High season in East Africa typically runs from July through to the end of October, as these are the driest months of the year. The dry season means shorter grass with less dense bush, coupled with increased wildlife numbers at the remaining watering holes. Because these conditions are considered the most favourable for safari-goers, the many advantages of East Africa’s green season (or wet season) are often overlooked.
Why not book a “green safari” and experience the magic of East Africa’s green season for yourself?
When is the Safari Green Season in East Africa?
Green season takes place from November to May/June, and gets its name from the lush greenery that makes up the landscape at this time of year. November brings the start of the short rains, marking a period of transformation as the sun-baked plains soak up the afternoon showers. The more extensive long rains begin in April. For those who know, the green season is often their favourite time to travel in East Africa.
What Makes a Green Safari Special?
Here are a few great reasons to plan your next safari for the “secret” season.
1. You can follow the Great Migration
Towards the end of October, the wildebeest and zebra of the Great Migration typically begin moving south as the promise of rain and nutrient-rich grazing draws them towards the wide-open plains of the southern Serengeti. As the animals of the Migration move, so do the mobile camps, like Olakira and Ubuntu Camp, aiming to position themselves amidst the thick of the action for the two key seasons of the annual migration cycle.
For the next five months, the northern Serengeti becomes a haven of exclusivity as only a handful of permanent camps remain operational. With the chaos of the Migration removed from the area, the resident wildlife flourishes amidst the increasingly green landscape. Leopard are ever-present amongst the kopjes, and large prides of lion laze in the morning sun. Resident plains game dot the surrounding landscape alongside giraffe, elephant and occasionally a black rhino.
2. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds and great exclusivity
Do you want to be the only vehicle at a wildlife sighting, looking out over the vast horizons of the Masai Mara or Serengeti with nobody else in sight? Or perhaps you’re hoping to enjoy shorter queues at park gates and airports? If so, green season is the time to travel. The southern Serengeti can still get busy with the attraction of the wildebeest calving season, but nearly all other regions offer superb wildlife viewing on an almost private basis.
3. There are baby animals everywhere
The abundance of water, grazing and taller grass to hide from predators makes this the perfect time for many mammals to give birth. A green season safari gives you plenty of opportunities to spot these new babies as they explore their habitat. In November, you’ll see trains of warthog piglets scampering through the bush, and in February, look for wild dog puppies emerging from their dens. In March, you can watch as zebra foals take their first steps and baby elephants struggle to gain control of their trunks.
4. Photographic conditions are ideal
Picture dramatic skies with dark storm clouds and bursts of light breaking through, the first rainfalls dispelling the dust of the dry season, and a landscape turning green with carpets of flowers. This stunning scenery makes the green season a photographer’s dream.
5. There are birds galore for birders to enjoy
Up to 200 migrant species from all corners of the northern hemisphere fly south to East Africa during green season, making it a birder’s paradise. The waterways of Nyerere and Ruaha national parks see a dramatic increase in numbers. Not only that, but many birds will be showing off their breeding plumage – an impressive sight even to those who consider themselves birding novices.
6. You’ll enjoy great affordability and availability
It’s no secret that a safari can be an expensive holiday. But outside of peak season, some camps reduce in price by as much as 60%, presenting the opportunity to make your safari dream a reality for a much smaller budget, or allowing a longer stay and making your budget go further.
Where to Stay in the Green Season
Here are a few of the best Asilia camps to call home during the East African green season:
From December to March, this mobile camp is situated in the southern plains of the Serengeti, where you can witness the wildebeest calving season, and see predators such as lion and cheetah as they prey on the young.
Olakira Migration Camp also has special mesh-covered stargazing tents, allowing you to sleep under a sky of glittering stars.
This camp is found in a remote eastern Serengeti location and offers the ultimate “big cat safari” experience. Before Namiri Plains was built, these grasslands were closed to tourism for 20 years for a cheetah conservation initiative. The area is now home to a rich population of cheetah, leopard and lion.
This camp is situated in the heart of Nyerere National Park, one of the largest reserves in Africa and home to one of the biggest wild dog populations on the continent. Green season presents an amazing opportunity to see wild dog pups. Camp is open from June to mid-March.
This mobile camp can be disassembled in jut a couple of days to follow the wildebeest herds of the Great Migration between the northern and southern Serengeti. The camp stays in the southern Serengeti from mid-November to mid-March, where the wildebeest give birth and graze on the lush grasses.
Excellent wildlife, spectacular scenery, fewer vehicles and lower rates – what’s not to love about the green season? Take advantage of Asilia’s special offers and book your green safari accommodation today.
