Kevin Leo-Smith, a leading expert in Southern Africa’s safari industry, has outlined the following Safari Calendar. With extensive knowledge in conservation development, safari tourism, business development, and agribusiness, particularly in the African context, Kevin provides valuable insights:
November
There are some tourists who often imagine parts of Africa to be a barren land in desperate need of rain. The belief is that residents and animals alike all seek an end to the dryness and dust. This isn’t really the case during the summer season.
Temperatures do remain high both day and night Game viewing slowly increases especially after the day of the first rains (normally around mid-November).
The rains come and the relieved animals disperse to eat on new vegetation and drink from the seasonal pans. The birthing season begins with the tsessebe, followed by the impala and lechwe.
The predators seek out the vulnerable young and kill many times a day to get their fill. There’s plenty of action and great visibility over short green grass with trees bursting with life – a wonderful time for the photographers in terms of action, colour and visibility.
December
Protein-rich grass nourishes the mothers of the antelope while the lambs and calves experience astonishing growth rates. As the impala finish their lambing, the wildebeest initiate and complete their own lambing within a few weeks.
The frequency of rains increases, punctuated by thunderstorms every few days. The seasonal pans retain their fullness, radiating brilliant shades of green as the grass begins to flourish, providing ample sustenance for numerous hungry mouths.
While the grazers indulge in the lush, tender mouthfuls of greenery, the predators remain watchful and stealthy. Yet, their winter camouflage sometimes proves insufficient, requiring them to exert a bit more effort. The thickening bushes, however, offer the predators increased opportunities to conceal themselves. Alongside the resident crow population, migrant birds arrive, integrating themselves into the landscape.
On average, temperatures have slightly cooled, although occasional hot days still persist, and nights remain warm due to the heightened humidity following the rains. The season is adorned with a spectrum of colours, characterised by dramatic skies and nocturnal lightning displays that enhance the enchantment of December.
January
It’s the peak breeding season for many of the vibrant migrant bird species. The landscape is adorned with splendid wildflowers, accompanied by lush and brilliant green foliage. A symphony of natural sounds, emanating from insects and birds both day and night, fills the air, signifying the vibrancy of the bush.
January falls within the heart of the rainy season, characterized by captivating afternoon thunderstorms and warm temperatures, averaging around 30˚C during the day and 20˚C plus at night. Game viewing remains moderate, with active predators relentlessly pursuing the rapidly maturing offspring of their prey.
This month presents an ideal opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the essence of a safari. The interplay between the predators’ inherent winter camouflage and the vibrant summer hues creates a backdrop for dramatic photographs. However, the predators face greater challenges during this period, as their presence is more easily detected by their vigilant prey.
February
Ripe figs provide sustenance for numerous species, including fruit bats that create intriguing night sounds while feasting. Water lilies reach their pinnacle of flowering beauty. The Okavango Delta bursts with vibrancy, accompanied by the vivid and raucous calls of reed frogs. The rainy season fosters an active growth spurt among plants and wildlife, with butterflies, birds, frogs, and an assortment of small creatures displaying heightened activity.
The afternoon rains persist, occasionally punctuated by thunderstorms. Temperatures fluctuate, with highs reaching up to 40˚C, while averages remain above 30˚C. The nights remain warm, usually above 20˚C.
Throughout the month, guests can experience both wet and comparatively drier spells. Emerging from months, and sometimes years, of hibernation, the giant bullfrog engages in nocturnal feeding frenzies. Resident game species don’t need to venture far for water, and the young individuals are nearly as tall as the adults.
March
The mighty Zambezi River is in full spate, and river rafting is often suspended during this time. The Victoria Falls are at their peak power, presenting a highly dramatic spectacle, even though the base of the Falls might be obscured. A visit during this period offers a firsthand understanding of why these falls are truly among the seven natural wonders of the world.
In Botswana, the fruit of the Marula trees entices bull elephants, which roam from tree to tree in search of their favorite food. Temperatures remain warm both during the day and at night, but the air is drier and rainfall is less frequent.
April
The first signs of changing times are evident as night temperatures drop to below 20°C on average, while daytime temperatures continue to rise, reaching up to 40°C on certain days.
The cooler mornings, coupled with high relative humidity, create enchanting early morning mist that adds a touch of magic, especially over the water bodies.
The impala rut is in full swing, and the resonating roars and snorts persist throughout the night, accompanied by intense clashes between rival males. Baboons and impalas are often found together, contributing to the safety of the vigilant impala.
Trees have completed their flowering phase, and fruits are ripening across the landscape, including the massive sausages hanging from the Sausage trees. Reptiles are actively breeding and feeding, preparing for the impending dry season.
