Green season, often referred to by suppliers as the secret season (and for good reason), is the lesser-known time to travel on safari. It is often mistaken for being too hot, too rainy, too many insects, and no animals to be seen. But this is not the case…

Green season refers to the season starting 1 December – 31 March. In the Southern hemisphere these are our summer months. The average temperature varies between 60 degrees Fahrenheit – 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The days are long, with the sun rising around 05h45 and setting around 19h00. We experience most of our rainfall during this period, usually as sporadic and isolated afternoon thunderstorms. The mornings and evenings are cool, and the daytime highs are the perfect temperature to hang out around the pool.

Because this is the lesser favoured period for people to travel to Africa, the camps are generally a lot quieter. This offers two great advantages, firstly the property prices are hugely reduced, with many specials on offer, and secondly, one can often feel like you are the only person to be seen in miles!

One of my favourite smells in the bush is petrichor, that earthly scent that you can smell when rain first hits dry soil, and this is the sign for me of the beginning of the summer season! The summer rains bring life to all of nature. The grasses begin to turn green, amazing colourful flowers begin to bloom, waterholes and pans are filled with an abundance of birdlife. Many of the antelope species give birth during this time to take advantage of the plentiful grazing areas. The predators are in full action with all the young antelope to prey on. Morning drives begin early, and afternoon drives begin later to take advantage of the cool temperatures, and this means you can spend the heat of the day in the beautifully designed lodges and camps, where one can lounge around the pool area or enjoy taking a siesta in your tent or room.

Afternoons can often be filled with short afternoon thundershowers, just enough to cool everything down and refresh all life. The big open African skies are filled by dramatic clouds that offer any keen photographer some of the most incredible landscapes to photograph. The mornings are fresh, especially after rain during the night, which assists with the tracking down of animals as rain in the night may have washed away old tracks, only leaving fresh ones on the road.

Nights are warm, often with dining out in the open when the weather will permit. One will hear frogs croaking and rumbling of thunder in the distance with sporadic flashes of lightening. There may be a few more insects than normal, but this is easily controlled using a bit of peaceful sleep bug spray and turning off lights at night.

Some of my favourite bush experiences have been during the green season. My favourite countries to visit during this time are Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Zambia’s South Luangwa national park is a must during the green season. The mighty Luangwa river is in full flow, the birdlife is incredible and you will have the park to yourself! Many properties here offer great long stay specials, such as Robin Pope’s Nkwali and Nesfu camps.

Botswana’s Makgadikgadi salt pans are filled with water during this time, which brings in thousands of flamingos as well as zebra and wildebeest to the area. The Okavango delta turns into a lush green paradise that teams with wildlife as well as birdlife, with many migrants arriving to spend their summer here. Deals include a long stay special as well as free flying between certain camps. Some of my favorites during this time of year are San Camp in Makgadikgadi Pans, as well as Little Vumbura in the Okavango Delta.

Zimbabwe’s Hwange national park is beautiful during this time of year, with plentiful herds of wildebeest as well as many other species enjoying the short grass plains. This brings in many predators. Zimbabwe and Botswana combine well to take advantage of the long stay specials as well as free flying. Camps to consider here would be Linkwasha as well as Somalisa.

Kenya is well known for the famous wildebeest and zebra migration, but with the migration come the crowds of tourists. In contrast, during the green season the wide-open plains are yours to explore all to yourself! The predators are in full action, with a huge number of animals that remain after the migration leaves the area. Specials are on offer such as the Pay Stay special where one can spend 4 nights and only pay for 3. Mara Plains Camp is a great camp to explore the Masai Mara.

So now that the secret is out, make sure to get in touch with us so that we can plan your perfect green season safari!