December - February
December, January and February are the warm summer months in Africa. This makes for the ideal time to escape the northern hemisphere winter and head southward to warmer, sunnier skies. It is an excellent time of year for beach vacations in southern Africa, to experience Cape Town and the Cape Coast, and for active outdoor travel generally.
These warm summer conditions mean it is also the rainy season for many safari regions - days are hot, sunny and clear and short afternoon thundershowers are common. Whilst the summer is a prettier time to be on safari, these lush summer months aren't quite as good as the cooler, drier winter months from a wildlife viewing point of view because the grasses are thicker and greener, which makes wildlife a little harder to spot. This is however made up by the fact that it is calving season in many areas, which can be great to see.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
As a starting point, consider heading to Cape Town, the Winelands, the Cederberg, The Garden Route or the eastern Cape. Weather is lovely throughout this region and conditions are perfect for active outdoor vacations, al-fresco dining, sightseeing and family activities. These areas combine particularly well with a safari in the greater Kruger area or Madikwe. It can be a time of plenty in the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Thornybush and Klaserie game reserves in South Africa as animals flourish and the impala lambs are born.
Continuing on the theme of beach vacations, the beaches and remote islands of Mozambique can also be idyllic at this time of year, with conditions being sunny, warm and balmy both on the beach and in the water.
Early summer - during December and January - is also the best time to visit the Savute region of Botswana if you wish to see the migration of zebras as they move from Linyanti through the Savute marsh area. In addition, the second largest game migration in Africa can be seen on the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans as wildebeest, zebra and antelope flock toward the greener, wetter pans brought by the fresh rains, in search of fresh grazing. The game reserves of The Central Kalahari can also be full of life in the summer months, as many antelope give birth at the beginning of summer, which also means a lot of big cat predators on the scene.
The greener season between November and March can also be excellent bird-watching season in the Okavango Delta, Selinda and Chobe areas of Botswana, as well as in South Africa.
In Zambia or Zimbabwe, from late February and on the higher rainfalls bring the impressive sights of much greater water flow over Victoria Falls.
EAST AFRICA
In East Africa, since you will be closer to the equator, seasonal variations are generally lower than they are in certain parts of southern Africa. The Great Migration moves toward the southern Serengeti and through the Ngorongoro Crater at this time of year, so be sure to pay careful attention to the location of your camp if you're looking to see it. It can be a scenic way to experience the migration as the herds move through the vast plains of the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation area, but the crater itself can also get just a little crowded.
SAFARI AND BEACH COMBINATIONS
For safari and beach combinations, we like the coastal areas of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands; these summer months are definitely the best time of year to visit and this is the ideal time of year to do safari and beach combinations here. Whilst it can be windy at the beginning of summer in Cape Town, the fresh mornings, clear blue skies, warm dry sunny days, outdoor beach lifestyle and the bright colours of the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas are simply not to be missed. These are also an extremely popular destinations for Christmas and New Year's holidays, so we advise trying to miss those peak weeks whenever possible.
GORILLA TREKKING
This is also one of the times of year during which we suggest heading out gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. December and January are before the longer rainfalls that take place later in the summer, so one can take advantage of the slightly drier conditions in these areas.
Our recommendations at this time of year:
Laid Back & Lavish In South Africa
14 Days
From US$13 270 pp.We begin our journey on a relaxed note and head straight to the Garden Route, where we soak up the gentle atmosphere created by pristine beaches and...
Follow Your Heart Through The Delta
8 Days
P.O.AExperience a safari from the point of view of the wildlife as we make our way on a whim through the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta by...
A Historic Safari: The Romance of Days-Gone-By
10 Days
From US$17 880 pp.Take a luxurious and romantic journey into a bygone era on this stylish and sophisticated romantic celebration, that leads you into a safari in some...
The Beautiful South
12 Days
From US$3 030 ppExperience the culinary wonders of South Africa’s beautiful south as we make our way through the dramatic landscapes of the Western Cape. Get swept...
Art & Wine in Cape Town & Franschhoek
8 Days
From US$3 705 ppWe explore Cape Town in depth from the comfort of Ellerman House, home to one of South Africa’s largest private art and wine collections. We may...
A Magical Week in Cape Town
7 Days
From US$5 065 ppSpend a week discovering what the magic of Cape Town is all about. Dine on delicious meals in top restaurants, take a helicopter to a sumptuous spa...
The Deep Sweet South
8 Days
From US$9 230 ppTravel well off the beaten track to reconnect with yourself and nature in exclusive, nourishing luxury. As you walk through the bush, take a...
