The advantages of a rainy season safari

It’s a widely held notion that the dry season is the best time to visit East Africa and go on safari. The vegetation is shorter for viewing wildlife and many species will congregate around limited water sources at locations that are known to safari drivers and guides. But with so many people traveling to the continent during this period, accommodation is at its most expensive and some of the most popular wildlife reserves can become very crowded.

Some travelers are now discovering the benefits of going on safari during the rainy season, which isn’t always as “wet” as we’re made to think. Many areas only experience short, afternoon showers that rapidly clear to sunny skies, allowing you to get out and about on game drives and walking safaris without getting drenched.

Wildlife can be more obscured by the abundant vegetation that thrives during the wet season, but you’ll also be treated to incredible bird sightings as feathered species flock to the African plains. Visiting during the wet season offers some distinct advantages for those who are willing to brave the weather and here we’ll share with you five reasons to go.

Wildlife spot with fewer crowds

Some of East Africa’s most popular wildlife reserves can get incredibly busy during the peak, dry season, with jeeps jostling for space at lion sightings to ensure everyone gets a view. But if you visit during the rainy season, chances are there will be far fewer other tourists to compete with, meaning you can have once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings all to yourself!

The lodges and camps that stay open during the rainy season tend to be much quieter too, so you can enjoy facilities such as the swimming pool in peace. The reduced demand for accommodation also means you can be more flexible in your plans and make last-minute decisions about where to go based on a whim or special wildlife events.

Spot a myriad of birdlife.

Twitchers know all too well that the rainy season is their time to travel to East Africa as both resident and migratory species are attracted to the floodplains and wetlands. It’s definitely the best time to go on safari if you want to see a diverse range of species, as well as the colorful breeding plumage that many display. After mating, building nests and raising their young, many of the birds will migrate back to Europe or Asia, resulting in a significantly reduced bird population during the dry season.

Take advantage of off-season rates

The rainy off-season also brings with it some heavily reduced rates at lodges and camps as the demand for accommodation reduces. This is a great time to secure safari deals that can end up saving you a lot of money.

If you’re traveling with kids, you might be able to find “kids stay for free” deals while some lodges won’t charge a single supplement for those traveling solo. So with the money you’ve saved, you can choose to upgrade to a more luxurious lodge or camp, stay a bit longer or just put it away for something special.

Witness newborns taking their first steps.

The rainy season marks the breeding period for many wildlife species in East Africa and seeing babies take their first, tentative steps is a special experience. Watch as young giraffes wobble to their feet or baby impala discover the new world around them for the very first time.

But with so many vulnerable young on the plains, it’s also ideal conditions for opportunistic predators like lions and leopards who come to take advantage of the situation. For those wanting to see a “kill”, visiting during the rainy season may offer your best chance, although it’s not for the faint-hearted!

Photograph the lush, green landscapes.

As the rains descend across the savannah, the dry grasses are transformed a lush green and new shoots spring up for wildlife to feed on. This is East Africa at its most beautiful for photography, with much less dust and haze to obscure the landscape. Flowers ignite the plains, creating an Eden-like setting that will have you grabbing for your camera. Sunrises and sunsets are also at their most majestic, with dark storm clouds adding drama to the skies above.

Check before you book during the rainy season.

While there are some great perks to going on safari during the wet season, it’s important to keep in mind that some destinations do experience extremely heavy and prolonged rainfall. In these regions, most lodges and camps will close down for a couple of months as roads become impassable and the logistics of getting there near-impossible.

It’s a good idea to check with local safari tour operators who are on the ground about the exact conditions you can expect during the wet season and where they recommend you travel. They may also be able to secure you great off-season deals that aren’t available online to the public.

So pack your rain jacket and sense of adventure - a rainy season safari could prove to be an unforgettable experience!

Thinking of heading to East Africa during the rainy season? Let our experts plan an unforgettable adventure!