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when to travel africa & best time to visit |
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travel season for african destinations - higlights, attractions, 'must see' spots and events |
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| Find the best time to visit your favourite destination in Africa, when planning your next safari. Africa offers a diversity of attractions and highlights that must be visited at the right time to ensure an experience of a life-time. When to travel Africa is essential to a great experience! |
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This depends on your specific needs and requirements. Interests range from Africa’s spectacular wildlife to the wide variety of birds that occur in Africa at different times of the year. Other interests are botany, culture and natural phenomena (such as the great migration of wildebeest in Serengeti and Kenya, the sardine run on the Wild Coast of South Africa or the spectacular floral display in Namaqualand on the west coast of South Africa). Many guests use their favourite activity as the foundation and build their holiday around these activities such as fly-fishing, diving, kayaking, photography or horse riding. |
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When to travel Africa really depends on the type of holiday you would like to have, specific wildlife and animals you wish to see or the activity you would like to partake in. Certain game reserves and national parks have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. Weather plays a role in certain destinations as the rainy seasons might cause some areas to close for short periods of time.
It is generally felt that the African winter is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the great migration of over two million wildebeests and zebra. Temperatures in winter are mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Summer is the best time to travel for birding, botany and great weather. |
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Southern Africa's diverse destinations have two clear climatic regions - summer rainfall and winterfall. The winter rains occur only in the south western part of South Africa. All the other countries receive the majority of their rain during the summer from October to March. Rains in southern Africa are mainly thunder showers and does not last much longer than a few hours
(with exceptions here and there). |
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| Two beautiful months in southern Africa are April (when autumn start and the heat of summer is bearable) and September (when spring brings the first greenery and amazing cloud formations while the cold winter weather is over). |
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Spring: September – November
This season offers comfortable temperatures and is a popular time for
travel because of summer holidays in the northern hemisphere.
It can get very busy, so be sure to book well in advance.
If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, September is the time to do it.
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Summer: December – March
Game viewing in the Serengeti and diving in Zanzibar are excellent
now. Summer in East Africa means pleasant warm temperatures with an average high of 28C and an average low of 15C.
The short rains occur from early November to late March are sporadic and
don't last long.
Heavier rain might start in late March. January, February and early to mid March are good months for climbing Kilimanjaro.
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Fall: April – June
The long rains are from early April through early June, but don't be put
off:
safaris are still good in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and the
Masai Mara.
Wildlife concentrations are at their highest in the Southern Serengeti,
and the landscape is a lush green.
With less crowding, lower prices and abundant wildlife, this can
be the best time to go on safari.
Winter: July – August
The weather is cool and dry. It is generally the best months for game viewing, especially in the Masai
Mara Game Reserve. This is also the busiest time of the year in east Africa as July & August coincide with holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. Climbing Kilimanjaro is also superb during this season.
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The Indian Ocean Islands are a year round highlight and a great way to end your visit to Africa. Some islands experience short rainy seasons, during summer. The southern hemisphere islands (Bazaruto and Mauritius) experience exceptional weather except during the months of January to March. The northern hemisphere islands (Zanzibar and Seychelles) experience their rains from mid March to May. Read more about the different islands here. |
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Botswana offers exceptional wildlife and game viewing all year round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for special interest travelers:
- Birding season is from Nov - March when the Okavango Delta is home to the many migratory birds during their breeding season.
- Botanical season is from Dec - May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower. |
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- Photography is excellent year-round, but depending on what your main interests are, note that the scenery is most spectacular from Sept - Feb during the first rains. For wildlife the winter months from May - Sept is best, as the vegetation is less dense and game viewing is generally more prolific.
Seasons:
• Botswana’s high season is from July - October. Due to the low number of rooms in most of the Botswana lodges and camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy time’ in Botswana’s national parks and reserves.
• November to April is a less popular time to visit Botswana due to the rains that cause the animals to disperse over wider areas and not around the water holes. It also causes some roads to be inaccessible due to the seasonal high waters of the Okavango Delta. |
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Seychelles:
The Seychelles are at their busiest, and most expensive, in December, January, July and August. A good time to visit outside the peak season is from March to May and September to November, which is also when diving conditions are at their best. |
Maldives:
The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season between December and April, although this is also the high, most expensive season, especially during the Christmas and New Year period. The waters are clearest and best for diving at the beginning and end of the dry season in November and April.
