Gateway Africa Safaris
has the experience and knowledge to create quality small group African
vacations. Gateway Africa specialize in Scheduled overland camping safaris,
and Tailor made tours customized to your Travel time and Interests.
Each African safari package
are different, yet all with excellent wildlife viewing and so many exciting
adventures to enjoy. If you do not see your safari tour here -
speak our experienced
Travel Consultants,
who will plan all the complex details of the tour itineraries, activities,
camps, luxury lodges and transport.
Gateway Africa Safaris
together with our operator partners, have built a well earned reputation
for quality and affordable African safari tours to unique wildlife destinations
in Southern Africa:
Namibia,
Botswana,
Zambia.
Southern
Africa:
In most parts of Southern Africa the rainy season
is generally from November through to March. This is true for the safari
areas. The exception is the Western Cape area, including Cape
Town experiences winter rainfall. The peak safari time is in the dry
winter months as this is when the game concentrates around the water
sources, although the summer months can be productive.
Weather Tips:
Although these are general guidelines regarding
seasonal weather patterns, please be advised that the weather can vary
dramatically throughout your trip. Also keep in mind that people travel
year round to most safari destinations. Each season has its advantages,
so if you have set dates for travel, chances are you will be able to
have a great trip no matter where you are going.
It is important to understand the seasonal trends and how they will
affect your trip; but remember that weather is variable and so it is
quite possible to go for days without rain during the peak of the rainy
season, or have thundershowers in the middle of the dry season!
Dry Season:
The best game-viewing period in Africa is during
the dry winter-season. Permanent water supplies attract animals and
the vegetation becomes thinned out and trees don't have so many leaves
to obstruct the view. This optimum safari season usually includes winter
(May - August) and the hot spring months of September and October. The
climate is comfortable in the dry winter months of May, June, July and
August. Daytime temperatures are mild and the nights get a little cool.
Given that it hardly ever rains in winter, the animals must come to
the waterholes to drink in the mornings and afternoons and can easily
be observed from a vehicle or hide. So as a rule, game viewing is best
at the end of the dry season when temperatures are high. Unless game
are on the move, as you'll find with migrations in the north-eastern
Botswana, western Zambia and Kalahari.
Wet
Season:
The grass can
be long in some areas after the rains; therefore game viewing at these
times can be difficult. In some areas the wildlife will disperse during
the rains due to the ample water supply, as they are not dependent on
water holes.
During the period of November to April of each year, Southern Africa
experiences a transformation; the first rains bring on the antelope
lambing season, flora comes into flower and the bird life is prolific
throughout this period. This season delivers exciting new sights and
experiences.
Remember: There are no bad months, just
different experiences. Africa is so diverse that there is always something
to see and do. Certainly, climate should not be seen as the sole deciding
factor in making the choice of when to travel.
