North American friends are cautiously talking about "green shoots" whilst Europeans still have their hands deep in raincoat pockets (despite the earlier predictions of a BBQ summer in the UK!)

Southern Africa has come through a freezing winter spell and early season enthusiasts from all over have come out to enjoy safaris in the warmth and sunshine of early spring...

Predictably...

• The small and remote seasonal camps in the Luangwa and Zambezi valleys have sprung to life again
• The Victoria Falls hub is positively abuzz with the start of the new safari season into Zambia, Hwange, Botswana’s Chobe and Okavango
• This season’s Okavango floods have created a rare canoeing channel from the delta to the edge of the desert – last witnessed 35 years ago  
• The migration has moved to the northern Serengeti into the Mara, then south and back into Kenya  
• Canny travellers have picked up smart safaris through the peak of the season and last-minute deals are order of the day over the next few months
• The "green season" is around the corner for those keen on some quieter safaris early next year.
   

Smart safaris   ::  ask about last minute deals

If a last-minute escape for sunshine or thoughts of some winter warmth on tropical shores are on the cards then here’s an easy guide to our best beach spots in Africa:

Best for relaxed family holidays and private house parties - Kenya  

Malindi, Kenya.  Also some of the best deep sea fishing on the East African coast. 
Best time to go: The Kenyan coast enjoys nine months of spectacular sunshine from July through the festive season to March.

Best for laid back luxury and romance - Kenya  

Lamu Archipelago, Kenya.   Lamu offers some of the most beautiful beaches and a real taste of Swahili culture.
Best time to go: Good from September to December, at its best in February and March.

Best for affordable paradise - Zanzibar    

The spice island of Zanzibar has something for every budget with amazing seafood and excellent diving.
Best time to go: Good from June through the festive season to March.

Best for eco luxury and pristine wilderness - Mozambique   

Mozambique’s northern Querimbas archipelago offers some of the most unspoilt beaches and coral reefs, with some of the best diving in the world.  A great place to see hawksbill, green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles. 
Best time to go: May to December.

Best for snorkelling, big game fish and Dugongs - Mozambique  

The Bazaruto Archipelago in Southern Mozambique is one of the few places in the world where Dugongs can be seen.  Offering glorious palm lined beaches, this is a Seychelles experience without the price tag. 
Best time to go: May to November.

Best for nature lovers - Madagascar  

With its luxuriant vegetation and rich fauna and flora, Madagascar is a paradise for nature lovers. Nosy Be is sunny all year round, with white sandy beaches and clear turquoise lagoons. 
Best time to go: Between April and October.

Best for exclusive island retreats - Seychelles

The Seychelles has to be number one for its stunning beaches, diving and eco credentials.
Best time to go: the southeast trade winds are steady from May to October - little rain, days are hot, humid and sunny.

Best for the classic beach break - Mauritius

With some of the best beaches on the planet, Mauritius offers real value for money, spectacular scenery and sun soaked water sports. 
Best time to go: May to November

Best of the Cape - South Africa 

Surfing, shark cage diving and whale watching dished up with freshly caught oysters and a bottle of Chenin Blanc.
Best time to go: November to March.

If you're planning on combining a safari with your beach break, then:

February and March: loads of variety in Kenya, perfect for the migration in Tanzania's southern Serengeti

September, October, November: best "dry season" safari action in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe - use Victoria Falls as your hub

October and November: the best of Madagascar

...and for something very different, "fresh water beaches"

May to October: combine Katavi and Mahale in Tanzania or Lake Malawi with Zambia's Luangwa valley

The Bush and Beach Safaris  :: ...using the Victoria Falls hub ...  :: The Katavi Mahale Safari

Migration update:

Seasonal burning by the Tanzanian Parks authorities to prevent damage from hot bush fires later in the year coupled with a shift in rainfall patterns drew the bulk of the migration back down into the northern Serengeti through last month.  

This main body has since crossed back north into Kenya’s Mara but the river is very low and so wildebeest crossings have been less action packed. 

The migration is expected to stay in the northern Serengeti/Mara region until the short rains break some time in November.

...how to plan a migration safari

Zambezi water levels:  After  tremendous seasonal floods early in the year the “low water” rafting season commenced on 10 August.  "5 day rafting expedition" dates have been set for 2009 as follows: 18 August; 1, 15, 29 September; 13, 27 October; 10, 24 November; 8 December.           ...more on Zambezi rafting  

Lake Kariba went to 110% by June and the gates weren’t opened so lake levels are still super high! 

Friends in Mana Pools recently reminded us that it’s “never too late to have a happy African childhood. Smoke yourself over a Mopani fire, get stoked by a lions roar and soothe your soul with a sultry sunset.”

Green season reminders:

Here’s why: no dust, crystal clear skies, dramatic clouds, perfect light, cool weather; the region’s awash with migrant birds, mostly in breeding plumage and all well nourished by an abundance of insects and fresh seeds; the African bush is green and lush and whilst game is often dispersed, large nursery and breeding herds are easily found and seasonal fruits from wild mangos to marulas attract game in good numbers. 

Best "green season" places in southern Africa include the Luangwa and Zambezi valleys; Botswana’s Moremi, Okavango, Linyanti, Chobe; Cape Town and the Western Province; Victoria Falls.  Best from November to April.

Best "green season" places in East Africa include the Serengeti, Manyara, Katavi and Mahale in November to mid December during the short rains.  Kenya and Uganda are especially good for birding from October to March.

...get in touch for "green season" plans, November to April 

During the northern summer season we're usually doing the annual exhibition circuit. 

The British summer held out at the CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle and it was great to see some old friends again.

Look out for us at the 2009 British Birdwatching Fair being held at Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland, UK, Friday 21 to 23 August.

We're being joined on our stand by friends from the Botswana Tourism Board and colleagues from Kenya and Zambia. 

Join us if you can to find out the latest news from East, central and southern Africa.  ...more about the BirdFair

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