Last Updated: January 23, 2025

Why a Green Season safari is golden

The allure of an African safari is undeniable. And of course the typical best time for a Southern African safari is always cited as during the dry (winter) months of May to October. BUT that’s not always possible.

Indeed sometimes you want to come to Southern Africa during the safari. Timing your safari during the green season can be a smart move to experience a truly different side of Africa.

Here are nine reasons why the green season is not just a great idea to visit but a golden opportunity for safari enthusiasts.

Let’s start with the big question—what is the Green Safari Season? In short, it’s the rainy season—hence the term “Green Season” as the bush is lush with new growth.

In Southern Africa, the green season generally spans from November to March, with the heaviest rains typically from January to March. Howeve,r these are usually in the form of short, sharp rain showers in the afternoon. And the temperatures are warm to hot in between the rains. During this time, the landscape flourishes, offering a different, yet equally captivating, safari experience.

1. Unparalleled Beauty

The green season paints Africa in a new light. The transformation from dusty browns to vibrant greens, coupled with blooming flowers, offers beautiful scenery – perfect for photographers! The bush becomes colourful showcasing Africa’s beauty in a way the dry season just can’t quite match.

2. Baby Animals Galore

The green season means more food and easily accessible water is on offer. So this is the perfect time to give birth for many species. So you’re much more likely to see adorable baby animals such as zebra foals, elephant calves, and lion cubs, adding a special touch of magic to your safari. This makes for unique wildlife sightings as well as photography opportunities.

3. Dramatic Skies and Sunsets

The weather during the green season often results in dramatic cloud formations and spectacular sunsets. There’s a reason so many Pinterest boards are dedicated to African skies: they are truly wonderful to behold. This time of year is spot-on for those who appreciate the beauty of the African sky.

Soft golden light is often complemented by dramatic moody clouds, making for much more dynamic images for the keen photographer.

4. Lower Prices

But, more prosaically, safari travel during the green season often comes with substantial savings in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Safari camps & lodges, and thus the whole safari tour, are always significantly cheaper at this time of year. Which makes your dream safari that much more accessible. You can splash out on a luxury safari lodges at greatly reduced rates.

And we even have some specific safaris tailored to this season.

Botswana Green Season Discovery Safari

Rivers & Rainbows Safari in South Luangwa (Zambia)

You’ll see that ALL our safaris that operate during the green season offer lower prices at this time.

Caveat – However, this is not the case for South African safari lodges. As so many people come to South Africa to escape the northern hemisphere winter. (See point 6). But sometimes they do offer long-stay special deals to entice you to extend your safari.

Mala Mala
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

5. Vibrant Birdlife

Migratory birds arrive back from the northern hemisphere, making the green season a birdwatcher’s paradise. The increased water availability leads to an explosion of birdlife, with species show off their breeding plumage and engaging in courtship displays.

6. Escape the Northern Winter

Remember that our safari Green Season coincides with the grey and cold winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, offering a perfect escape to warmer climates. Swap snow for sunshine!

7. Fewer Crowds

With fewer visitors heading on safari in the green season, you’ll enjoy a more exclusive safari experience. Less congestion around sightings in the national parks means more intimate encounters with wildlife. Overall a quieter, more serene experience where you can watch the wildlife in peace.

8. Perfect time to visit the Victoria Falls

The latter part of the Green season is a great time to visit Victoria Falls as the Zambezi water levels are rising. By late February and March, you can witness the majesty of the Falls almost to their peak.

Later on (in April and early May) the sheer volume of water creates a massive spray to create a truly immersive experience in between the mist and water.

Interested in booking a Safari or Holiday?

Chat to one of our experienced consultants that’s here to help and guide you. We use our expertise to narrow down the choices and present feasible ideas, so you can relax and ENJOY the planning process! Contact us!

9. A Unique Safari Experience

While the dry season is known for easier animal spotting, green season safaris offer a very rewarding challenge. Animals are more spread out, making each sighting feel like a special discovery, often against a beautiful backdrop of lush grass and trees. You can start a love affair with birding or develop your photographic composition skills.

In conclusion:

The safari green season is often overlooked, but it holds its own unique charm and advantages. From the beauty of the landscape to the financial benefits with the opportunity for a more personal safari experience, there are great reasons to consider the Green Season from December to March for your next African safari adventure.

At Cedarberg Africa, we’re here to help you plan the perfect green season safari, tailored to uncover its golden moments.

Interested in experiencing Africa’s green season? Contact us to explore how we can make your safari not just a journey, but a story to tell for life.

Cedarberg Africa is a specialist tour operator for Southern Africa including Botswana. We focus on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and busy people. We make our money on the difference between our trade rates and the rates that are available to you, so that means that effectively all our years of experience and expertise comes free of charge…