Why winter’s a cool time to safari
When I think of Africa, it’s always sun-scorched plains, heat shimmering on the horizon and ice cold beers at sunset (or gin and tonics). I imagine it to be summer. Now what I didn’t know until I started experiencing Africa for myself back in 2003 was that winter is prime safari time. It’s often quieter, cooler (quite literally) and equally as captivating.
So in this blog, we welcome you to winter in Africa. The air is crisp, the landscapes are bathed in this gorgeous golden light and the safari experience in so many of the countries we operate in reaches its peak!
Whether you’re a family seeking a school-holiday period adventure, a couple dreaming of romance under the stars (just add hot water bottle and red wine!), a climber wanting the ultimate Mount Kilimanjaro summit of the snow capped peak, or a solo explorer in search of those powerful, dare I say soul-stirring encounters, winter is an awesome season to consider travelling to Africa for a safari.
The secret season: why winter is prime safari time
Here’s why winter safaris are so extraordinary
- Impressive elephant herds lumbering to drink at dawn
- Lions basking in the soft warmth of mid-morning light or lazing on rock kopjies for their own version of hot rock
- Leopards draped over tree limbs, made easier to spot in leafless branches
- Giraffes nibbling on sparse treetops
- Hippos snorting and squabbling in shrinking pools of waterThe thrilling drama of predator and prey playing out in the open plains
- the well sought after Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, making frequent appearances, often all within a single game drive if you’re in the greater Kruger region especially!
Image: Lion on the Serengeti rock kopjies, winter time photo by Michael Rupp
Misty mornings when you safari in winter
You may not want to climb out of your warm bed, but FOMO will kick in as you anticipate the excitement of a safari. Nothing beats that feeling of climbing into the 4×4 vehicle and snuggling up under your blanket with hot water on your lap.
It’s rather romantic and often the misty mornings are cinematic, you’ll want to make a little movie to capture the moment. Don’t forget to head out with a beanie, scarf, even gloves.
Then when you stop for your morning break, enjoy holding that hot cup of coffee and watching the steam rise as the sun does too! There’s something special about winter safari light and watching the animals wake. Oh and don’t forget to ask for a shot of amarula in your coffee, it’s the famous African creamy liquor and certainly warms the belly!
Winter evenings await
So the days warm up and then like clockwork, the sun dips beyond the horizon and so do the temperatures! It can get really chilly. So when it’s time to head out on your afternoon game drive, remember to take your layers, even if you’re feeling hot when it’s time to go. You’ll wear your base layer then pack a middle layer like fleece or puffer jacket which retains your body heat. Then grab an outer layer to protect you from the wind that rushes into the vehicle because it’s open sided usually!
Fast track to the return drive for dinner when night has fallen, ask your guide to stop and pause, turn off the engine and headlights. Now look up… Watch as the stars shine bright above your head, sit in silence and take some deep breaths, savouring the moment. It’s a special way to show appreciation for the experience and realise just how insignificant we all are under the stars.
When you arrive into camp, a warm refresher towel will be offered so you can wipe your face and warm the cheeks! Now it’s time to head to the fire for a drink before dinner is served.
Summarising winter nights on safari.. hmm let’s just say this – crackling campfires, starlit skies and silence or storytelling, golden glow of lantern light, cosy lounges, drawn bathtubs and even heated blankets in bed (or hot water bottles).
Image: Maasai guide on the Wilson family safari June/July 2024 when we paused for our nightly star gaze.
Fewer bugs, less rain, more comfort albiet a little chilly!
My all time favourite reason to travel in winter is less mosquitos and minimal humidity – remember that’s coming from a woman who lives in tropical Queensland, Australia!
Days are generally dry which means fabulous game drives, walking safaris and being out on the water is a pleasure! Of course you can’t forget it’s still a little chilly but that means you’re not sweating at night, instead you’re snuggled up in bed without the distinct sound of mosquitos hovering overhead!
Image: Betty Kenny, Splash Camp Botswana winter breakfast on the fire
Iconic wildlife events
If you’re looking for those bucket list events, winter can tick a few off the list that’s for sure.
- The Great Migration surges through Tanzania’s Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara—millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle on the move, shadowed by predators of course, lurking in the river and hidden in the grasses of the plains
- In South Africa’s greater Kruger region (national park and private reserves), predator activity certainly ramps up in the day because it’s cooler to do so!
- In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, water from the Angolan highlands begins to flood the channels drawing in the wildlife. This watery wonderland teems with wildlife.
- South Africa’s east coast waters begin to surge with the annual sardine run and whale migration.
Image: Roz Zito’s Okavango Delta mokoro
So who should safari in winter?
- Families of course because our school holidays coincide beautifully!
- Couples is a no brainer because it’s wildly romantic snuggling under a blanket on a chilly game drive, sharing stories and red wine by firelight and soaking in a claw foot tub with views of the wild.
- Photographers gravitate in winter because of that soft morning light, crystal clear air and warm toned sunshine. The quintessential winter shots of course are lions on the rocks warming up, animals waking and yawning in the misty morning with the smoke effect from their nose and/or mouth!
Everybody will benefit from travelling to Africa for a winter safari holiday… but we’re always going to say that!
Image: Wilson family at Ol Donyo, Kenya (Great Plains Conservation)
Snuggle into the wild this winter
So I’m hoping you now can visualise the beauty of Africa in winter, it’s a sensory journey. The crisp air, that shudder as you feel its touch. The distant call of a hyena and those shadows in the afternoon golden glow. That magical hush before the sun breaks the horizon and the sheer adrenaline of a lion sighting. Feeling the warmth of the campfire on your hands held out to thaw out! And the stillness of the bush at night.
Ok, is that enough to convince you to consider a winter safari holiday? Why wait for summer?
Here at Encompass Africa, we always say come for the wildlife, stay for the awe and wonder and travel in winter (summer, autumn or spring! They’re all fabulous).