have the highest concentration of cheetahs in the world). In addition to countless bellowing wildebeest, many non-predator species start dropping their babies from about now.
Why
The Wildebeest Migration is controlled by rainfall. By November the ‘short rains’ have generally arrived in the region to rejuvenate depleted grazing and water sources. This is the start of the Green Season and coincides with more availability and lower rates. Don’t be put off by the mention of rain – showers are generally short and occur in the afternoon.
When to book
Another bonus about Green Season is that you don’t need to plan up to a year ahead, unlike peak season. Chat to your Africa Safari Expert when you and your family decide you’d like to discover the Southern Serengeti in November.
Good to know
Myth-busting the Great Wildebeest Migration.
How the Migration works and the wildebeest ‘know’ where to go.
How to plan and book your Migration safari.
The beginner’s safari guide to Tanzania.
Get expert planning advice and new trip ideas from Africa’s leading safari travel specialists.