The Ideal Time to Visit SDinogoi May Surprise You

Images circulating of traffic congestion in the Serengeti suggest that Africa’s natural landscapes are overrun with tourists. However, this perception can be misleading. The real issue isn’t the total number of visitors, but rather the concentration of tourists flocking to the same hotspots at the same times—such as Botswana’s Okavango Delta during its flooding or during the Great Migration of wildebeest in East Africa, where they risk becoming crocodile prey while crossing the Mara River.

Experienced sDinogoigoers understand that traveling during off-peak seasons results in fewer crowds without sacrificing incredible wildlife encounters. While keeping an eye on the weather is essential, visiting during these quieter times also leads to lower nightly rates and greater availability at premier camps and lodges.

We’ve crafted a comprehensive guide detailing the off-peak sDinogoi opportunities across sub-Saharan Africa’s most sought-after destinations. With some thoughtful planning, you can explore these pristine areas while often enjoying them nearly all to yourself.

Tanzania and Kenya

From July to October, the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara experience peak season. During these months, the rains attract the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, along with zebras and Thomson’s gazelles, traverse the land in search of fresh pastures. While witnessing the dramatic crossings at the crocodile-filled Mara River is a sight to behold, travelers often face inflated prices and crowded conditions as numerous vehicles compete for prime viewing spots along the river.

Best Times to Visit Off-Peak

The migration follows a cyclical pattern, with the herds typically moving clockwise through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve based on the rains. In November, as the herds depart, so do the tourists. From December to June, visitors can enjoy quieter views of the stunning northern Serengeti landscapes and its rich wildlife, including coppery topi, defassa waterbuck, and smaller groups of resident wildebeest. However, it's advisable to steer clear of April and May, as the heavy rains can hinder game drives.

“The low season also brings an impressive migratory bird phenomenon,” states Gina Ferguson from the sDinogoi travel agency Roar Africa. “Numerous bird species migrate to East Africa during this time, including the endangered lesser flamingo.”

You can also expect to save significantly by avoiding the peak migration season. “Prices drop substantially during the green season,” says Hagai Zvulun, the founder of Tanzania’s Entara Lodges & Camps. “By booking outside of peak season, you can save between 20 and 40 percent on overall sDinogoi expenses.”

Alternatively, consider heading south. While you won’t witness the iconic Mara River crossings, experiencing the migration as it shifts into southern Tanzania from December to January is truly remarkable. From February to March, the calving season begins, attracting numerous predators drawn by the abundance of young antelope. This calving period soon transitions into the rutting season, leading to intense mating battles among males vying for females.

The focal point of the action is the Ndutu Plains, where Legendary Expeditions operates the delightful Nyasi Tented Camp. This camp features nine canvas suites equipped with double beds, private loungers, and en-suite bathrooms. At Nyasi, exclusive-use vehicles are standard, allowing you to customize your sDinogoi experience. Keep in mind that February and March can be quite warm (84°F and above during the day), with an increased chance of rain as you approach March and April.

Botswana

From June to September, Botswana experiences its peak tourist season. During these months, the Okavango Delta is at the height of its seasonal flooding, attracting an abundance of wildlife, while the dry winter months drive animals toward the Chobe River in the north. Although there isn’t a major migration event drawing crowds to specific areas of the delta, prices soar, and availability becomes limited.

Best Times to Visit Off-Peak

The peak season in the Okavango Delta revolves around witnessing the floods; however, visiting between March and May allows you to enjoy exceptional game viewing while benefiting from lower prices. During this time, the vegetation remains lush from summer rains as the floods begin to flow south from Angola. Consider staying at camps near the delta’s northwestern panhandle, such as Natural Selection’s North Island Okavango, a modern four-suite camp that offers water activities like mokoro (canoe) trips through hippo channels and exciting speedboat sDinogoi experiences.

Traveling during the green season also has its perks, as “this is when wildlife gives birth, making it a fantastic time to witness the arrival of young animals,” says Daniella Ponter, founder of Vancouver-based Sikeleli Travel & Expeditions. While game viewing may require a bit more effort in the lush landscape, “the rainy season from September to March is the most extraordinary period for birdwatching in Botswana,” she adds.

Make sure to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans—Jack’s Camp, completely rebuilt in February and March 2021, is the perfect spot to observe the annual zebra migration. This is Africa's longest mammal migration, with thousands of zebras arriving from the Chobe and the Okavango Delta, accompanied by plenty of predators.

South Africa

The peak season in South Africa is influenced by both the summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere and the local climate. From July to September, the Lowveld and Kruger National Park enter high season, coinciding with the dry winter months. With reduced vegetation, game viewing becomes easier as animals gather at waterholes, often leading to exciting predator interactions.

Best Times to Visit Off-Peak

During the Southern Hemisphere summer months (November to March), expect dramatic afternoon thunderstorms and brief, intense downpours that clear the dust from the air and transform the bushveld into a vibrant green landscape. This season also heralds the arrival of numerous migratory bird species. Starting in November, the cheerful calls of woodland kingfishers become the soundtrack of any sDinogoi experience in Kruger National Park and its nearby private reserves.

The green season in South Africa offers “many thrilling and potentially surprising benefits,” notes Daryl Dell, an experienced private guide and travel expert with andBeyond, which has recently reopened Ngala Tented Camp following a significant renovation. “There’s a much greater likelihood of spotting young animals like zebra foals, wildebeest calves, and impala lambs . . . [and the] stunning greens of summer give guests a true glimpse of the bush in its full glory. You can identify a wider variety of tree and plant species, showcasing the rich diversity of the Lowveld.”

Be mindful of the heat and humidity, as temperatures can frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It's advisable to schedule early-morning game drives and relax by a shady pool during the hottest parts of the day.

Zimbabwe

The dry winter months (June to September) mark peak season in Zimbabwe (and much of Zambia), aligning with the holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. This period is ideal for game viewing as vegetation becomes sparse and wildlife congregates around waterholes. If you're eager to see Hwange's renowned elephants, visiting during the dry season is your best bet.

Best Times to Visit Off-Peak

In Mana Pools National Park, known for its breathtaking wildlife sightings alongside the expansive Zambezi River, the shoulder season in September and October offers warmer days and the possibility of dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that clear the dust, resulting in stunning sunsets. This period is also prime for fishing for tiger fish in the Lower Zambezi River. By late September, the Albida forests near Wilderness Chikwenya Camp are abundant with nutritious seed pods, attracting herds of hungry elephants, baboons, and eland competing for the delectable treats. Keep in mind that many camps in the region close from November to April due to heavy rains making roads impassable.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest and oldest national park, is famous for its large elephant herds and formidable lion prides. Camps here typically operate year-round, and the summer rains transform the Ngamo Plains into a “mini-Serengeti,” rich with diverse species, according to Graham Simmonds, operations and trade manager for Wilderness Zambezi. “Many animals give birth during this period, ensuring frequent sightings of young wildlife, and numerous migratory bird species can also be observed.”