Africa Safari Hot Spots

AFRICA SAFARI HOT SPOTS

If you have never been on an African safari before, you may be at a loss as to where to go. This guide explores some of Africa's famous safari hotspots.
This depends on specific needs and requirements. Interests range from Africa’s spectacular wildlife to the wide variety of birds that occur in Africa at different times of the year.
Where one wishes to go really depends on the type of activity one would like to partake in. From sandy deserts, beaches, game reserves, aquatic reefs, mountains and lakes, there are so many beautiful things to see in Africa.

BOTSWANA
Botswana offers exceptional wildlife and game viewing all year round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for special interest travelers:
- Birding season is from Nov - March when the Okavango Delta is home to the many migratory birds during their breeding season.
- Botanical season is from Dec - May when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower.
- Photography is excellent year-round, but depending on what your main interests are, note that the scenery is most spectacular from Sept - Feb during the first rains. For wildlife the winter months from May - Sept is best, as the vegetation is less dense and game viewing is generally more prolific.

Seasons
• Botswana’s high season is from July - October. Due to the low number of rooms in most of the Botswana lodges and camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy time’ in Botswana’s national parks and reserves.
• November to April is a less popular time to visit Botswana due to the rains that cause the animals to disperse over wider areas and not around the water holes. It also causes some roads to be inaccessible due to the seasonal high waters of the Okavango Delta.

KENYA
Kenya is a year round destination for both exceptional game viewing and spectacular scenery. Without a doubt the greatest annual attraction is the annual wildebeest migration between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. This spectacular wildlife event takes place between June and September.

Seasons
• Low season is from April to May. A positive point during these times is that the lower numbers of tourists, so the travelling experience is more exclusive and the rains do not hinder game viewing.
• High seasons are January, March, June and November to December. During these warm and dry months the wildlife is generally found around the seasonal water holes during these months, so game viewing is great. The Rift Valley Lakes offer great bird viewing during this time.
• Peak season are from February to March, July to October and December. During these time one has a chance to
witness the spectacular wildebeest migration.

MALAWI
The dry season is from early May to late October when the vegetation is less dense and the game viewing best. Bird viewing is generally good all year round, with October and November being the best. Hiking is possible all year, but it is recommended that this not be undertaken in the wet season. August and September are the most comfortable times for climbing the Southern Highlands as the mountain air is crisp and cool.

Seasons
• The best weather is in August, and with it being the high season, national parks and the lake resorts are crowded.
• The rainy season is from January to March when some areas become inaccessible due to road conditions. This season is very humid and wet.
• May to July is best for scenery when the landscape is at its best. July is the coolest month.

NAMIBIA
Namibia offers exceptional wildlife and scenery all year round. It is important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for special interest travelers:
- Birding is best during the summer months (Nov - April) because of the greater variety of species to be found.
- Botanical season is from December to May when most plants are in flower.
- Photography is excellent in August and September with cloud build-up in the afternoon that offers spectacular scenes.

Seasons
• Namibia’s high season is from July - October. Due to the low number of rooms in most of the Namibia lodges and camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential to book well in advance.
• Shoulder season is from May - June. This is also a ‘busy time’ in Namibia’s national parks and reserves.
• Christmas and New Year as wel