Africa is a very popular destination for a luxury safari between July and October when the dry season is in full swing in most countries with wildlife. In the dry season the game moves towards the water sources and this often means fantastic game viewing, as all the wildlife jostles for position and predators often come into regular contact with their prey. Of course this is a magical time to be in Africa and we can understand why so many want to take their safari during this time, but the ‘secret season’, otherwise known as the low season, is also very appealing for the following three reasons:
1 The Wildlife
The Wildlife is still very much there during the low season – it never moves (with the exception of the Wildebeest Migration). Often many of the antelope have their babies during the low season, and the birds are in full plumage which makes for some amazing game viewing. Some parts of Africa are indeed too wet to enter in the low season but other parts offer fantastic weather, perhaps dotted with the odd afternoon thunderstorm, something that is also amazing to see. The Wildebeest Migration continues to move around the Serengeti all year so the low season (Jan to Mar) in the Serengeti is incredible.
2 The Special Offers
Because the high season has become so famous in Africa camps and lodges are now finding themselves completely empty in the low season – this means they have to discount many of their rates to half price. There is never a better time to travel if you have “champagne taste and beer money” – now you can stay in the best places for less.
3 The Lack of People
When we go to Africa on a luxury safari we expect rolling plains, open savannah and lots and lots of wildlife – we do not expect to see lots of other tourists milling around or crowding around a sighting. In the high season these crowds have become too frequent, whereas in the low season you’ll see virtually no one on your luxury safari and will be spoilt to be sitting at numerous sightings alone. The camps will also not be full so you’ll be utterly spoilt since you’ll have most of the staff to yourself!
Images courtesy of www.theluxurysafaricompany.com
