BEAUTIFUL SEASONS

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• Kalahari Desert - Botswana

Av temp -  28°C / 82°F

Saseka Says:

January is the rainy season in Botswana and in the north it makes game viewing difficult, but in the Desert, the rain transforms the waterholes and attracts a myriad of wildlife and birds.

• Zanzibar - Tanzania

Av temp - 27°C / 80°F

Saseka Says:

Zanzibar averages only five rainy days in January making it a delight to explore whether you are scuba diving in the south or exploring Stone Town, the World Heritage South.

• Southern Serengeti - Tanzania

Av temp - 17°C / 63°F

Saseka Says:

This is the calving season during the Great Wildebeest Migration, with over 5,000 calves being born each day. Be sure to bring a windcheater for those early morning and late afternoon game drives.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda

Av temp - 11°C / 64°F

Saseka Says:

There is generally a short, dry spell in January, making it easier and more comfortable to trek to see the gorillas. Be sure to have the correct clothing and footwear.

Red colobus monkey - Kim, Jozani Forest, Zanzibar

• Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania

Av temp - 22°C / 71°F

Saseka Says:

Ngorongoro has some of the best Big Five game viewing in the world as the game never ventures beyond the Crater’s walls. February is the quietest time as far as humans are concerned, offering better rates and more space.

• East African Islands

Av temp - 27°C / 81°F

Saseka Says:

Whale sharks migrate along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coasts from October to April and by February the numbers are usually the highest. Diving with these large, gentle creatures is becoming popular so book well in advance.

• Samburu National Reserve - Kenya

Av temp - 28°C / 82°F

Saseka Says:

The summer rains bring Samburu, which is located in an arid part of Kenya, to life and offer the opportunity to view the Samburu Special Five - Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, the East African oryx (beisa oryx), Somali ostrich and gerenuk.

• Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe/Zambia

Av temp - 25°C / 77°F

Saseka Says:

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the summer rains, when you’ll see the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume. However, this does mean there is plenty of spray and some of the water-based activities are restricted due to the dangerously high volumes of water.

The smoke that thunders - Kim, Victoria Falls

• Southern Serengeti - Tanzania

Av temp - 23°C / 73°F

Saseka Says:

By March the thousands of “babies” born in January and Febrary are now strong enough to begin the Wildebeest Migration which is starting to move northwards. This is also Green Season in Tanzania which means lower rates, lower visitor numbers and greater opportunities for photographers.

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve - South Africa

Av temp - 25°C / 76°F

Saseka Says:

The Sabi Sands shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park and by March the rainy season is largely over. Renowned for excellent leopard and rhino sightings, this is traditional Big Five country which offers fantastic accommodation, open vehicle game viewing drives and nature walks.

• KwaZuluNatal Midlands - South Africa

Av temp - 27°C / 81°F

Saseka Says:

This vast and varied area ranges from the Drakensberg Mountains in the west to the Battlefields in the east - both Anglo-Boer and Zulu wars were fought in this area - and is a self-drive dream destination.

• Cape Town and Garden Route - South Africa

Av temp - 20°C / 68°F

Saseka Says:

Cape Town and the Garden Route enjoy a Mediterranean climate and are therefore dry at this time of year, when most of the rest of South Africa are in their rainy season. The Cape Cycle Tour usually takes place in March so be careful to check these dates.

Lazing leopard - Ken Haley, Greater Kruger

• Cape Town - South Africa

Av temp - 22°C / 71°F

Saseka Says:

At the end of the hot, windy, summer and before the fresh, drizzly, winter, April is the perfect time to visit Cape Town. This vibrant melting pot of a city offers visitors so much to see and experience, including the world famous Table Mountain which you can access via cable car or fly over in a helicopter. From Cape Town explore the winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, travel around the scenic Cape Point, stopping to visit the African Penguins at Boulders Beach, and the lighthouse at the point, and be entertained by the seals at Hout Bay.

• Sossusvlei & Etosha National Park - Namibia

Av temp - 23°C / 73°F

Saseka Says:

The entrancing landscapes at Sossusvlei and the abundant game viewing in Etosha are best enjoyed at this time of year - after the intense heat of the summer and before the cold winter evenings have drawn in.

