In Southern Africa - summer rains and dry winters...

The wet and dry seasons have a significant effect on game conditions. The dry season generally runs from May to October through the southern autumn, winter and into spring. Game conditions generally improve as the season gets drier and wildlife tends to concentrate near remaining water sources.

The summer wet season itself, also referred to as the "green season", generally starting with fresh rains in November heralds the arrival of migrant birds as mammals disperse in search of fresh growth - the bush gets thick, insects flourish, birding improves, game viewing deteriorates. 

The summer rains are generally characterized by torrential downpours followed by sunshine during the day. Deep rains and flood conditions, if they occur, hammer us in January and February. The wet season generally makes the remoter areas inaccessible.

...in the south... moderate winters, hot summers...

Temperatures during the southern winter in Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe are moderate and generally very comfortable by comparison with those experienced in the northern climes…as an example, a mid-winter lower Zambezi canoe safari can be tackled in shorts, rafters and T-shirt with a fleece and joggers to ward off the evening chill - temperatures at the time will rarely drop below 13 degrees Celsius. (At higher altitudes in Hwange or the Nyika Plateau night time temperatures normally approach freezing.)

On the other hand the Zambezi and Luangwa valleys experience extremely high temperatures just before the rains - we regard October and November as our "suicide months" with day time temperatures exceeding 40 degrees and not dropping below 30 degrees for nights on end. 

This time of year is exceptionally good for game, but you have to be quite dedicated to handle the heat! (Some of us get excused from safari duties and go marketing in the northern hemisphere...with vigour and a touch of relief.)

In mid November our rains usually start. It's a release from about six weeks of hell for local residents and insects alike! (We always arrange to gather bucket loads of flying ants and prepare for the tiger fishing season between December and March.)

In East Africa, long and short rains...

Southern Tanzania (Ruaha and Selous) is the real "transition zone" in terms of climate and in many cases game species between Southern Africa and East Africa. Weather in the south is very similar to what occurs in Zambia.

In the north, in the Serengeti and in Kenya, the short rains fall in November and December...actually light rains. In April and May we have the long rains. Characterized by violent thunderstorms and massive downpours and then the sun comes out!  This weather pattern has a very significant effect on the migration. [...see our maps and notes on the Serengeti migration]

Trade winds also affect the Kenyan coast:

• The South-East trade (Kusi) blows from May to November, a strong gusty wind which brings the rains, rough water and mud from the Tana River. During this time most boat movement takes place along inshore channels.
• The North-East trade (Kas Kazi) blows from December to April. This summer wind brings calm, clear water and the fishing season. Occasionally there are strong winds, but storms are rare.