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5 great reasons for ‘green season safari-ing’

Why would you want to travel in an ‘off-peak’ season? It is a glorious time of year when spirits are lifted and both animals and humans alike feel the relief of drought-ridden land now receiving the promise of new life. It can be felt on the scented air, there is nothing like the smell of the first rains in Africa! The green season in Zimbabwe is always an adventure and normally stretches from mid-November to March. This year, we’ve been blessed with what has so far, been a good rainy season, after several years of drought. Rivers are flowing and dam’s country-wide are filling after many of them were barely a river line. Natures’ ability to rejuvenate itself is apparent all around us – within a few weeks, the wildflowers create a show of colour and best of all, the spectacular flame lily, Zimbabwe’s national flower appears in all its beauty. Reason 1: Take advantage of great safari specials Luxury African safaris sound expensive, however, the green season months offer great specials. More affordable rates are available to incentivise visitors during this time – by paying less you can stay longer. It’s a win-win situation! Reason 2: Enjoy the area to yourselves A unique opportunity to enjoy your safari virtually crowd-free with more one-on-one experiences with your guides and hosts as they show you friendly Zimbabwean hospitality. With the green season comes the added benefit of the sun rising much earlier and setting later in the day, giving you more time to fill your day with exclusive activities. Reason 3: Photographer’s paradise – stunning landscapes The first summer rains transform the landscape from dry shades of brown to lush and green, eliminating the haze that has gathered throughout the winter months and cleaning the air. Late afternoon’s Golden Hour’ is spectacular when the light moulds itself into that perfect shot. Photograph panoramic, dramatic skies as they change by the minute with the sunset – all the while sipping on the cold beverage of your choice. Reason 4: Birthing season If babies are your thing, this is the perfect safari time for you! A number of mammal species drop their young in the green season – Zebra, Impala and Wildebeest are particularly entertaining as their young totter around on spindly legs as they attempt to keep up with the rest of the herd. Usually easily visible in wide-open grassy areas on game drives, delightful moments watching their antics are guaranteed. Reason 5: Fantastic birdwatching To really experience all that Zimbabwe has to offer, book yourself in for a Birding Safari during this time of year. With over 670 species of birds and varied habitats throughout the country, ranging from the lower Zambezi’s Southern Carmine Bee-eater breeding sites to the Blue Swallow’s in the Eastern Highlands. Beck Edwards is Director at Off 2 Africa. Off 2 Africa is an intrepid, larger than life inbound Destination Management Company into Southern Africa. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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8 Comments

  1. I think you are forgetting that for those of us who have to travel thousand of miles to Africa it actually doesn’t make much difference whether it is the season or not. Everything is a wonderful new experience. Personally, I like the green season. I shall never forget seeing a carpet of yellow and purple flowers that literally appeared overnight after almighty thunder storms.

  2. So many pictures that you see of safari are of parched lands, rivers low on water and bleached grasses. This is is a useful post as it shows people that a safari can be green and beautiful too. Africa really does have many different faces.

  3. Seeing that picture of waterfalls reminded me that it is much more spectacular to view waterfalls in the green season when they are in full torrent. Viewing waterfalls in the dry season can be a big let down. I was once taken to some waterfalls that were supposed to be in the world’s top 12 and to be honest the shower in my hotel room was more impressive.

  4. I normally never travel to a destination during its rainy season, even if everything costs less, and you don’t have to jostle for space anywhere, because the rains make it extra bothersome to go around. However, I think safaris are the exception because you can experience nature in bloom.

  5. It’s definitely worth considering the off peak green season. Prices can be a lot lower, making it a place that you might not be able to afford otherwise.

  6. I never knew any of this. It’s been quite an education for me reading about the ” green ” season. As my business is very seasonal and mainly busy in the summer a November to March trip would suit me very well.

  7. We’ve never done a safari and are complete beginners. As we are such naive novices we are reading everything that we can find.

    Never knew anything about the green season. For us it could make a lot of sense as we haven’t got a huge budget.

  8. Interesting to read about the green season and how it’s off peak. What is very tempting for us is that we’re heavily involved in the UK hotel business and November to March is our quiet season, obviously excluding Christmas and New Year, so it’s a time when we can slip away without too much of a problem.

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