Southern Africa Safari

Known as the “Land of Giants” for its old baobab trees and wandering elephant herds, Botswana, one of the most fascinating safari destinations in the world, is truly a one-of-a-kind country. Its untamed nature is heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. 

The Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park, and the Savute Channel in Botswana are just a few of the fantastic destinations you can experience on a Botswana Safari. The Okavango Delta, a wetland paradise in the middle of the dry desert, provides a stunning backdrop for both land and water safaris. 

Mozambique’s coast is known for its picturesque, palm-fringed beaches that slope down to meet the Indian Ocean’s azure seas, where colorful fish, sea turtles, and whale sharks flourish and dhows sail gracefully across the horizon.

Mozambique is a magnificent yet undiscovered location, ranging from the bustling city of Maputo, with its distinctive Mediterranean-style architecture, to the hidden tropical islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago.

With its vast arid landscapes, abundant animals, and ancient rock art, the Namib Desert is Africa’s most sparsely populated country. The unique environment of Namibia has been shaped by a variety of cultural influences. 

Wildlife can be found on a Safari in Namibia in a wide variety of habitats throughout Namibia’s numerous national parks and game reserves, including the white saltpans of Etosha National Park, the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei the isolated beaches of Namibia’s southwestern Skeleton Coast, and the remote Kunene Region.

Without a doubt, a safari tour in South Africa is one of the most unique experiences on the planet. This is a terrific vacation for the entire family, as well as romantic honeymooners, adventure travelers, and foodies. 

The vast, open savanna provides a view into a really natural environment, as well as the opportunity to observe the Big 5. Aside from wildlife viewing, you’ll be treated to some of the world’s most famous sunsets.

Southern Africa is a captivating region that offers a diverse array of experiences, from the vast deserts of Namibia to the lush wetlands of Botswana, and the iconic savannahs of South Africa. 

This region is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. 

Here are the top destinations to explore in Southern Africa.

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Overview and Things to Do: Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and one of Africa’s largest game reserves, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres. It is famous for thrilling Big Five sightings and rich ecosystems, including acacia thicket and riverine forests. 

Visitors can enjoy thrilling game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching, with luxury lodges and tented camps providing an immersive experience.

• Unique Facts: Kruger is home to over 500 bird species and 147 mammal species, including the rare African wild dog. The park also boasts archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela, offering a glimpse into ancient African civilizations.

2. Victoria Falls, Zambia

Overview and Things to Do: Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, spanning the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Visitors can experience the majestic falls through guided tours, helicopter flights, and boat cruises on the Zambezi River. Adventure activities include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip-lining.

• Unique Facts: Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagara Falls and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The falls are particularly dramatic during the rainy season from February to May.

3. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas, offering a unique ecosystem surrounded by the Kalahari desert, teeming with wildlife. Exploring the delta on traditional mokoro canoe trips, guided walking safaris, and game drives provides extraordinary wildlife encounters, with luxury lodges adding to the overall experience.

• Unique Facts: The delta floods annually, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports a high concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species.

4. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Overview and Things to Do: Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, known for its vast salt pans and abundant wildlife. Game drives, night safaris, and birdwatching at the park’s waterholes offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Unique Facts: Etosha is home to four of the Big Five and features a large salt pan visible from space. The park also hosts a variety of unique species, such as the black-faced impala and the endangered black rhinoceros.

5. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population and diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush floodplains to dense forests with baobab and mopane trees. Visitors can enjoy river safaris on the Chobe River, game drives, and birdwatching tours, with the park being famous for its sunset cruises.

• Unique Facts: Chobe has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa, with over 120,000 elephants. The park also hosts a wide variety of bird species, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.

6. Sossusvlei, Namibia

Overview and Things to Do: Sossusvlei is a stunning salt and clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes in the Namib Desert, known for its breathtaking landscapes. Climbing the iconic dunes, such as Dune 45 and Big Daddy, exploring Deadvlei, and taking hot air balloon rides over the desert are top activities.

