In the know safari aficionados know that July and August is the time to go on safari. It is all happening and this is why.

Water. Well lack of it (in most cases).  

Winter on safari is marked by a lack of rain. This means that rivers start to dry up. The vegetation and grasses start to die and the wildlife has to work harder to find food and water. Wildlife, therefore, tends to congregate around available water sources such as watering holes and dams. It makes it easier for the guides and rangers to predict where to find things and it makes it easier for you to see them.

If it hasn’t rained you don’t get stuck in the mud and rangers are more likely to confidently drive their vehicles off road for better sightings.

The lack of rain means that the days are usually hot and sunny with crystal blue skies. Ideal for wildlife photography, especially since the sun doesn’t get as high in the sky. Perfect safari conditions for all day game drives and picnic lunches.

Be warned, however, the night time and early morning temperatures can plummet. Add to this the wind chill factor in open vehicles, and you will appreciate taking our advice and pack a woolly hat, gloves, warm jacket and thermal vest. Layering up and layering down is the way to dress at this time of year. Cold nights mean clear starry nights and at this time of year glance up and see the constellation of Scorpio stretched across the night sky.

Safaris generally don’t get as ‘buggy’ at this time of year, and whilst we will not guarantee a bug free safari, the creepy crawlies are generally not as active. Herpetologists will tell you that it is at this time of year that they generally take some annual leave as their subject matter is generally hibernating.

What’s is happening ?

• The Great Migration is moving from Tanzania to Kenya in search of water and grass. This is the time for river crossings on the Mara River, a real dramatic spectacle. We believe that the Governors Camps have a ring side seat to the action.
• Botswana is in full flood, and this year we are expecting a huge one. Don’t confuse a flood in Botswana with rain in Botswana, these waters take about 6 months to trickle here from the Angolan Highlands. Staying in a water camp in Botswana such Belmond Eagle Island Camp allows you to experience all that is unique about Botswana at this time of year.  
• South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi is open for business. Two fantastic safari destinations in Zambia. South Luangwa traditionally the home of Walking Safaris and the Lower Zambezi a watery wilderness, home to buffalo, elephants and lions.
• Visit Hwange to experience the Presidential Elephant. Suzanne witnessed her largest concentration of elephants in Hwange as they come in search of water. The newly opened Linkwasha Camp is a perfect location to experience Hwange’s 40,000 elephants.
• The Kruger Park and the surrounding reserves are a magnet for wildlife at this time of year. Staying at Rattrays on Malamala gets you close to the action.
• Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast in Namibia are a living example of how wildlife exists without water. The time to go and see desert adapted rhino and elephant at Damaraland Camp
• Tswalu in the Central Kalahari is positively alive with nocturnal animals, disorientated by the relatively colder days, head here for good chances of seeing pangolin and aardwark.

Talk to the Experts

We know our Black Rhinos from our White Rhinos, our Meerkats from our Mongoose, our Reticulated Giraffe from our Rothschild. Speak to us about how we can create a bespoke safari to Africa for you.