Low Season Safaris in Africa: Why the Green Season is a Hidden Gem

Allan Falcon Africa • August 5, 2025

An ideal time for travelers who are looking for better value

mokoro in the okavango

If you're planning a safari and looking for the best time to go, don’t overlook the green season, also known as the low season. This time of year, usually between November and May, offers a completely different and often more rewarding safari experience across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and other top safari destinations in Southern and East Africa.


During the green season, summer rains bring the landscape back to life. Dry, golden plains become lush and green, flowers bloom, and migratory birds arrive in huge numbers. It’s also birthing season for many animals, so you’re more likely to see baby elephants, antelope, zebras, and other wildlife.


One of the biggest advantages of traveling in low season is fewer tourists. Game drives are quieter and more intimate, and you’ll often have more time with your guide to focus on the animals and interests that excite you most. Lodges and safari camps usually offer discounted rates, and park fees can be lower too—making it a great time for a budget-friendly luxury safari.


Each region has something unique to offer during the green season:

  • In Tanzania, from January to March, the Southern Serengeti becomes the center of the wildebeest calving season. Thousands of newborns are born on the open plains, attracting predators and providing unforgettable wildlife action.
  • In Kenya, Lake Nakuru becomes a sea of pink with thousands of flamingos, and the Masai Mara is much quieter than in peak months, with great game viewing and fewer safari vehicles.
  • In Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans come alive with one of Africa’s largest zebra migrations—an under-the-radar experience few travelers know about.
  • In South Africa, especially in the Greater Kruger Park, the green season means dramatic skies, lush vegetation, baby animals, and amazing birdwatching. While it can be hotter and more humid, and spotting wildlife may take a bit more effort due to thicker bush, the rewards are well worth it.
  • For a more comfortable green season experience, South Africa’s Eastern Cape private game reserves are a great option. They offer excellent game viewing and lower prices—without the intense rain or heat of some other regions.

In short, the green season is an ideal time for travelers who want a more personal safari experience, are looking for better value, and want to see Africa in all its seasonal beauty. Whether you're a first-timer or a return visitor, a low season safari is an adventure that shouldn’t be missed.

Hippos swimming in a body of water near green vegetation. The hippos are brown and partially submerged.

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