| Although much has been written about the best | | | | There are two rainy seasons in East Africa, the |
| time of year to travel in Africa, most countries | | | | first, known as the long rains is from April to June |
| are a year-round destination - depending upon | | | | and the shorter season from late November |
| your interests. For many travellers to this vast | | | | through to December. Many properties in the |
| and diverse continent, wildlife is the major | | | | game viewing areas do close during April and May, |
| attraction. | | | | mainly due to bad road conditions. |
| One should always remember that the so-called | | | | The islands of Zanzibar are also affected during |
| 'peak season' is just that, and accommodation | | | | this period. The dry seasons are generally better |
| establishments tend to be booked well in advance. | | | | for game viewing, as game concentrates around |
| Many Safaris Lodges are small, and therefore | | | | the water sources. The weather patterns play a |
| space is at a premium. If you want to experience | | | | major role in the great migration, as the animals |
| the majesty of the great migration in East Africa, | | | | follow the new grasses, which are dependent |
| it is advisable to book well in advance, likewise, if | | | | upon the rainfall. |
| your interests are travelling to Cape Town, and | | | | In most parts of Southern Africa, the rainy |
| the Winelands in December. | | | | season is generally from November to March. This |
| It is important to understand how seasonal trends | | | | is particularly true for the safari areas. The peak |
| might affect your trip. Remember, however, that | | | | safari time is in the dry winter months as this is |
| weather is variable and so it is quite possible to go | | | | when the game concentrates around the water |
| for days without rain during the rainy season, or | | | | sources, although the summer months can be |
| have thundershowers in the middle of the dry | | | | productive - especially for keen birders, as the |
| season! | | | | migratory species breed during this period, and |
| Wet Season | | | | the Okavango Delta, for example, becomes a |
| The grass can be long in some areas after the | | | | paradise. |
| rains; therefore, game viewing at these times can | | | | Zambia tends to be more seasonal, as certain |
| be difficult. In some areas, the wildlife will disperse | | | | areas (Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa) can |
| during the rains due to the ample water supply, as | | | | be made impassable due to bad road conditions. |
| they are not dependent on water holes. | | | | Certain properties do close between November |
| Dry Season | | | | and April. |
| The best game-viewing period in Africa is | | | | The Western Cape area, including Cape Town, |
| generally during the dry season. Permanent water | | | | tends to experiences a winter rainfall, making the |
| supplies attract animals, the vegetation becomes | | | | peak season to travel the summer months. |
| thinned out, and trees don't have so many leaves | | | | Indian Ocean Islands: |
| to obstruct the view. | | | | The weather patterns of the islands are similar to |
| This optimum safari season usually includes winter | | | | that of Southern Africa with summer rainfall, |
| (May-August) and the hot spring months of | | | | November to March. The ideal time to visit is |
| September and October. The climate is | | | | from May through to October. Madagascar and |
| comfortable in the dry winter months of May, | | | | parts of Mozambique can be affected by |
| June, July and August. Daytime temperatures are | | | | inclement weather in February and March |
| mild and the nights get a little cool. | | | | (cyclones). |
| East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) | | | | |