Green season is unique to Africa and is the time during or just after the annual rains during the months of December to March. It’s harder to spot game through the foliage and animals aren’t gathered around the waterhole like during the winter season.
But the “green season” does have a few selling points that can be appealing for travellers.
Animal sightings and nature events
While wildlife is less visible, it doesn’t mean its non-existent. This times marks the beginning of the wildebeest migration and birthing season where adorable foals, fawns, calves and cubs fill the plains. For bird lovers this is a great time to visit as migrant birds arrive in their thousands. Birds take up a colourful residence, and a loud chirping fills the air.
Photography
The green season offers a dramatic green wonderland. Photographers love the dramatic backdrops for wildlife and nature shots with striking cloud formations and lush, rolling savannahs. Everything is blooming, blossoming and green (hence the name). After the rain, colours appear deeper and richer, providing picture perfect moments.
Pricing
Many tour operators offer more affordable rates during these times, making travelling a whole lot cheaper. Often, because there are less guests, you will receive a more intimate and personalised experience at the places you visit. End-of-year holidays are also during this time, which makes it a great time to travel with kids.
Location
In some areas, the green season is really the best time to travel. Botswana, for example, has its rainy season between December and April (February is notably the wettest) but it also means there are less crowds. Botswana – especially the Savuti area in the Chobe National Park and Kalahari – turns into a migration frenzy as animals move to greener regions.
Tour operators who offer tailor-made tours often include a stop in Cape Town during January and March when the city is less frequented and aglow in summer colours.