Mauritius:
October to April is summer in Mauritius when the days are warm with temperatures in the high 20C’s and up, with bright sunny days. May to September is dryer generally but temperatures do drop to around 23 degrees, noticeably cooler at night. During these months the east coast can also have high winds, south coast slightly less, and the west and north west coasts are more sheltered so appear a bit warmer.
Madagascar:
The monsoon season is from December to March. The best time to visit Madagascar would be from February to December. There are 2 seasons in Madagascar: the warm (actually hot), rainy season between November and April, and the dry season (generally cooler) between May and October. But the climate between the east and west coast various significantly. Ask your Madagascar Travel Expert about the weather in the parts you will be traveling to.
Zanzibar:
Zanzibar experiences their rains from mid March to May. |
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| Kenya is a year round destination for both exceptional game viewing and spectacular scenery. Without a doubt the greatest annual attraction is the annual wildebeest migration between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. This spectacular wildlife event takes place between June and September. |
Seasons:
• High season is from January to March when it is most comfortable for travelling during these warm and dry months. The wildlife is generally found around the seasonal water holes during these months, so game viewing is great. The Rift Valley Lakes offer great bird viewing during this time.
• The rainy seasons are from April to June and October to December. A positive point during these times is that the lower numbers of tourists, so the travelling experience is more exclusive and the rains do not hinder game viewing. |
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| The dry season is from early May to late October when the vegetation is less dense and the game viewing best. Bird viewing is generally good all year round, with October and November being the best. Hiking is possible all year, but it is recommended that this not be undertaken in the wet season. August and September are the most comfortable times for climbing the Southern Highlands as the mountain air is crisp and cool. |
Seasons:
• The best weather is in August, and with it being the high season, national parks and the lake resorts are crowded.
• The rainy season is from January to March when some areas become inaccessible due to road conditions. This season is very humid and wet.
• May to July is best for scenery when the landscape is at its best. July is the coolest month. |
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| Mozambique’s main attraction is its beaches and the Indian Ocean. It offers pristine tropical beach holidays with great weather year round. It is a top destination for fishing and diving. The southern parts of the country are generally dryer and less tropical than the north. |
Seasons:
• April to September is the best time to visit Mozambique during the winter months.
• Best fishing months are during the summer from October - March.
• November and December is hot, humid and rainy with the beach resorts packed with local holiday makers. |
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Namibia offers exceptional wildlife and scenery all year round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for special interest travelers:
- Birding is best during the summer months (Nov - April) because of the greater variety of species to be found.
- Botanical season is from December to May when most plants are in flower.
- Photography is excellent in August and September with cloud build-up in the afternoon that offers spectacular scenes. |
Seasons:
• Namibia’s high season is from July - October. Due to the low number of rooms in most of the Namibia lodges and camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy time’ in Namibia’s national parks and reserves.
• Christmas and New Year as well as April is high season for local holidaymakers. |
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South Africa as a travel destination is exceptional all year round. It offers wildlife, scenery, mountains, culture, beaches and excellent cuisine with some of the best wines in the world.
Seasons:
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Please take note that certain regions should be visited at specific times:
• The northern parts of South Africa (Kruger, Gauteng, Limpopo) are best during the winter months (May to September) with wildlife and game viewing at its best. The temperatures are very mild (maximum 20-23ºC). There is very little winter rainfall in the north.
• The southern parts (Cape Town, Garden Route, Eastern Cape) are best during the summer months (October to March). The temperature can reach 28-30ºC or higher offering beautiful sunny days. The Atlantic Ocean brings relief in the form of a cool breeze along the coast. Rainfall is low during the summer.
• A ‘must-see’ for those who enjoy spectacular scenery, be sure to diaries a visit to the floral extravaganza in Namaqualand when the desert-like terrain is transformed into a carpet of flowers and draws thousands of visitors. It is situated in the Western and Northern Cape Provinces and takes place from mid-August to mid-September.
• The warm waters of the east coast make for almost year-round swimming. Winter is mild, except in the highest parts of the country.
Take note of the South African holiday season when locals take their annual holidays in summer. Mid-December to late January is a busy time of the year, but most areas are equipped to handle the large numbers of tourists. Other holiday seasons are in April and July, when school holidays are utilized to visit places such as Cape Town, Kruger and Durban. |
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Tanzania is the ideal destination for an abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Some of the highlights include the famous Serengeti and the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro. This country has a diverse range of national parks and reserves offering habitats ranging from forests to deserts, all connected with regular air- and road transfer services.
