Season by Season on Safari

This is the most sought-after time in Southern Africa. The rains have passed, the grasses retreat, and the bush opens up. With water in short supply, wildlife gathers in predictable places, at pans, rivers and waterholes. The cool mornings, warm days and soft light make this season ideal for both seasoned photographers and first-time travellers.

• Wildlife is easier to find and observe
• Excellent conditions for walking safaris
• Fewer insects and little to no rain
• Clear skies and crisp evenings

Tracks criss-cross dusty roads, elephants linger near water, and the hush of dry grass carries the sound of distant lions. It’s a season of sharp sightings and uncluttered views.

With the arrival of summer rains, the land shifts. Colours return. Trees flush with green. Antelope drop their young, and predators are close behind. Birds arrive from across continents. The air feels alive. This is the season of contrast — softer sightings, sudden storms, and unexpected beauty.

• Calving season attracts predators and drama
• Outstanding birdlife, including migrants
• Quiet camps and fewer vehicles
• Lower rates and gentle light for photography

One moment the sky is clear, the next it deepens with thunder. Newborn impalas take their first steps under watchful mothers, while bee-eaters flash through the wet air. The green season offers texture, colour, and a slower, more intimate safari.

In East Africa, the dry season brings iconic scenes to life. The Great Migration roars through the Serengeti into the Masai Mara, and predators follow closely. The open plains and shorter grass make this a prime time for dramatic moments and sweeping views.

• Wildebeest migration and river crossings
• High concentration of wildlife
• Comfortable weather and minimal rain
• Excellent predator activity

Expect golden light, herds stretching to the horizon, and mornings that feel both still and full of anticipation.

When the rains fall, the herds return south. In February, the calving season begins — a period of birth and vulnerability in the southern Serengeti. Migratory birds arrive in bright flocks, and the bush breathes in the change. This season is less crowded, more affordable, and offers an intimate pace.

• Calving in the Serengeti (Jan–Feb)
• Fewer vehicles, slower safaris
• Dramatic skies and lush vegetation
• Ideal for birders and photographers

Hyenas call across the valleys, heavy clouds roll in from the east, and wildebeest calves gather in crèches as cheetahs scan the open plains. The bush is full of movement, life, and layered stories.