The Very Best Rovos Rail, Cape Town & The Kalahari
16 Days
From US$15 975 pp.Treat yourself to luxury at its most unique: A luxury train journey from a bygone era, the top hotel in Cape Town, and a discreet yet much loved...
The Best of Chyulu Hills and the Ma'asai Mara
8 Days
From US$10 775 pp.Explore a wild ranch in the Chyulu Hills of southern Kenya, and then immerse yourself in the planet's greatest wildlife migration.
Decadent South Africa: A Safari, plus Cape Town
13 Days
From US$18 320 pp.On this exclusive safari we explore not only the best of South Africa’s private game reserves, but also indulge in the summer pleasures in Cape...
Feeding the Soul: A Bespoke Gourmet Safari
12 Days
From US$19 095 pp.Set your taste buds free with some of the continents finest cuisine served in amongst the wildest large animals, whilst exploring a whole new world...
The Best of Cape Town and Singita
11 Days
From US$18 500 pp.A 5 day adventure in Cape Town followed by two exciting regions of Eastern South Africa get explored in this summer break...
Time with Friends in the Sabi Sand and Cape Town
10 Days
From US$15 730 pp.Safari through the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, followed by summer sunshine in Cape Town – a perfect combination…
Safari in Tanzania & Beach Retreat in Zanzibar
9 Days
From USD$8 645 pp.An ideal holiday combination: Exploring the exciting private game reserves of Northern Tanzania and then indulging in the summer pleasures that...
The True Heart of Wilderness Mobile Safari
8 Days
From US$13 975 pp.The barren wilderness of remote areas of Botswana are explored on this luxury mobile safari, where moving camp locations unveil a constantly changing...
Exploring the Ma'asai Lands of Kenya
8 Days
From US$10 580 pp.This East African Sojourn takes us through three exceptional areas in Kenya - moving from the Amboseli and Chyulu Hills through the Laikipia Plateau...
Game Migration and the Ngorongoro Crater
7 Days
From US$12 155 pp.See Africa's greatest game migration and the expansive Ngorongoro crater on this balanced safari through northern Tanzania...
African Summer in Tanzania
8 Days
From US$8 265 pp.In this summer safari journey, we start in the vicinity of Lake Manyara and gradually make our way northward through the Ngorongoro Crater, crossing...
Mountain Gorillas In The Bwindi Forest
4 Days
From US$4 030 pp.This short but effective itinerary focuses on the exciting experience of spending time with some of the world’s only 300 remaining mountain...
A Horseback Safari in the Ma'asai Mara and Deloraine
10 Days
From US$16 800 pp.Head off on horseback on this exciting 10 day safari journey through Kenya’s famous wildlife reserves, make a Mara River Crossing, and come home...
Family Time: Indulging in Cape Town & Botswana
10 Days
From US$14 066 pp.Spend some quality time in one of the world's great holiday cities, followed by bonding and building memories with your family in the wild heart of...
Family Time in East Africa
8 Days
From US$8 710 pp.Spend some quality time with your loved ones, exploring the diverse and exciting landscapes and wildlife in Tanzania and Kenya...
Discovering Central Kenya & the Ma'asai Mara
9 Days
From US$13 585 pp.Take a step off the tourist route by exploring two lesser-visited areas in central Kenya, before finishing off in style at one of the finest camps in...
8 Days Cape Town and the Kruger National Park
8 Days
From US$6 540 pp.A Perfect fit for a summer week away, this 8 day holiday takes in South Africa's two most prominent destinations making an idyllic beach, city, and...
Discovering Cape Town and Botswana
10 Days
From US$8 090 pp.Spend some quality time in one of the world’s great holiday cities, followed by building memories in the wild heart of Africa...
An African Rejuvenation Adventure
10 Days
From US$11 795 pp.A 5 days adventure in Cape Town followed by two exciting regions of eastern South Africa get explored in this summer break...
African Summer in the Serengeti & Lake Manyara
8 Days
From US$9 035 pp.In this summer safari journey, we start in the vicinity of Lake Manyara and gradually make our way northward through the Ngorongoro Crater, crossing...
Our Precious Moments Rwanda Safari
7 Days
From US$7 820 pp.Classic safari landscapes and wildlife mark the start of this journey across Rwanda, which takes you through Akagera known for its untouched beauty...
A Summer Sunshine Cape Town & Botswana Safari
13 Days
From US$14 805 pp.The ultimate combination safari at this time of year – a summer holiday in Cape Town followed by some hard-hitting game action in Botswana…
A Royal Treat: Romance, Style, Privacy & Exclusivity
11 Days
From US$18 550 pp.A once-in-a-lifetime romantic safari, taking in the best of South Africa. Some unique romantic experiences celebrated with your loved one, with the...
