• Destinations
    • Botswana
    • Kenya
    • Mauritius
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Rwanda
    • Seychelles
    • South Africa
    • Tanzania
    • Uganda
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
  • ITINERARIES
  • Trip Types
    • Family Travel
    • Honeymoon and Romance
    • Private Groups
    • Special Interests
    • Conservation & Community
  • HOW IT WORKS
    • Our Process
    • Transportation
    • Health & Safety
    • Financing
    • FAQs
    • COVID-19
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Travel Blog
    • Responsible Travel
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Get Started
Exceptional African Journeys
  • Destinations
    • Botswana
    • Kenya
    • Mauritius
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Rwanda
    • Seychelles
    • South Africa
    • Tanzania
    • Uganda
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
  • ITINERARIES
  • Trip Types
    • Family Travel
    • Honeymoon and Romance
    • Private Groups
    • Special Interests
    • Conservation & Community
  • HOW IT WORKS
    • Our Process
    • Transportation
    • Health & Safety
    • Financing
    • FAQs
    • COVID-19
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Travel Blog
    • Responsible Travel
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Get Started

7 Reasons to go on Safari in Africa’s Summer

Written by: Sean Messham 

Hi, my name is Sean, and I am the new guy at Ubuntu Travel. So new in fact, you won’t find me in the Bio section just yet… But here is a very quick introduction. I’m South African, I live in Cape Town, and I was a guide in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park for over 5 years. And as a previous guide, the most popular question is “when is it the best time to go on safari”?

My answer to you is simple, “when you can!” Not all of us have the luxury of time, nor the freedom to debate when one should go on a safari.

So for those of you who are looking to claim your summer back, let me give you 7 reasons why I would recommend a safari now!

Because you (simply) can! 

This is the perfect time to reclaim a summer that’s been plagued by anxiety, lockdowns and uncertainty (Aussies and Kiwis – you’re getting closer). Even though there are new protocols, travel is most certainly back and it’s growing momentum. As a local South African, I can say with huge confidence #AfricaIsReady! Especially with our Ubuntu Travel Specialist who can guide you through your tailor-made safari safely and efficiently. 

An exclusive safari also offers a unique journey, whereby you will find yourself in remote wilderness areas on open vehicles, and with limited people, exploring the splendour, magic and authenticity of Africa’s wildlife and unique cultures across the continent.

The bush is full of new life (ok babies)

Looking to East Africa, by December, the Great Wildebeest Migration has moved south into the Ndutu area to calve. This provides an exceptional opportunity to see young wildebeest take their first steps and grow in strength. It will also be a time to watch cheetah move across the open grassy plains, looking for hunting opportunities. Also with off-roading permitted in the southern regions of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will have the freedom to follow predators moving with the migration.

Further south in Southern and South Africa, as early as November, you can expect to see herds of impala lambs and a sounder of warthog piglets. This provides the potential to see leopards using Marula trees as a vantage point to spot any hunting opportunities. 


 

Contrasting Light for Photography

Due to the summer rains, the open savannas and woodlands turn into a lush green oasis, providing plenty of food and needed nutrients for the grazers and browsers. This can give photographers a chance to capture those beautiful contrasting colours of lush green, fresh blues and smouldering yellows and oranges. Imagine a gorgeous golden lion, or elusive leopard with an eye-catching green background to help pull-out the splendour of these two big cats from the background.

However, the sun does rise quite quickly, so you will need to wake up a little earlier to give yourself the best chance of being in the right areas. And if it rains, or it’s overcast? Just perfect for those monochrome timeless images of Africa that you have been searching for. Or even the opportunity to capture the drama and contrasting lights of a thunderstorm.


 

Best time for birding 

Most enthusiastic birders will already know that the summer season means the migrants from Europe and Asia have arrived to either breed, or to take advantage of the abundant food source in the summer months.

But what does this mean for the non-birders? It means more alarm calls and signs to help you and your guide find the larger mammals (or reptiles). The amount of times I have been birding with guests, heard an alarm-call, and then spotted a leopard is astounding! I encourage you to bird just a little, as it helps you to slow-down, listen, and interpret the bush a little more. Often with surprising results! 

A little hint, most lodges will have a list of 10 or so birds to look for. Start with those to get into it. I promise you will discover why people love birding.