• Unique Facts: The dunes in Sossusvlei are among the highest in the world, reaching heights of over 300 meters. The area is also home to unique desert-adapted wildlife.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Overview and Things to Do: Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering over 14,600 square kilometres, and is known for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and night drives, with a range of accommodation options from luxury lodges to rustic campsites.

• Unique Facts: Hwange is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa and hosts over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. The park is also known for its unique painted dog conservation project.

8. Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: The Kalahari Desert spans several countries and is known for its stunning red sands and diverse wildlife, including the iconic meerkats. Guided tours, game drives, and cultural experiences with the San people offer a remote and untouched wilderness experience, especially in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

• Unique Facts: The Kalahari is home to unique wildlife such as the black-maned Kalahari lion and the gemsbok. It is also known for its ancient San rock art.

9. Cape Town, South Africa

Overview and Things to Do: Cape Town is a vibrant city known for its stunning coastal scenery, rich history, and cultural diversity. Visitors can explore Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, and the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Wine tasting in the nearby Cape Winelands is also popular.

• Unique Facts: Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Cape Town is also known for its unique Cape Malay cuisine and colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.

10. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Overview and Things to Do: Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park located close to Port Elizabeth, known for its large elephant herds. Game drives, guided walks, and marine eco-tours are popular activities, with a variety of accommodations available from luxury lodges to self-catering chalets.

• Unique Facts: Addo is home to over 600 elephants and is one of the few places in the world where you can see the Big Seven (including southern right whales and great white sharks).

11. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Overview and Things to Do: The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands off the coast of Mozambique, known for its pristine beaches and coral reefs. Snorkelling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and dhow sailing are popular activities, with luxury resorts and lodges providing exclusive experiences.

• Unique Facts: The archipelago is a protected marine reserve, home to dugongs, dolphins, and a variety of tropical fish. The coral reefs are among the most pristine in the Indian Ocean.

12. Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe

Overview and Things to Do: Victoria Falls National Park is home to one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world, offering breathtaking views and a variety of activities. Guided tours of the falls, helicopter flights, and bungee jumping are highlights, along with game drives and river cruises.

• Unique Facts: Victoria Falls is considered the largest curtain of falling water in the world. The falls are over 1,700 meters wide and 108 meters high.

13. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Overview and Things to Do: Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest conservation area in Namibia and one of the most spectacular. It encompasses part of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range. Visitors can explore the famous dunes of Sossusvlei, hike in the Naukluft mountains, and visit the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop.

• Unique Facts: The park is home to some of the world’s oldest deserts and highest dunes. It also supports a range of wildlife, including oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra.

14. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Overview and Things to Do: Moremi Game Reserve is located in the Okavango Delta and is known for its incredible wildlife diversity and pristine landscapes. Mokoro trips, game drives, and birdwatching are top activities, with luxury lodges offering exclusive experiences.

• Unique Facts: Moremi is the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta, and it is one of the most beautiful and varied reserves in Africa.

Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in Southern Africa.

Zambia is home to amazing wildlife, but the Victoria Falls is the crowning glory. The country’s remote, game-rich national parks are ideal for wildlife viewing minus the crowds. Elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards inhabit the South Luangwa National Park and the more isolated North Luangwa National Park.

There are a variety of fantastic lodges and hidden rustic safari camps that offer a comfortable home away from home for your Zambia Safari.

A safari in Zimbabwe offers stunning scenery and wonderful animal viewing possibilities, as it is located between the enormous Zambezi River and the seasonal Limpopo River.

Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s most popular tourist destination, and it also provides easy access to neighboring countries such as Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia, providing a complete and unique safari experience.Victoria Falls, offers exhilarating adventure sports including white water rafting and bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls bridge.

Combine the magnificent beaches, wildlife and views of Cape Point with a visit to historic Stellenbosch in Cape Wine country. This is a great combo tour for visitors who have limited time in the Mother City. Highlights include Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Boulders Penguin Colony. From here the tour goes to wine country, with a stop at one estate and a visit to the historic town of Stellenbosch. Photo opportunities start as you drive along Chapman’s Peak with its steep cliffs plunging into the icy Atlantic Ocean, and tumultuous waves crashing against the rocks. 