• Ndutu - South Eastern Serengeti

Av temp - 22°C / 71°F

Saseka Says:

Ndutu Lake is in the heart of the south eastern Serengeti and is the gathering place for the massive herds of wildebeest, and other animals, preparing  for the migration. By April most of the young have been born and their antics are amusingly delightful. Also, most of the human visitors have left and you have this amazing area almost entirely to yourselves.

• Bazaruto Archipelago - Mozambique

Av temp - 25°C / 76°F

Saseka Says:

April is a great time to visit these islands as it is at the end of the summer rains, but before the peak season arrives. The snorkeling and scuba diving in the Bazaruto National Park are superb and complemented by the glorious beach life.

Signal Hill - Candice, Cape Town

• Bush and Beach Safari - KwaZuluNatal/South Africa

Av temp - 23°C / 73°F

Saseka Says:

Situated on the east coast of South Africa, the province of KZN has much to offer in the way of superb game reserves and magnificent beaches. The beaches are less crowded and the game viewing and bird watching, especially in places like Phinda Private Reserve and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park is ideal in the cooler weather.

• Okavango Delta - Botswana

Av temp - 21°C / 69°F

Saseka Says:

The rains which have fallen upstream during the rainy season have now reached the Delta enticing large herds of game, as well as predators, to the area where they will spend the winter. There is enough water in the rivers and streams to offer accommodation on traditional house boats, as well as game viewing, bird watching and fishing in either traditional makoros (dugout canoes) or speed boats.

• South Luangwa National Park - Zambia

Av temp - 23°C / 74°F

Saseka Says:

May is the start of the dry season in Zambia and most places enjoy an average of nine hours of sunshine a day. Mornings and evenings can be crisp and the days glorious without a cloud in the sky. Game viewing is easier as animals are starting to gather at the water holes, river banks and dams.

• Etosha National Park - Namibia

Av temp - 24°C / 75°F

Saseka Says:

May is the end of summer. The rains have stopped, but the scenery is still lovely and green and the nights aren't cold yet. Animals are starting to gather at the water holes and pans, making game viewing less arduous.

Makoro magic - Kim, Botswana

• Bwindi & Volcanoes National Park - Uganda & Rwanda

Av temp - 20°C / 66°F

Saseka Says:

June offers a comparatively dry spell in these equatorial rainforests which makes trekking easier as there is less mud and more sunlight penetrates the forest canopy, helping with navigating the paths and light for photography. This is peak season for gorilla trekking and, as there are limited permits available, it is advisable to book well in advance.

• Grumeti Reserve - Tanzania

Av temp - 21°C / 70°F

Saseka Says:

Visiting the Grumeti Reserve to witness thousands of wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River during their annual migration is highly recommended as the Grumeti Reserve is a private reserve which means fewer vehicles and people sharing this astonishing sight. As the Grumeti River crossings are highly sought after by visitors, it is advisable to book this well in advance.

• Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

Av temp - 19°C / 66°F

Saseka Says:

This is the perfect time for classic game viewing without the crowds. The wildebeest migration is generally still in the Grumeti and Serengti, making the Masai Mara far less crowded. The weather is cooler and drier and the animals don’t venture too far from water or grazing, allowing you to enjoy the Mara’s rolling plains and iconic sunsets.

• Zimbabwe

Av temp - 24°C / 75°F

Saseka Says:

The game viewing is excellent at this time of year as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. This is particularly so in Hwange National Park where the artificially pumped waterholes attract large herds of elephant. Victoria Falls is rewarding to visit at any time, being at its most dramatic when the water flow peaks between February to June.

Silverback - Ken Haley, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• North and South Luangwa National Parks - Zambia

Av temp - 28°C / 82°F

Saseka Says:

The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season which is between June and November. The fresh early mornings herald hot, sunny days, cooling down again in the evening. Game viewing is plentiful and bird watching is superb.

• Okavango Delta - Botswana

Av temp - 16°C / 60°F

Saseka Says:

The summer rains upstream have flooded the Delta and a wide variety of game, including wild dog and red lechwe, can be seen running and leaping through the watery wilderness. The cool, dry weather makes perfect game viewing conditions and the water levels offer sightseeing on either a makoro (dugout canoe) or speedboat, but be sure to have a windcheater with you.