 

Incredible Thunderstorms 

African thunderstorms do not need to be romanticised… you have watched the documentaries, and I am sure understand the desperate significance of these welcomed storms. The energy and sound that rupture through is astounding, and to witness these life-giving and rejuvenating rains is a true blessing. And afterwards, you will quite literally see the animals rejoice with playing impala lambs and predators basking in the sun to warm up. 

To watch a pride of lions move through the open grasslands, with a rainbow in the background, and the sun kissing your face, it’s a moment of true peace and tranquility.

For you lovebirds (honeymooners especially), there is nothing quite like a pending African storm, champagne and a little more time to indulge in your room… I think you know where I am going with this…

 

It’s summer in Cape Town 

This is when every South African rolls their eyes back and says, “here we go again, he is going to talk about the mountain”. But, Table Mountain has recently been voted the top tourist destination in Africa – again! One cannot deny Cape Town’s splendour with its sun soaked beaches (although honestly the water is a little chilly), historic wineries and incredible scenery all within 10 min of each other! You could find yourself on the top of Table Mountain in the morning, and then drinking Pinotage (red wine) at the oldest winery in the country literally within minutes. 

Admittedly, however, strong south easterly winds are a factor in the summer months, and you need to take this into consideration. My advice, do what us locals do! Get up early, explore the outdoors in the morning, and then find a spot out of the wind to enjoy South African wines and locally crafted beers in the afternoon. 

Seriously, if you have a question, drop me a Direct Message on our Instagram and I can answer your queries about the town I grew up in. Or have a look at our blogs on specific activities.

Table Mountain Sunset

Fewer people and flexible rates 

Because this time of year is largely described as the “green season” and the potential for rain is higher, a lot of safari goers will decide to  travel in the winter months (May to October). This means two things – fewer people and yes lower rates for your accommodation. 

If you travel during the summer period (November to March) you can potentially travel to more places with your budget, or even stay longer than in the “peak season” (May to October). This is a fantastic time to slow down and absorb your safari experience, all with fewer people at the safari locations (Cape Town will be busier with a fantastic summer vibe).

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?

If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.

Follow us on Instagram

Arriving by boat, the luxurious Magashi Camp provi Arriving by boat, the luxurious Magashi Camp provides a unique safari experience after a life changing gorilla trekking excursion. And with just 6 luxury tents perched on the banks of Lake Rwanyakazinga, you have exclusive-use to some 6000 hectares of supreme wilderness

Discover our 8-day Conservation Safari that combines both the iconic gorilla trekking experience with a traditional Big Five safari in Rwanda! 👉: Link in Bio 🦁 🦍

What will you experience?
✈️ Kigali | 1 Night
🦁 Magashi Tented Camp | Akagera NP | 3 Nights
🦍 Bisate Lodge | Volcanoes NP | 3 Nights

📷: @wearewilderness
🌍: Akagera National Park, Rwanda

#UbuntuTravel #Gorilla #Rwanda #TimeToTravel #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #Safari #AfricanSafari #AfricanWildlife #WeAreWilderness #AnimalConservation #Magashi #HoneymoonDestinations #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #Adventure
An ambitious leopard cub curiously watching a herd An ambitious leopard cub curiously watching a herd of zebra from its vantage point.

Your Trip of a Lifetime Awaits ✨
Email: info@ubuntutravelgroup.com

📷: @messham.movements 
🌍: @andbeyondtengile, South Africa

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #Panthera #TravelInspiration #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #andBeyondTravel #andBeyondTengile #Leopard #wildlifewednesday #BigCatConservation #FamilyTravel #SabiSands
Take a breath and enjoy a family moment in the Afr Take a breath and enjoy a family moment in the African wilderness! #MondayMotivation.

Your Trip of a Lifetime Awaits ✨
Email: info@ubuntutravelgroup.com

📷: @africanbushcamps
🌍: Somalis Acacia Camp, Zimbabwe

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #FamilySafari #Travel2022 #FamilyTravel #FamilyFriendly #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #AdventureTravel #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #UbuntuTraveler #Travel2022 #Safari
A serving of sushi on a private island just off th A serving of sushi on a private island just off the coast of Zanzibar! Now that's what we like to call luxury! Celebrating #InternationalSushiDay

Insider tip: Mnemba Island also provides an exclusive sushi training course with the chef! A fun activity for all ages!

