For many, the word ‘safari’ brings to mind images of dry, dusty plains and animals gathered around shrinking waterholes. But for those in the know, the real magic of the African bush is found in the ‘green season’, a period of spectacular transformation.
While the Southern Hemisphere basks in its summer months from December to April, the rains arrive in Botswana, washing the dust from the air and painting the landscape in a hundred shades of green. This is a time of renewal, and it offers a safari experience that is both unique and deeply rewarding.
Here’s why you should consider a green season safari for your next adventure.
1. A photographer’s paradise
The green season is a visual feast. Dramatic, brooding skies and afternoon thunderstorms create breathtaking backdrops, while the air, clean and clear after the rain, offers incredible light for photography. The vibrant new growth and bursts of wildflowers provide a stunning contrast to the lush green vegetation.
2. A celebration of new life
The arrival of the rains signals the beginning of the calving season. The plains fill with thousands of newborn animals – from wobbly-legged impala and zebra, to playful wildebeest. This abundance of new life also attracts predators, offering incredible opportunities to witness nature’s most compelling interactions.
3. Abundant birdlife
Botswana is a birdwatcher’s dream year-round, but during the green season, it becomes an absolute spectacle. Migratory birds from Europe and other parts of Africa arrive in dazzling flocks, filling the air with vibrant colours and a chorus of song. Species like the Southern Carmine Bee-eater and the African Skimmer are a common sight, making it a truly exceptional time for birding.
4. Fewer crowds, more intimacy
As the green season is considered the ‘low season’, you’ll find that camps are quieter and you’ll have a more exclusive experience. With fewer vehicles and visitors, you’ll enjoy pristine wildlife encounters and feel a deeper, more personal connection to the wilderness.
5. Exceptional value
A green season safari offers excellent value for money. Many camps and lodges, including some of the most luxurious, offer special rates and packages during this time, allowing you to experience world-class safari destinations in the Okavango Delta without the high-season price tag.
So, if you’re ready to witness Botswana in its most abundant and vibrant state, a green season safari is an experience you will never forget.