Planning when to travel is never easy. Finding the balance between your own holidays, the best weather and hundreds of other factors make it near impossible to find the perfect time to go away. However, in Africa, we have just the right answer for you. Winter in Africa, between June to August, is an amazing time to visit our beautiful continent and here’s why.
Winter in Africa is the best time to go on a luxury safari
Excellent Game Viewing
From Kruger National Park in South Africa to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, winter is prime time for game viewing on an African safari. And there are two major reasons for this. The winter months in most of Africa are dry, and as water becomes scarce, wildlife congregates around the limited water sources. If ever there was a wildlife happy hour, this would be it!
And as you might expect, for every zebra or antelope that makes its way to the waterhole, there's a hungry predator waiting for its next snack. This makes waterholes a hive of activity and dramatically increases your chances of experiencing once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings.
The second reason a winter safari is perfect for game viewing is the sparser and duller-coloured vegetation. In winter, many trees shed their leaves, revealing their bare branches. This botanical strip-tease allows for better wildlife sightings as the animals can no longer hide behind the dense foliage.
Similarly, as the vegetation turns yellow or brown, animals stand out more. The African bush becomes a catwalk (literally!) where animals strut their stuff against a muted background, showing off their natural beauty.
Waterholes are the place to be on your safari, Image Credit: Heste de Beer
Favourable Weather On Safari
African summers are HOT. A warm summer's day on safari will have you sweating like a snowman in the Sahara, but winter in Africa is just right. The mild temperatures provide the perfect climate for exploration, especially for visitors from cooler climates.
Cool mornings and pleasant afternoons are the order of the day, so you can comfortably enjoy extended game drives without melting or freezing. It may feel strange swapping your northern hemisphere summer for an African winter, but you'll get just as much sunshine on a visit down south!
Winter in Africa doesn't mean you have to skip the pool
Summer Holidays in the Bush
Another great thing about a winter safari in Africa is its timing. It lines up perfectly with the traditional holiday season in the northern hemisphere.
For those of you with kids, it means they could have the time of their lives on an African adventure without having to cram everything into a few rushed days. And for those without little ones in tow, it means escaping the crowds and chaos of the typically popular European holiday destinations.
Tswalu is in a malaria-free region of South Africa, making it extra safe for a family safari with a baby or young child, Image Credit: Tswalu
Malaria is Less Likely
Nobody likes uninvited guests, especially when it comes to mosquitoes. But here's a fun fact: mosquitoes hate the cold as much as you do! During winter in Africa, the mosquito population shrinks, further reducing the already minor risk of contracting malaria. It's like the mosquitoes are also taking a winter vacation, leaving you to enjoy your safari without the buzzing nuisance.
Presence isn’t requested. It’s required, Image Credit: Governors' Camp
Sleep in Later Due to Daylight Hours
An African safari can be an action-packed experience. However, that often means waking up early to make sure you're out and about on a game drive when the animals are most active. So, if you like to sleep in a little later, the African winter may be the best time to visit. Later sunrises and shorter daylight hours allow more time to snooze and sleep in.
Enjoy a leisurely morning and wake up refreshed, ready for the day's adventure. Even the king of the jungle knows the importance of beauty sleep, so why should you be any different?
Whichever safari season you choose – you win
Winter in Africa: Book Your Safari With Us
So don't get stuck trying to plan a summer safari – winter in Africa is where the real magic happens. From happy hours at watering holes to animals strutting their stuff against a backdrop of "naked" trees, the African winter is perfect for a safari experience.
If you're thinking about it or would like to know more, just contact our Travel Experts today, and we'll put you on the path to an African safari adventure of a lifetime.