📷: @andbeyondmnemba
🌍: Zanzibar, Tanzania

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #FamilySafari #Travel2022 #FamilyTravel #Honeymoon #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #AdventureTravel #TravelUbuntu #UbuntuTraveler #Travel2022 #mnemba #andbeyondmnemba #oceanconservation #zanzibar #saveourseas
Could this be for you? A unique sundowner on a tin Could this be for you? A unique sundowner on a tiny island in the middle of the mighty Zambezi River, Zambia!

📷: @thorntreeriverlodge_
🌍: Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #FamilySafari #Travel2022 #FamilyFriendly #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #AdventureTravel #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #UbuntuTraveler #Travel2022 #Safari #Zambia #VictoriaFalls #Romance
Adjacent to the iconic Volcanoes National Park, Rw Adjacent to the iconic Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Bisate Lodge is uniquely designed to blend into the indigenous forest! And with spacious verandas providing magnificent views towards Mount Bisoke, it's perfect for an adventurous escape like no other!

Discover our 8-day Conservation Safari that combines both the iconic gorilla trekking experience with a traditional Big Five safari in Rwanda! 👉: Link in Bio 🦍

What will you experience?
✈️ Kigali | 1 Night
🦁 Magashi Tented Camp | Akagera NP | 3 Nights
🦍 Bisate Lodge | Volcanoes NP | 3 Nights

📷: @wearewilderness
🌍: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Adventure Activities at Bisate:
▪️Gorilla trekking
▪️Golden Monkey Trekking
▪️Fossey Hike
▪️Scaling Mount Bisoke
▪️Leave a legacy and plant a tree

#UbuntuTravel #Gorilla #Rwanda #TimeToTravel #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #Safari #AfricanSafari #AfricanWildlife #Singita #AnimalConservation #GorillaTrekking #DianeFossey #VolcanoesNationalPark #HoneymoonDestinations #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #Adventure
 

Botswana Cape Town Great Migration Leopard Leopards lodge Moremi Okavango Delta Safari Serengeti Serengeti National Park travel wanderlust wilderness
7 Reasons to go on Safari in Africa’s Summer2021-10-222021-12-16https://www.ubuntutravelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/utg-logo.pngUbuntu Travel Grouphttps://www.ubuntutravelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sandriver_pride_river_ellies_sm_002-scaled.jpg200px200px
Ubuntu Travel Group

1570 Brookhollow Dr., Suite #100
Santa Ana, CA 92705

[email protected]
949.877.0385
CST 2133120-40

Terms & Conditions

THE LATEST FROM THE BLOG:
  • A Quick Ubuntu Travel Visit – Thorntree River Lodge
  • 5 Best Places to See a Leopard in Africa
  • A Quick Ubuntu Travel Visit – Khwai Leadwood Tented Camp
  • The Best Places To See Wild Dogs
© Ubuntu Travel Group | Travel Web Design by Gravitate

Download Brochure

To make this site work properly, we sometimes place small data files called cookies on your device.

Accept
Cookies Settings
Cookie Box Settings
Cookie Box Settings

Privacy settings

Decide which cookies you want to allow. You can change these settings at any time. However, this can result in some functions no longer being available. For information on deleting the cookies, please consult your browser’s help function.

With the slider, you can enable or disable different types of cookies:

  • Block all
  • Essential
  • Functionality
  • Analytics
  • Advertising

This website will

  • Essential: Remember your cookie permission setting
  • Essential: Allow session cookies
  • Essential: Gather information you input into a contact forms newsletter and other forms across all pages

This website won't

  • Remember your login details
  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions
  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website will

  • Essential: Remember your cookie permission setting
  • Essential: Allow session cookies
  • Essential: Gather information you input into a contact forms newsletter and other forms across all pages
  • Functionality: Remember selected region and country

This website won't

  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions
  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website will

  • Essential: Remember your cookie permission setting
  • Essential: Allow session cookies
  • Essential: Gather information you input into a contact forms newsletter and other forms across all pages
  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions

This website won't

  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website will

  • Functionality: Remember social media settings
  • Functionality: Remember selected region and country
  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions
  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website won't

  • Remember your login details
Save & Close