Forget the high-season hype
So, you’ve started planning and keep hearing that safaris are only ideal during peak months: June, July, August, and December. While these months offer excellent game viewing, their popularity is largely driven by global travel habits, not safari science. The truth? Africa is outstanding year-round, and the quieter months deliver exceptional experiences if you know where to go.
The best time for a safari? When it works for you. At YPA, we craft journeys based on firsthand experience, ensuring you get the best of Africa in any season. We love helping our clients discover the perks of traveling beyond peak season. Here’s why:
1. Smoother travel & fewer crowds
We all know the hassle of packed airports and busy transit hubs. Traveling just outside peak periods makes for a more seamless journey with shorter lines, smoother connections, and a far more relaxed start and end to your safari.
2. Intimate encounters
Fewer travelers mean more personal game drives. You’ll often have the chance to enjoy wildlife sightings without other vehicles around, plus you’re likely to form deeper connections with guides and lodge staff.
3. Great value
Many properties offer favorable rates or extended-stay deals outside the busiest travel periods, allowing you to maximize your time and experience without increasing your budget. Even without a special offer, fewer guests and more personal attention elevate your experience immensely.
4. Incredible weather
Even during the so-called “low season,” the weather in Africa is often better than in the northern hemisphere. The rainy season may bring showers, but it also transforms landscapes into lush, wildlife-rich havens. The dry months highlight nature’s resilience, with animals gathering at water sources and creating some of the most spectacular sightings.
5. YPA’s tried & tested trips
Some of our best experiences have been when we’ve escaped the cold weather in the north for long, sun-filled days in Africa. Here are a few of our favorite off-peak adventures.
February: A family safari in Kenya
Last February, we planned a spectacular family safari in Kenya. Traveling as two families with young kids, we couldn’t have asked for a better way to immerse ourselves in Africa’s vibrant energy. We opted for private villas, giving us the freedom and flexibility to tailor each day to our pace. Flying by private charter was a game-changer and something we strongly recommend for families traveling with little ones.
April: Cape Town & the winelands
April was the perfect time to enjoy Cape Town’s ever-evolving food scene and long, leisurely days in the Winelands. With summer lingering, the weather was beautiful, and we loved the spontaneity of securing last-minute reservations at our favorite restaurants. This would have been nearly impossible during peak season.
October: A Seychelles island escape
We explored these idyllic islands in October 2023, and we’re still dreaming of the crystal-clear water and soft white sand. While the beach hammocks were tempting, we spent plenty of time snorkeling, diving, and exploring the islands by bicycle. It added a sense of adventure and wellbeing to each day.
November: Serengeti green season
The moment we stepped off the plane onto the lush Serengeti plains, we knew we had made the perfect pre-winter escape. Mornings were spent exploring landscapes teeming with wildlife, afternoons brought dramatic rolling clouds and short, refreshing showers, and each evening ended with a spectacular sunset. Pure bliss.
Your safari, your way
There’s no single “best” time to go, just the best time for you. Whether you prefer fewer crowds, better rates, or unique seasonal highlights, YPA has the firsthand experience and local expertise to craft the perfect safari, no matter the month. Ready to start planning? Reach out!
