safari during the rainy season? When they think of traveling to East Africa, particularly safari destinations of Kenya and Tanzania, most travelers think of June through October and December through the end of February. Why? These months are the driest period of the year, so many tourists, especially from Europe, have a holiday during this time.
Traveling during the dry season has advantages, including short grass in the plains with less dense bush. Animals gather at little water holes during the heat of the afternoon, so people can easily spot them at this time.
Because people consider these reasons, they often overlook the advantages of traveling during the rainy season, which falls between mid-March to May and mid-November to mid-December.
Read More About the best time to visit in Tanzania
Safari during the rainy season
Here are five reasons why many travelers consider the green season one of the best times for a safari.
Exclusivity
If you want to have a calm, slow-paced safari, this is the best time of the year to travel. Most Europeans who are the primary visitors to East Africa do not have holidays during the green season, so that means fewer tourists around the parks, noncongested animal spotting areas, less time spent on accessing the gardens at the gate entrances, and most importantly, a reduced price accommodation prices at hotels in the parks.
Young Babies Everywhere
Most animals give birth during the green season. During this time, the abundance of water, grazing pastures, and bushy hiding spots favored most animals. In March, you will likely see Zebras and elephants dropping their calf and taking a few steps in the wildlife world. In November, you may see newborn wild dogs as they emerge into their first steps into life. Big cats like lions and leopards are mostly spotted, with newborns just a few days or weeks old taking their steps into life.
Perfect Season for Photographers
Skies are filled with dark storm clouds and bursts of light breaking through, the first rainfalls dispelling the dust of dry season, and a landscape turning green and lush with carpets of flowers, making this season a photographer’s choice.
Birding Paradise
Many northern migrant birds spend their non-breeding season in East Africa. Resident species have their own breeding patterns, which vary by species and conditions.
Price Saving and Plenty Rooms Availability
Some properties offer lower rates in quieter travel periods. Compare the actual dates, accommodation and inclusions; neither discounts nor park-fee reductions should be assumed.
Use our Tanzania safari packing list to prepare for the conditions described here.
