Five Reasons To Go On Safari During the Rainy Season in Africa

I love going on safari during the "low-season" because it coincides with the rains, turning the bush lush and green. Predators are easy to spot against the green foliage, and the light is wonderful making it ideal for serious photographers. None are more serious photographers than birders, and this is also peak birding season. If you love watching baby animals the "low-season" is the best time to see baby warthog, impala, zebra and more. Better yet, prices are low so you can go for longer! Here are five excellent reasons to book your safari during the "rainy season".

1. Game Drives are More Exciting Because They Are Less Predictable

Safari veterans often prefer the "green season" because spotting animals in dense foliage, with plenty of water to go around is more challenging and so the rewards seem greater. The dry season is traditionally the "high season" for safaris because among other factors, animals congregate around waterholes and are easier to spot (more about the "best time to go on safari"). During the green season the animals are more spread out, the grass is tall, and the bushes are bushy. A safari is therefore more of an adventure, you never know what you'll get to see, so it can be more exciting. The green season is therefore good for repeat safari clients who are not necessarily ticking off lists of animals they want to see for the first time.

2. It's Cheaper to Go on Safari - So You Can Spend More Time on Safari

The best deals on safari lodging is always during the "rainy season". Some camps use this time to close down entirely and refurbish. Other camps may not be open due to poor road conditions during the rain. But the camps that stay open cut their rates and you can benefit greatly from reduced prices. South Africa is probably the only major safari destination that does not slash its prices during the "wet season". More tips on cheap safaris... 

3. Wildlife Parks and Reserves are Less Crowded

As with any off-season, the crowds are fewer and this is really a wonderful benefit to a safari at this time. No queues of mini-buses around a lion kill, or a race with other vehicles to spot a leopard. If you want to go gorilla tracking, it's easier to get permits during the rainy season. 

4. It's Baby Boom Time!

It's baby season in the bush since water and food are in much higher supply, many animals give birth at the beginning of the rainy season. Baby animals attract predators so there's lots of opportunity to witness nature at its most exciting.

5. It's a Twitchers Paradise

The best time for bird watching in both east and southern Africa is during the wet season as flowers bloom and insects abound. You may not think you'll be excited watching birds on safari, but you will be -- it's a guarantee. Insects are also abundant, watch the dung-rollers at work and enjoy the huge rain spiders that come out!

Things to Keep in Mind During "Low Season"

Because the foliage is thicker, and animals are more widely dispersed, it's even more essential to have a good guide on your safari. In general the more luxury safaris also hire better qualified guides, and their vehicles are also better equipped with tired seats and open sides to make spotting animals easier.Many tented camps and mobile camps shut down during the heavy rains between March - May. This is the case in Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia in particular. Walking safaris are also suspended during this time. Check with your safari operator to make sure the camps you have in mind are open.