In South Africa, safaris have traditionally been most popular in the cooler months, the story goes that the game is better, there are less insects and weather conditions are kinder. Although there is some truth to this, summer is a really fabulous time to come on safari.
One of the other greatest wonders of a summer safari is the fabulous transformation of the bushveld. Guests who are expecting a dry, desolated Africa can never quite believe the fields of green that greet them. There are also the most inspiring and magnificent flowers which can be found at every turn.
Summer is also the season when all the baby animals start to appear, not only providing hours of entertainment, but also incredible photographic opportunities. There is something amazing about seeing miniature versions of various species, absolute mirror images of their parents, but just much smaller. Tiny impalas in their dozens bouncing in the long grass, or baby elephants attempting to figuring out the mechanics of their trunks, or young zebra running on their spindly legs.
Then there are the birds. Summer is the best time of year for birders, please note you don’t have to be an ornithologist to appreciate the really magnificence of the migrant summer visitors. The diversity in beautiful breeding plumage and performing mating displays as well as the distinctive calls are so incredibly impressive.
And lastly, the longer summer days mean safari just goes on for longer. Magical long, warm summer evenings and the bright early start to your morning safari. Not only do you get maximum time out in the bush, but your days in camp seem to slow down and stretch out.
So, make your next safari a summer haze one, with long days and balmy nights, filled with flowers and baby animals, what more could one want?
