what I know for sure timing a safari holiday

Timing your safari for the best experience

What I know for sure is that timing can make or break a safari. The time of year you travel affects not just the cost, but also the wildlife, the landscapes, and the atmosphere of your journey. Every country and region in Africa has its own rhythm. Understanding that rhythm is the key to planning a safari that delivers on your dreams and your budget.


High season: at the heart of the action

The high season usually coincides with the dry months, June to October in East Africa, and June to September in Southern Africa. During this time, animals gather around water sources, migrate across rivers, grass is short, and visibility is at its best.

It’s when iconic experiences unfold:

  • The great migration in Kenya and Tanzania
  • Peak game viewing in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe
  • Crisp, clear mornings and mild days in South Africa and Namibia

High season offers incredible rewards, but it also brings higher prices and limited availability if you’re booking the same year or only 6 – 12 months in advance.. Camps and lodges fill quickly, and daily rates even rise with demand in some places. For many, it’s absolutely worth it, but knowing what you’re paying for helps ensure it’s the right fit for you.


 


Shoulder and low seasons: value and variety

The shoulder seasons, those in-between months, offer exceptional value and diversity. These are the times just before and after the high season, when the rains may have begun or ended, and the bush is alive with colour.

Travelling then often means:

  • Fewer crowds and more flexibility
  • Lower accommodation rates
  • Lush, green landscapes and dramatic skies
  • Excellent birding and photography opportunities

The green or low season, particularly in Southern Africa from November to March, can also be magical. Yes, you might encounter a few rain showers, but you’ll also see newborn animals, vibrant scenery, migratory birds plus less vehicles and quieter camps. For photographers, this is pure gold.



Matching timing to your priorities

Timing your safari isn’t just about cost or weather, it’s about what matters most to you.

Do you want to see predator action, witness migration herds along with hundreds of other vehicles, or enjoy solitude in remote landscapes? Are you tied to school holidays or flexible to travel off-peak?

That’s where working with specialists like Encompass Africa makes all the difference. We know the seasonal nuances across the continent, from when the Okavango Delta floods, to when gorilla trekking is driest in Rwanda, to when whale sharks arrive off the coast of Tanzania.



The value of expertise

By planning with professionals, you gain access to insights and timing strategies that make your money work harder. Sometimes, shifting your travel by just a week or two can save thousands of dollars while delivering the same, or even better, experience.

Safari planning isn’t just about finding dates, it’s about finding your right time.



Timing is everything? So in the end…

 

What I know for sure is that Africa rewards those who travel with intention.

When you match your safari to the season, you’ll see the continent at its most authentic, whether it’s the golden dust of the dry season or the lush renewal after the rains.

Timing is everything, and we’re here to make sure yours is perfect.

So when you’re ready, let’s start the conversation.


Your dream safari begins with an open chat.

No obligation. Just passion.