• Timbavati Game Reserve

Av temp - 25°C / 77°F

Saseka Says:

Early morning game viewing drives can be crisp - 11°C / 52°F - but the rewards are memorable and there is little to match watching the sunrise over the Timbavati bushveld with a mug of steaming coffee at hand. The days are filled with clear blue skies and comfortable temperature. Game viewing is abundant as the animals gather around the various waterholes.

• Rwanda

Av temp - 22°C / 72°F

Saseka Says:

July is the driest month in Rwanda and this sees ideal trekking conditions for tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees with almost no mud on the steep paths. Because of this, there are a limited number of permits available and it is advisable to book well in advance for July.

Luangwa River Sunset - Kim, Zambia

• Selous Game Reserve - Tanzania

Av temp - 22°C / 71°F

Saseka Says:

August is peak season for game viewing throughout Africa and with the majority of visitors in the Serengeti and Masai Mara for the Wildebeest Migration, the Selous Game Reserve offers superb sightings without the crowds.

• Sossusvlei, Damaraland & the Kaokoveld - Namibia

Av temp - 21°C / 69°F

Saseka Says:

Namibia is completely different to any other African safari destinations with much of its wildlife adapted to the dry desert landscape, including elephant and lion. Namibia is also home to the world’s highest sand dunes, in turn home to delightful creatures such as barking geckos, cartwheeling spiders, quick tongued chameleons, and the elusive peringueys snake (sidewinder) which make the most beautiful patterns in the sand. Namibia is a great self-drive destination for the more adventurous traveller.

• Cape Town, Winelands and Whale Coast - South Africa

Av temp - 13°C / 55°F

Saseka Says:

The advantage of visiting the Cape in winter is snuggling around a fire to enjoy wine tasting and delicious meals and to experience the joy of watching southern right whales feed, mate and play in Walker Bay, Hermanus.

• Mozambique

Av temp - 23°C / 73°F

Saseka Says:

These are the average temperatures for this time of year, with day time temperatures usually sitting around 30°C and night temperatures dropping low enough to warrant a snug jacket and cosy blanket. The weather is calm and this is the best time to witness the whale migration. Days are long and sunny - perfect for lazing on the beach or participating in various water sports and activities.

Quiver tree forest - Candice, Nambia

• Ruaha and Katavi National Parks - Tanzania

Av temp - 22°C / 71°F

Saseka Says:

If bird watching is your focus, these parks are for you, with over 500 bird species recorded. Game viewing is also superb and includes all the big cats, wild dog, and massive herds of elephant and buffalo. The parks are less well known and therefore less crowded.

• Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

Av temp - 20°C / 68°F

Saseka Says:

Having completed the river crossings, the massive herds of wildebeest, as well as zebra and gazelle, gather on the grasslands of the Mara to replenish their energy. Thousands of plains game gathered in one area is a breathtaking sight, and also a great temptation for lion and leopard, and other predators, who lie in wait for the plentiful pickings.

• Garden Route and Western Cape - South Africa

Av temp - 18°C / 64°F

Saseka Says:

September is spring in southern Africa and the Garden Route certainly lives up to its name with abundant foliage and animals preparing themselves for the warmer weather. The West Coast Wildflowers are spectacular with brilliant blooms as far as the eye can see.

• Botswana

Av temp - 25°C / 77°F

Saseka Says:

In the north of Botswana it is completely dry but there might be a few scattered showers in the centre and south. September is an excellent time to focus on the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers as the game is relying on this water for survival. Moremi is excellent for game viewing, particularly in the cooler mornings and evenings. September is also a great time for anglers with the Okavango Barbel Run in full swing and plenty of tiger fish in the northwest panhandle.

West Coast Wildflowers - Kim, Western Cape

• Etosha National Park - Namibia

Av temp - 25°C / 77°F

Saseka Says:

At the end of the long, dry winter most of the smaller water sources in Etosha have dried up and the game is gathering at the established waterholes in the Etosha Pan. It is not unusual to see many impala, giraffe, warthogs, rhino and elephant all drinking from the same waterhole, while an astonishing variety of birds are busy fluttering around.

• Lower Zambezi National Park - Zambia

Av temp - 25°C / 76°F

Saseka Says:

Here you can combine the classic open vehicle game viewing drive with a water based activity such as a canoe safari or fishing expedition, on the mighty Zambezi River. Some of Zambia’s oldest safari camps are established on the banks of this majestic river, offering superb game viewing and bird watching.