The tour takes you to Cape Point with its nature reserve where you can see the dramatic sea cliffs of the south-western tip of the African continent and many of the Cape’s wild animals. From the Cape of Good Hope you head north to the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach in the quaint naval town of Simon’s Town (Penguin colony – own account).

Then it’s out to the Cape Winelands to enjoy a cellar tour followed by a cheese and wine tasting at Anura Wine Estate. Your tour continues into the historic town of Stellenbosch with its white gabled Cape Dutch architecture. The pretty streets and lanes are lined with old oak trees. The town has a large university with energetic students who offer a contrast to the old-world feel of the town. If time permits, your guide will choose a second estate for another wine tasting before going back to the city centre and your hotel. The tour ends at approximately 6pm.

The fresh food markets in Cape Town have a variety of different cuisines tailor-made for everyone’s specific needs and tastes. Adding to its class is a superb range of local wines produced in the stunning Cape Winelands, a popular tourist attraction itself.

The locals are very passionate about their food and you can experience this at the Neighbourgoods Market hosted at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. The old brick warehouse and courtyard is home to over 100 traders offering farm-fresh produce. Here, you’ll be able to find natural, organic food here as well as a big variety of different fresh fruit and vegetables.

You can also experience the traditional Cape Malay cuisine at the Bo-Kaap Food and Craft Market. Immerse yourself in the culinary and cultural delights of the animated Bo Kaap community. Some of the foods you can taste are koeksisters, samoosas, dried fruit and smoked snoek.

Spend your Saturday mornings at the Stellenbosch Slow Food Market that offers a delightful mixture of culinary delights that make your mouth water. Here you can experience the fine local wines, but preserves and sample different types of foods and luxuries to tantalise your taste buds.

The variety of foods you’ll find at Cape Town’s markets are a result of its rich cultural heritage. When the Dutch arrived in Cape Town 17th century, they shared their farming expertise, planting and harvesting succulent vegetable crops and aromatic herb gardens that helped to feed many a starving sailor of the Dutch East India Company.

The Mother City’s flavour has evolved due to the influx of new and exciting residents from all over the world. German, Italian, Chinese, French, Portuguese and Flemish populations have added their own stamp to the variety of Cape Town’s local cuisine.

See wildlife like elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birds from a different angle, experience the thrill of getting up close, and take home photo memories. Take a Chobe river cruise on a Botswana Safari and get really close to Africa’s big game. The chances of seeing some game on the islands and riverbanks are good and you’re likely to see some interesting bird species as well. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and crocodile are common sightings with sable, leopard and numerous antelope other regulars on guests’ checklists.

Any time of the year is a good time to explore the fascinating world that thrives below the surface of Africa’s lengthy and beautiful coastline. The coastline of Africa is very long and very interesting. These destinations hold an incredible number of water-based activities. Diving and snorkelling are just two of the many ways to explore and discover the fascinating and beautiful marine life and corals of these alluring waters.

Of the top 100 dive sites in the world, 20 are off the coast of Africa. These are at Cape Verde, Egypt, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa and Mozambique. Then there’s also the waters of Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika. The opportunities for diving are literally endless

Enjoy the electric atmosphere of a passion-filled summer concert in the most relaxed setting you can imagine. If you’re on a Cape Town holiday between November and April, then you simply have to attend at least one of the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts. It’s where families, friends and musos gather to enjoy soul-moving beats in a botanical garden setting – picnic basket close at hand.

The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens setting lends to an extremely unique venue, where the arena’s walls are made of trees and mountains, not brick and mortar. Expect sweet sounds of everything from jazz, to rock to fill the amphitheater from passionate performances from both local and international artists.

Spend a late summer afternoon unwinding with good food, great friends, and even better music while soaking up the atmosphere of an outdoor musical concert you’re not going to forget in a while.

The most intimate way to explore the Okavango’s meandering channels and hidden lagoons is on a guided mokoro trip. These traditional wooden dugouts are still used extensively in the region for fishing and transport. Typically seating two people at a time, your mokoro excursion allows you to explore the delta from a different perspective.

