These Are the Best Times to Go on a Safari, According to a Top Travel Advisor

Safaris have a reputation: thrilling, scenic—and often wildly expensive. This is especially true if you’re looking for intimate camp experiences led by expert guides. But, as someone who’s been planning safaris in Africa for over 30 years, here’s an insider tip: The best time to go might be during the off-season, or the “secret seasons.”

Twice a year—in March and April (sometimes referred to as the Emerald Season) and again in November (referred to as the Amber Season)—safari destinations across Africa become less populated as the rains return and the crowds disappear. This is when you can find great deals financially, without compromising your experience.

March and April: Emerald Season

In the Emerald Season, the rains return, transforming the bush into a lush, green paradise. This is an exceptional time to go birding, as migrant birds from the Northern Hemisphere are still present in Africa. Many species even develop vibrant plumage in preparation for breeding season. Game viewing, while more challenging due to thicker vegetation, is always rewarding this time of year. You’ll find fewer vehicles, and animals may seem more relaxed, having been happily fed over the past months with plenty of food and water. Photographers will appreciate the rich textures, dramatic skies, and striking contrasts of animals against vivid green backdrops.

This is also the best time to engage more deeply with cultural experiences. For example, you can visit Botswana’s indigenous San people and learn how they survive off the land during this season of abundance, or what they call the “happy time.” Camps like Nxamaseri Island Lodge can also take visitors to observe traditional rituals or visit Tsodilo Hills for ancient San rock art.

November: Amber Season

The Amber Season is the fire-hued finale to the dry season. After many months without rain, the terrain transforms into golden grasslands with hazy sunsets and trees tinged with burnt orange and crimson. Expect to see dynamic predator-prey action as the big cats capitalize on the concentration of thirsty, vulnerable animals. It’s also calving season for antelope; many delay giving birth until the rains arrive, ensuring fresh, nutrient-rich grass is available to nourish them as they tend to their newborns.

While it’s hot, the arrival of the late November rains helps to settle the dust and cool the air. With sparse foliage, visibility is excellent. Showers arrive in quick, dramatic storms, refreshing the landscape and turning the sky into a canvas of moody clouds, vivid rainbows, and golden light.

Why It’s Worth It

One of the biggest perks of these secret seasons? Top camps suddenly become more affordable. During peak months, staying at a premier safari lodge can get pricey. But in off-peak periods, many lodges have reduced rates, exclusive deals, and other exciting offers. For example, supplements for solo travelers are frequently waived, and with lower occupancy rates at lodges, guests are often treated to a private guide at no additional cost. At the Duba Plains Camp in Botswana, for instance, four nights for two guests costs $13,800 in March, but $33,800 from June through October. And at the Somalisa Camp in Zimbabwe, off-peak visitors get two free nights on a nine-night itinerary when booking through select partners like Explore Inc.

On top of big savings, traveling at off-peak times can provide travelers with a more peaceful, intimate experience. You are more likely to have intimate experiences, like watching a leopard descend from a tree or elephants drinking at dusk, without the smell of several other diesel engines or the sound of camera shutters from a crowd. 

If you’re looking for exceptional wildlife, dramatic skies, better rates, and fewer crowds, the secret seasons deliver. It’s not about compromising—t’s about seeing Africa when it exudes a quieter kind of magic. The grass might be taller and the forecast a little less predictable, but it’s all worth it for a safari that’s personal, immersive, and just a bit more wild.

Cherri Briggs is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Botswana and Rwanda trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Briggs by contacting her at [email protected].