• Linyanti, Savuti and Chobe - Botswana

Av temp - 27°C / 80°F

Saseka Says:

October is one of the hottest months in Botswana but if you can bear the heat, the rewards are plentiful. Water sources and grazing are scarce at this time of year, driving animals to waterholes in droves. Early morning and late afternoon game viewing drives take advantage of the cooler temperatures, and the heat of the day can be enjoyed relaxing around a swimming pool in camp.

• Samburu National Reserve - Kenya

Av temp - 28°C / 82°F

Saseka Says:

The rocky outcrops of Samburu are home to rock hyrax and klipspringers, as well as many lodges which are built into the rocky hills and boulders, offering unique accommodation. Viewing the vast plains from the height advantage of the rocky outcrops is rewarding, especially when watching the endemic gerenuk enjoying nibbling on leaves on its hind legs.

Etosha scenes - Candice, Namibia

• Kruger National Park - South Africa

Av temp - 25°C / 77°F

Saseka Says:

The Kruger National Park is the flagship of the South African National Parks and covers a vast area - almost the same as Wales and just slightly smaller than Belgium. Because of the vast nature of the park, it offers an unrivalled diversity of geographical features, archaeological sites and, of course game viewing and bird watching. No first time visit to South Africa is complete without spending time in either the Kruger or one of the adjacent private game reserves.

• Southern Serengeti - Tanzania

Av temp - 22°C / 72°F

Saseka Says:

The massive wildebeest herds are returning to their birthing and feeding grounds in the Southern Serengeti, together with their ubiquitous companions, zebra and gazelle. This is the start of the birthing season and many non-predator species will be dropping their young now. As is the way in nature, there are also plenty of lion, leopard, wild dog, spotted hyena and cheetah hunting the plains game.

• Zimbabwe

Av temp - 25°C / 77°F

Saseka Says:

November to April is the best bird watching time in Zimbabwe. Migratory birds are present and all species are in full breeding plumage. This is the wet season so the bush is lush and green, which is not ideal for game viewing, but perfect for birding. Some of the best birding spots can be found in the Eastern Highlands, where it could be considerably cooler, and in Hwange National Park and the parks in the Zambezi Valley, where it will be much warmer.

• Zambia

Av temp - 25°C / 77°F

Saseka Says:

November is the end of the dry season in Zambia and is considered the best time to visit.

The walking safari bush camps in and around South Luangwa are still open and if you can manage the high daytime temperatures you will be rewarded with incredible game viewing as the animals are focussed on searching for the limited water still available.

Zebra scrap - Kim, Kruger National Park

• Kalahari Desert - Botswana

Av temp - 26°C / 79°F

Saseka Says:

Despite being a desert, the Green Season rains temporarily transfer this area with full waterholes and lush grazing. This in turn attracts thousands of zebra, as well as hundreds of springbok, impala, wildebeest and buffalo - most of them with their young. And where there is an abundance of game, there will be an abundance of predators!

• Mahale Mountains - Tanzania

Av temp - 20°C / 68°F

Saseka Says:

This is a great time to go chimpanzee trekking with the habituated chimp families which live in the Mahale rainforest. Their favourite fruits, seeds and nuts are in abundance, bringing them down from the treetops to forage. Responsible tourism is helping to save the chimps from poaching and habitat destruction.

• Uganda

Av temp - 23°C / 73°F

Saseka Says:

December is during the dry season and game viewing is at its peak. Primate walks in the forest are an integral part of any visit to Uganda and by the nature of the habitat - it is a rainforest - it will be wet. Days are generally bright and sunny and if you do get caught in a shower, you will dry off quickly under the warm sun.

• Cape Town - South Africa

Av temp - 21°C / 70°F

Saseka Says:

Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate which means no rain in December so this is the perfect time to visit this vibrant city. Cape Town becomes the pulse point of  festivities in December so it is advisable to book well in advance. Combine your stay in Cape Town with a visit to the winelands, the picturesque village of Hermanus, the Garden Route or a safari at one of South Africa’s many, excellent game reserves.

Chimpanzee chomping - Ken Haley, Kibale Forest National Park