Game vehicles cannot access the unpredictable delta, so this activity really allows you to see and experience the amphibians, insects and birds that you might miss out on.

As you gently glide through the water, you’ll see bucks, elephants and other animals that come to drink from the life-giving waters of the delta. If you’re really, really lucky, you’ll even get to see wild dogs.

Go cage diving and get an eye-to-eye encounter with a great white shark that’s guaranteed to get your adrenalin pumping. Come face to face with a great white shark in Shark Alley near the fishing village of Gansbaai, about two hours out of Cape Town. A face-to-face encounter with these awesome animals is guaranteed to be an experience you’ll remember and talk about forever.

You’ll board the boat in Gansbaai and head out to Dyer Island where the boat will anchor in the channel. You’ll make use of a securely designed six-man steel cage that floats on the surface, with divers no more than a metre below the surface.

Experienced divers can dive on scuba while inexperienced divers can enjoy the same experience with a snorkel. Snorkeling is equally comfortable and safe. Using 5mm diving wetsuits, hoodies, booties and masks, you’ll enter the cage and get up close and personal with these sharks, which can be as big as 2.5 to 6 metres.

The warm waters of Mozambique host large numbers of wild dolphins whose behavior is unusual in their warm welcome of visitors. Perhaps because they have never been threatened and enjoy an abundant diet, the wild dolphins are said to behave more like the trained dolphins of Mexico, happy to swim and share their joy with visitors.

Many visitors describe their dolphin encounters as a spiritual experience of great beauty. The island lodge offering this experience makes sure that these dolphin encounters are ethically managed by trained guides for minimal ecological impact. Small groups receive training in dolphin behaviour and sociability and swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Many groups spend up to an hour swimming dolphins in clear sparkling waters As with any wild animal encounter there is a chance of not seeing dolphins, but their abundance makes this a very rare event. 

If the idea of a day outdoors surrounded by nature as you hike up a mountain gets you excited, you’ll love these guided day hikes. Discover the magic of Cape Town’s Table Mountain and surrounds while hiking with our experienced nature guides who will interpret the wonders of the unique Cape Floral Kingdom and regale you with stories of local legends. Find out what it feels like to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Meet the most colourful nomads of Africa and walk alongside them, exploring the lands that they know by heart. The nomads of the Serengeti, or the traditional Masai warriors have a very strong walking tradition. for years and years this tribe has walked the plains of Africa, moving their cattle and livestock to where there is grass to sustain them. 

Masai people wear colourful robes and have surprisingly long legs. They can walk for weeks or even months, living only off the land. They use medicinal plants to remedy illnesses and drink a mixture of blood and milk as a source of protein. The Masai people are completely in tune with their natural environment and they can exist without any western influence, grocery stores or modern technology. There is much that can be learnt from these people, and walking with them is an incredible and memorable experience.

Safari prices are generally lower than those in East Africa, and South Africa ranks first among southern African locations in terms of value. This is because most of South Africa’s national parks are accessible by car, which can help keep costs down. A Zimbabwe safari is also particularly cost-effective for people on a limited budget. Zimbabwe’s national park campgrounds offer a variety of camping options as well as more affordable chalets.

Southern Africa offers a wide range of affordable holiday and safari options. A vacation to this region will not only show you the country’s unique landscapes and cultural mix, but it will also provide you with superb safari game viewing opportunities. Go on a self-drive safari through Southern Africa to keep safari costs cheap and to get panoramic views of the wildlife and the African bush.

Luxury safaris in Southern Africa take you closer to Africa’s wildlife but still offer you top-class accommodation and unrivaled service. If you are looking for the total safari experience and would like to explore the Southern African wildlife, then choosing one of the country’s top reserves is a good place to start. South Africa itself has no fewer than 20 national parks. This includes two of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves, the Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. 

A Big Five tour allows you to observe five of the continent’s most spectacular and famous creatures in their natural habitat. The Big Five are found in several southern African countries, including Namibia, Botswana, South-Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our safari tours will bring you closer to nature.

