The southern African “green season” started normally with rains in November - without any hint of what was to hit us a few months later. 

It's usual for the Okavango - Chobe - Zambezi water systems to see dramatic changes from December to July each year.

The Okavango sees the first of the new season's floods from the Angolan catchment area.  It often takes about 6 months for the waters to finally reach the southern delta. 

The Chobe usually swells during February and the peak of the Zambezi flood passes over Victoria Falls between April and May.

In January this year the rafting companies started an early “high water” season, Namibians reported ongoing heavy rains and the Angolan catchment area was receiving steady rains.  Rains were fair in February then March was extraordinary! 

With unusually high Indian Ocean temperatures, a low pressure system over central Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia and the ITCZ (inter tropical convergence zone) moving south the Zambezi catchment was dumped with 120% above average rainfall. 

Images from NASA taken at the end of January and end of March show how both the Chobe and Okavango in particular had swollen.  The Chobe/Zambezi confluence in this second image appears wider than Lake Kariba at it's widest across the Sengwa Basin! 

During April Chris Worden was on hand in Botswana to witness water being pushed from the Zambezi back up the Chobe river.  

He reported that the Selinda Spillway was also full. 

There’s a chance that the Savute Marsh (dry since 1984) could be re-established this season.  [see Chris’s full report on the flooding of the Okavango Delta ]

Local heavy rains have since added to the mix to produce the highest flood on the upper Zambezi since 1969. 

Downstream at Victoria Falls the river is still in full spate.

Further downstream, Liz Ferreira reports from our Kariba office that Lake Kariba is rising rapidly (2m in 10 days) and that the rains which usually end in April have continued well into May.

There’s a very good chance that the Kariba flood gates will open in June. 

Liz reports autumn chills in the evening but day time temperatures at 26 degrees, clear blue skies and spectacular sunsets.

On the lower Zambezi the canoeing and walking season is about to start – the grass is thick and the pans are still quite full so it’ll be a while before the big herds of elephant and buffalo move down to the Zambezi shoreline.

Whatever the motivation – the challenge, for charity, the adventure, in the footsteps of celebrities or friends – Kilimanjaro is (usually) a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.  Not to be under-estimated by any stretch.  Reasonable fitness is a precondition but altitude sickness affects just about everybody on the ascent, weather conditions and a string of other variables reduce the odds to such an extent that less 65% those on the mountain actually make the summit.

Sounds like the kind of place not to go to!  Kilimanjaro might not be the first choice for a relaxing holiday but if you’re looking for an epic African challenge then this is one of them. 

Since 1993 our Kili partners have earned a 95% success rate with over 8000 clients on the summit.  Chat to us about choosing a route; getting your timing right; fitness and physical preparation; kit and how to plan a Kilimanjaro trek.  [...planning a hike up Kilimanjaro ?]

Migration update:  Rains after Easter through May have brought some relief to the Serengeti and the southern short grass plains are green with plenty of game around.  Ground cover is still pretty sparse though and everybody’s hoping for more late rains.  The safari season is quieter in both Tanzania and Kenya this year – a good chance to skip the crowds!  [Planning a migration safari?]   

Rafting opens on the Zambezi:  A short stretch of the Zambezi from rapid 15 to 25 has just reopened – official “high water” rafting season will start later in June as water levels drop. 

[See the River Report or speak to Julian about multi-day rafting expeditions from Victoria Falls.]

Gorilla Permit Giveaway:  In commemoration of the UN “2009 Year of the Gorilla” campaign, all new or upgraded gorilla safaris lasting more than a week in Uganda are eligible for a complimentary second permit worth $500.  [Planning a gorilla safari?]

Lower Zambezi Wild Dog: Guides in the Lower Zambezi NP (Zambia) are reporting a large pack of 25 adults.  [Speak to Chris or Liz about last minute availability in Zambia .]

Char’s just returned from a break to Mozambique.  She remarked about 18 wheeler logging trucks with herds of goats atop en route to a “remote and untouched” spot where Rick and Char met fishermen who can’t swim but joined them 5km offshore in tiny rowing boats towing handlines!

Sam jetted to Lisbon in May to soak up sun, sangria and sardines.  She braved the wild west coast, the most westerly point of mainland Europe, with its windswept cliffs and beaches and fierce waves (but kept her body board safely behind the bar).

Jools said 'adios' to a sweltering Devon in favour of a sleepy Spanish sojourn to mark the end of his exams (Masters degree in tourism).  He's back looking very healthy and muttering about "vino tinto".

Trish and John took a “cultural break” to Dublin – Guinness, poets, writers and rugby but the weather was too good to miss a Bray to Greystones hike.

From Victoria Falls, Chris has reported a Buffalo herd in front of the house, Kudu, Warthog daily, and 5 Elephant bulls.  "Daily office routine is often disturbed by the plethora of birds I see out my window, this morning the highlight was a flock of Red Billed Helmet Shrikes!"

Others in the team are taking or about to go on short breaks before the safari season starts within the next month. 

The season ahead is busy in the better spots despite a slow start.  Drop a note if you need some safari advice in the meantime...otherwise have a great June!

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