A Riding Safari in the Okavango Delta
8 Days
From US$8 840 pp.Experience the heart of a fantastic wildlife reserve on this exciting horseback safari through the floodplains of Botswana’s Okavango Delta…
A Group Getaway to the Sabi Sand and Cape Town
10 Days
From US$16 010 pp.Safari through the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, followed by summer sunshine in Cape Town – a perfect combination…
A Fully Private Family Vacation in Tanzania
10 Days
From US$26 810 pp.Escape in complete privacy with your family on an exclusive luxury lodge-based safari in northern Tanzania...
A Family Safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
8 Days
From US$8 955 pp.This safari is convenient and hassle free, without too much moving around with your family, so that you too can have the holiday you deserve...
A Botswana Large Wildlife Family Adventure
8 Days
from US$16 450 pp.For ease of travelling with the family this safaris is special, whilst also being convenient and hassle free with a minimum of unnecessary moving...
Happiness in Waves - A Dream Mozambican Beach Break
5 Days
From US$5 315 pp.Take a private helicopter to one of Mozambique's most pristine beach islands to experience the very best of Benguerra Island's luxurious seaside...
Aligned with Angels - A Journey of Primate Discovery
5 Days
From US$12 725 pp.Ponder the roots of mankind and our place in the natural world by coming face-to-face with our closest relatives...
Discovering Primates & Plains Game in Rwanda and The Serengeti
10 Days
From US$18 760 pp.Tick a once-in-a-lifetime experience box as you get up close and personal with Rwanda's mountain gorillas, then create spectacular memories of Africa...
A Decadent Southern Africa Safari & Beach Sojourn
8 Days
From US$14 350 pp.Immerse yourself in the big 5 wildlife on a luxury Kruger safari, then take a private helicopter to one of Mozambique's most pristine beach islands...
A Short Family Break to the Serengeti
5 Days
From US$12 560 pp.This private gateway is quick, clean, efficient and uncomplicated, with a focus on privacy for your family whilst exploring the Serengeti...
Tranquil Souls, Tropical Islands and East African Savannahs
10 Days
From US$17 770 pp.Feel the thrill of Africa's Big 5 wildlife beneath on the savannahs of East Africa, and then relax in the ultimate luxury at Vamizi Island in...
A Historic Rail Journey, Predator Cats & Victoria Falls
13 Days
From US$15 980 pp.Head deep into Southern Africa for the most exclusive and timeless pleasures.
Plains, Primates and Forest Canopies – A Rwanda Journey
9 Days
P.O.ANavigate the hilly landscapes with ease in the comfort of your own privately chartered helicopter as you explore the three adventurous corners of...
Big Cats on Camera
7 Days
From US$10 010 pp.Take the opportunity to capture the wildlife photograph of your life to match those of a true professional, on this safari that is specially tailored...
A Mini-Break At Singita Pamushana
5 Days
From US$11 540 pp.Step into the heart of Africa, a wilderness so vast and open it takes your breath away. Malilangwe, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier National...
Laid Back & Lazy: Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba & Mana Pools
10 Days
From US$8 565 ppTake your time exploring the quieter corners of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and you’ll be well rewarded by the magic of Africa. Unwind in the lush bush...
Beaches, Sunsets, Leopards & Whalesharks
12 Days
From US$13 465 pp.On this journey you soak up the spectacular city views from the top of Cape Town’s mountain tops, spot a leopard or two in the softening riverbeds...
Spirit Of Adventure: Safari & Seychelles
13 days
From USD 16 000 ppExperience Africa with the spirit of adventure as you pull your bed outside and sleep under the stars, feel the exhilaration of a horseback ride as...
A Journey Through Victoria Falls, The Kruger & Mozambique
9 Days
From US$11 935 ppFrom thundering waterfalls to dreamy walks on the beach, magical diving experiences and larger than life wildlife sightings, this adventurous private...
Stylish Simplicity in Hwange, Victoria Falls & Botswana
9 Days
From US$8 125 pp.This simplistic safari across two countries is rustic, adventurous and packed with wildlife sightings and all the comforts offered by luxurious...
The Ulitimate Treat: The Seychelles,Kenya & Cape Town
18 Days
From US$37 000 pp.On this, the ultimate private journey covering the Seychelles and Africa, step into the soft, powdery sands of paradise where turquoise waters gently...
A Short Discovery of Forests, Gorges, Rivers and Culture
7 Days
From US$7 470 pp.In this itinerary we explore a range of different experiences in Western Uganda, some very different to each other, making for a varied, active and...