Our quick guide to the seasons in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia– when to go?

'Spring - September and October

A fantastic time in our opinion – cool evenings and warm days, little rain or just the occasional shower, which brings out new foliage and the days are heave with anticipation of the great rains which awaits. October can be extremely dry and hot in the central areas like Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as the Eastern coast of South Africa.

Top tip – head to Cape Town in October which has no crowds with blue skies and near-perfect temperatures.  Also its shoulder season so benefit from good rates. Stay at The Vineyard Hotel in leafy Newlands or venture to the Cape winelands for indulgence at a Cape Dutch-style wine farm at La Cle Des Montagnes Villas.

Avoid – Victoria Falls as it can be very dry and one might come away disappointed.

Summer – November through to February

This is the season of the rains and in Africa it is a dramatic event with huge thundershowers usually in the late afternoon. Early summer is also the time for new life – many antelope species have their babies. The bush is lush and green and makes for spectacular sights and sounds – great for birding as migrant birds arrive. The sky is alive with cauliflower clouds and makes for magnificent photographic opportunities. This lush vegetation can make it more difficult to see predators like lion and leopard as they are better camouflaged. Temperatures soar during the day, it can get to 40 degrees and for some this heat is stifling and can make game drives or walks uncomfortable. Some camps close down during the wettest period for example Zambia’s Luangwa Valley and parts of the Okavango Delta. The risk of malaria is at its peak in summer.

Top tip – avoid the worst crowds in the South and head inland to Botswana’s Chobe and the Kalahari as migrating zebra’s flock around in large herds. Stay at the fabulous Chobe Chilwero with sweeping views over Chobe river and the Caprivi beyond.

Avoid – Mozambique as it can be scorchingly hot and humid

Autumn – March and April

A stunning season of dazzling colours, when things start to cool down. The light is neither to harsh or too dim and the winds are gentle. The coastline is gorgeous this time of year. Again as a shoulder season prices are good apart from the time around Easter when they steeply rise again for a week or so. There is very little rain this time of year.

Top tip – this is a great time to see the mighty Victoria Falls in all its glory – the water level is at its highest. An absolute classic is the regal Victoria Falls Hotel or for something entirely different Royal Chundu on the Zambian side.

Avoid – none as this is a great time to travel to Southern Africa 

Winter – May through to August

Traditionally this is known as the best season – for big game viewing. This is a particularly good season to visit South Africa. Vegetation is at its thinnest so game is easy to spot, rainfall is minimal and the temperature is warm. Whale watching off the coast (especially around Hermanus) as southern right and humpback whales come to mate, calve and rear their young in the warm waters. You would also benefit from low season fares – winter is historically low season price-wise. Temperatures can drop dramatically at night in the desert and higher ground – often to below zero. 

Top tip - Great time to visit Sossusvlei or the Etosha National Park in Namibia as the temperatures are tolerable and animals are seeking water.  Similar for Botswana and Zambia in terms of game spotting. Stay at Little Kulala Camp in Etosha for an authentic desert experience.

Avoid – Cape Town as it is the winter-rainfall season and quite cold even during the day.

No matter when you choose to travel to Africa – there will be a place perfect for you.