For those seeking a genuine African camping experience backpack around Africa by experiencing the pleasure of sleeping in national parks surrounded by wildlife and enjoying the simplicity of nature. Set up your tent and create a campfire with the assistance of your skilled guides while surrounded by stunning landscape. Experience sleeping under the stars and listening to the sounds of animals in the distance as the sun sets over the African plains.

Africa is a great place for adventure, romance, and leisure. The wildlife watching is unparalleled, and the safari lodges and mobile camps are intimate, luxurious and super romantic. A romantic safari in southern Africa is quite affordable, which makes it the perfect place for a honeymoon adventure. The Okavango Delta, Botswana, South Africa and Victoria Falls in southern Africa are all fantastic destinations for a honeymoon in Africa.

Encounter one of Botswana’s most stunning and captivating locations on horseback. Imagine a thrilling horseback ride over the Kalahari Desert’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, complete with savannah wildlife and starry skies.

Experience the romance of luxury train travel, sip cocktails dine in style, watch the countryside roll by and let the train rock you to sleep. Rovos Rail and the Blue Train are perfect if you want to be pampered in luxury accommodation with world-class service, African-inspired culinary delights and a relaxed atmosphere. The most popular route for both trains is Cape Town to Pretoria (or vice versa).

Photographic trips in Botswana have jaw-dropping views, abundant animals, fantastic equipment, and knowledgeable guides. This photography safari visits explores the world-renowned Okavango Delta in Botswana, one of Africa’s most stunning game-viewing spots.

Self-drive trips across Southern Africa are popular among visitors because they provide them more flexibility and freedom. You can explore a country or countries at your convenience and pace behind the wheel of a car rental. For a self-drive in Southern Africa, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana are all fantastic options.

Sossusvlei, in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park, is one of Southern Africa’s most famous natural wonders. The amazing scenery makes for amazing landscape photography! The park’s massive red sand dunes surrounded by enormous white salt and clay pans are a must see when on a safari in Southern Africa.

When visiting Victoria Falls, a helicopter ride is a must-do experience. That is why, in Victoria Falls, we provide a variety of helicopter flight alternatives for you to select from since we don’t want you to miss out. Choose from the most popular Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight Of Angels and experience one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world from above.

Water-based safaris allow you to visit places that are inaccessible by land, and they focus on finding and getting close to water dwelling animals. These activities almost always provide a beautiful view and are far more calming and quiet than drives or hikes. Sunsets on the lake are usually spectacular, and bird viewing is especially nice near water. Some of the best destinations in southern africa to experience these water safaris include; the beautiful Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Bangweulu wetlands in Zambia, as well as the distant Liuwa Plains in western Zambia.

A family safari is an excellent opportunity to introduce your children to nature and wildlife without having to worry about them becoming bored. Family safaris are designed to keep the joy of seeing animals and birds alive and participatory for all members of the family. Choose between Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia for best safaris for families in southern Africa.

For couples who wish to combine romance with outdoor activities like game watching and hiking, a honeymoon in southern Africa is ideal. South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius are some of the top honeymoon spots in southern Africa.

There is plenty to do and see in southern Africa, and solo travel is growing increasingly popular. When you travel alone, you can be entirely selfish about your preferences, focusing solely on your preferred African experiences. South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana are the best destinations in southern Africa for solo travel.

• Go on a hot air balloon ride through some of Southern Africa’s best safari destinations
• Experience the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Falls on a Zimbabwean Safari
• A breathtaking helicopter trip over the magnificent Victoria Falls is a must-do
• Do a bungee leap into the Zambezi gorge for a rush of excitement
• Go on an adventurous whitewater rafting adventure through the Zambezi Gorge
• Go on an iconic Mokoro ride in the Okavango Delta
• Explore Game Reserves throughout southern Africa that are world-famous for their wildlife
• Go on game drives and guided bush walks to experience the fauna and flora of your surroundings
• Explore the Cape Winelands and bustling city of Cape Town
• Go on a hot air balloon ride in some of the region’s best safari destinations

Almost every country in Southern Africa has over a hundred different native languages to speak. In addition to that, when the Colonial European empires divided Africa, they brought English, French, Dutch, Portuguese, and German with them.