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Seasons:
• Summer: Oct-March. Winter: April-Sept.
• Tanzania offers excellent game viewing all year round. The migration between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is a spectacular sight and a highlight when visiting Tanzania, but it is important to note that not all animals migrate and are year-round residents. The Great Migration takes place from April-June and Oct-Dec.
• There are two rainy seasons in East Africa, the first known as the long rainy season is from April through to June and the shorter season from late November through to December. A positive point during these times is the lower numbers of tourists, so the travelling experience is more exclusive and the rains do not hinder game viewing. The dry seasons are generally better for game viewing when the game concentrates around the water sources.
• Birding is excellent year round but the south is best at the height of the northern winter. Tanzania boasts over 1 000 bird species, with Lake Manyara alone being home to more than 400. It is a year round birding destination, but at the height of the northern winter, some 160 species of migrating birds make their way south.
• For the traveller interested in the botanical aspect of Tanzania, the months immediately after the two rainy seasons are best for floral and botanical interests.
• Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is best from August to October and January to March. |
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Zambia has a distinctive season for visiting the game rich national parks. Most lodges and camps welcome guests between April and November (with a few exceptions). This season starts after the rainy season and stretches up to when the first rains arrive in November/December. A few lodges are open during the rainy season, offering exceptional birding safaris and spectacular scenery.
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Another important factor to keep in mind is the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. It is spectacular in April and May after the rainy season, although the thick spray may obscure your view (a flip by helicopter or micro-light is an amazing way of viewing the falls). At the end of the dry season, October to December, the water levels are low and one can see the magnificent rock formation of the falls. River rafting is most exciting during low water (August to December) and is limited at high water.
Seasons:
• Wildlife and game viewing is best in September and October as the wildlife is found mostly around waterholes and along river banks. It is also excellent from June to August.
• Birding is exceptional from September to mid April, when the migrants are most prolific during their breeding season in the southern hemisphere.
• Rainy season is from December to March with heavy thunder storms occurring regularly. The wildlife is scattered and the vegetation is lush and green. |
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Zimbabwe is exceptional for game viewing and scenery all year round. It offers excellent special interest safaris at certain times of the year:
Zimbabwe offers exceptional wildlife and game viewing an all year round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for special interest travelers: |
- Birding season is from Nov - March when the waterways of the Zambezi and Lake Kariba are home to the many migratory birds during their breeding season.
- Botanical season is from Dec - May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower.
- Photography is excellent year-round, but depending on what your main interests are, note that the scenery is most spectacular from Sept - Feb during the first rains. For wildlife the winter months from May - Sept is best, as the vegetation is less dense and game viewing is generally more prolific.
Seasons:
• Zimbabwe’s high season is from July - October. Due to the low number of rooms in most of the Zimbabwe lodges and camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy time’ in Zimbabwe’s national parks and reserves.
Also take note of the following:
The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season, although the thick spray may obscure your view (a flip by helicopter or micro-light is an amazing way of viewing the falls). At the end of the dry season, October to December, the water levels are low and one can see the magnificent rock formation of the falls. River rafting is most exciting during low water (August to December) and is limited at high water. |
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Jenman African Safaris provides small group, scheduled and private tailor-made, guided tours and safaris throughout Southern Africa, East Africa and Madagascar. In these incredible countries, we are a premier, mobile safari operator, specializing in both small groups and tailor-made travel.
Established in 1993, we have grown and today our team of dedicated and experienced staff, including 'hands-on' management and a dynamic marketing team, all contribute to who we are. In addition to this we also take pride in building our own safari vehicles thereby ensuring that all our vehicles are built for comfort, durability and safety. |
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Distinctive AFRICA specialises in holidays and safaris to Africa. Be it an exclusive tailormade safari or an adventurous camping tour in Africa when we plan your African safari, we keep your interests and budget in mind. Spoil yourself with the vacation of a lifetime in Africa.
The Distinctive AFRICA team brings you some of the most unique travel experiences in Africa. We specialise in Africa travel with an intimate knowledge of the wide range of travel offerings available - honeymoons, family safaris, island holidays, safari break aways, self drive safaris and horseback safaris are but a few of the options available. |
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Keeping it fresh: if you find any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know here  |
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africa travel guide 