South Africa: The national currency of South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR).
Namibia: Namibia’s currency, the Namibian Dollar (N$), is equivalent to the South African rand.
Botswana: The Botswana Pula is the official currency of Botswana (BWP).
Zambia: The Zambian Kwacha is the country’s official currency (ZMK).
Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe dollar is the country’s official currency (ZWL).

Southern Africa offers a wide selection of accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets. Go camping in the African wilderness for a true safari experience. Nothing beats sleeping in the African bush under the stars. Also, most safari destinations provide tented camps ranging from basic bush camps to luxurious camping or experience a luxury train ride through Southern Africa.

On a Botswana safari, you can view hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of elephants congregated in the floodplains, or search for the Big Five in Botswana’s famed game reserves. You can see everything from whales to the Big Five to the most gorgeous bird species on the planet in South Africa. On a Namibia safari, you can see rhinos, elephants, lions, and much more on a safari. Zambia is famous for its wild dogs, lions, buffalo, and other animals.

Southern Africa encompasses some of the world’s most sought-after wildlife and nature-based experiences, with year-round appeal. 

Whether you’re planning to explore the golden savannahs of Kruger National Park, the verdant wetlands of the Okavango Delta, or the majestic Victoria Falls, understanding the region’s climate and seasonal patterns will help you make the most of your trip. 

This comprehensive guide provides insights into the best times to visit Southern Africa, detailing high and low seasons, dry and wet seasons, and a month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect.

High vs. Low Season

Southern Africa’s high season, from June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing. Clear skies, minimal rainfall, and cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for spotting animals as they gather around water sources. 

This period is particularly popular for visiting Kruger National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls. However, high season also means higher prices and more tourists.

The low season, from November to May, coincides with the rainy season, offering lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists. 

Although travel can be more challenging due to muddy roads and dense vegetation, this period is excellent for birdwatching, as migratory species flock to the region. Additionally, the low season provides better value for money with discounted rates on accommodations and tours.

Dry vs. Wet Season

The dry season, from June to October, is characterized by sunny days and cool nights, providing excellent conditions for wildlife viewing. Animals are easier to spot as they congregate around shrinking water sources. This season is also ideal for activities such as game drives, walking safaris, and visiting cultural sites.

The wet season, from November to May, transforms the landscapes into vibrant green vistas. 

While wildlife may be more dispersed, the scenery is stunning, and birdwatching is at its peak. The rains bring new life, with many animals giving birth, resulting in plentiful predator-prey interactions. Despite occasional downpours, the wet season offers a more tranquil and immersive experience.

Month-to-Month Guide

January In the middle of the wet season, this month brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, with occasional afternoon showers. Rainfall averages around 100-150mm. It’s a great time for birdwatching, particularly in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, where migratory birds are abundant. The verdant scenery also makes it an excellent time for photography, with Botswana offering rich birdlife and vibrant, green landscapes.

February Continuing the wet season, temperatures remain warm with frequent rains, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Rainfall averages around 100-200mm. The landscape stays green and vibrant, making it ideal for birdwatching and photography. Victoria Falls is at its most spectacular, with high water levels creating a dramatic display. Wildlife viewing is still good, particularly in regions like Namibia’s Etosha National Park, where animals are drawn to waterholes. Namibia and Zimbabwe provide dramatic landscapes and impressive wildlife sightings for nature enthusiasts.

March At the tail end of the wet season, temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C. Rainfall averages around 80-150mm. The rains start to taper off, but the landscape remains lush. This is an excellent time for game drives in Kruger National Park and Hwange National Park, as animals begin to move more freely. Visiting the Kalahari Desert is also ideal as the rains bring the desert to life with wildflowers and greenery. South Africa and Zimbabwe offer vibrant landscapes and active wildlife, ideal for safaris.

April Diminishing rains and cooler temperatures, averaging between 16°C and 26°C, mark this month. Rainfall averages around 50-100mm. The landscapes are still green, making it a great time for wildlife photography and game viewing. The Okavango Delta starts to flood, creating a unique environment for mokoro (canoe) safaris. Birdwatching remains excellent, and the reduced rainfall makes travel easier. Botswana and South Africa provide lush landscapes and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.

May The beginning of the dry season brings temperatures ranging from 14°C to 24°C. Rainfall averages around 10-50mm. The weather is cooler, and the landscapes begin to dry out. Ideal for visiting Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve and Namibia’s Sossusvlei, wildlife becomes easier to spot as animals gather around shrinking water sources. It’s also an excellent time for exploring the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls before the peak tourist season. Namibia and Botswana provide stunning desert landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing as the dry season begins.

June Ushering in the cool, dry season, temperatures average between 10°C and 20°C. Rainfall averages around 5-20mm. This is one of the best times for wildlife viewing, especially in Kruger National Park and the Okavango Delta. Clear skies and dry conditions are perfect for game drives, walking safaris, and gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Also ideal for visiting the lush vineyards of the Cape Winelands in South Africa. South Africa and Botswana offer excellent wildlife viewing and beautiful scenery, ideal for safaris and wine tours.

July Part of the peak dry season, this month provides excellent conditions for safaris. Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C, with clear skies and cool nights. Rainfall averages around 5-10mm. The Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya is at its height, and southern Africa’s parks are teeming with wildlife. It’s also a perfect time for visiting Cape Town and its surrounding attractions, such as Table Mountain and Robben Island. South Africa and Tanzania offer incredible wildlife experiences and iconic landscapes, perfect for adventure and exploration.

August Continuing the peak dry season, temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C. Rainfall averages around 5-10mm. Ideal for game viewing in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Namibia’s Etosha National Park, the Victoria Falls remain impressive, though water levels begin to drop. Dry conditions and cool temperatures are perfect for safaris and exploring southern Africa’s diverse landscapes. Botswana and Namibia provide abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty, perfect for safaris.

September Warm and dry conditions prevail with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 24°C. Rainfall averages around 5-15mm. Wildlife viewing is at its best in Kruger National Park, Hwange National Park, and the Okavango Delta. The water levels in the Okavango Delta start to recede, concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. A great time for visiting Namibia’s Skeleton Coast for its unique desert scenery. South Africa and Botswana offer prime wildlife viewing and unique landscapes, ideal for adventure.

October At the end of the dry season, temperatures range from 14°C to 28°C. Rainfall averages around 5-20mm. Dry landscapes make it easy to spot wildlife at waterholes and rivers. This is a prime time for safaris in Botswana and Zambia. The Kalahari Desert and the Cape Winelands offer pleasant weather and stunning landscapes. Botswana’s safari destinations and South Africa’s Cape Winelands provide excellent wildlife viewing and picturesque landscapes, ideal for exploration and relaxation.

November The beginning of the rainy season brings temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. Rainfall averages around 50-100mm. Early rains create a fresh, green landscape, attracting migratory birds. Ideal for birdwatching in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, the rains also rejuvenate the scenery in Namibia’s Sossusvlei and Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans, making it an excellent time for photography. Botswana and Namibia offer lush landscapes and abundant birdlife, ideal for birdwatchers and photographers.

December With warm temperatures between 20°C and 32°C, this month continues the rainy season. Rainfall averages around 100-150mm. The landscape is lush, and wildlife viewing is still good in many areas. An excellent time for visiting Victoria Falls, which is less crowded yet still impressive. The rains bring the Kalahari Desert to life, making it a unique time to explore this fascinating region. Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and Botswana’s Kalahari Desert offer stunning landscapes and unique wildlife experiences, perfect for adventure and exploration.

Southern Africa is a region of unparalleled beauty and diversity, offering something for every traveller throughout the year. The best times to visit depend on what you seek. 

For exceptional wildlife viewing, particularly during the Great Migration and prime game drives, the dry seasons from June to October are ideal.  

The wet seasons from November to May offer unique advantages with its lush, green landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and fewer tourists. The low season also means more tranquil parks and better value for money.

Whether you choose the bustling high season or the serene low season, Southern Africa promises unforgettable adventures and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Plan your trip to this remarkable region and experience the magic of Southern Africa at its finest.