DESTINATIONS — AFRICA
GET THE GREEN LIGHT
The wet season doesn’t necessarily mean taking a rain check on a safari, says Joanna Booth
R
ain in the UK tends to mean chilly, grey days of interminable drizzle, so it’s little wonder
we’re so worried about wet weather hitting our holidays. However, it’s a rather different beast in sub-Saharan Africa and, while there are drawbacks that clients need to be made aware of, there are also benefits to taking a safari during the so-called Green Season. When the rains come, dormant vegetation springs into verdant life, turning the bush from ochre to green, and in some areas flowers bloom. Herbivores calve to take advantage of the abundant grazing, so there are hordes of cute baby animals – and the enhanced predator activity that goes hand in hand with this. It’s the best time for birding enthusiasts too, as it’s nesting season and migrant species visit from Europe. And accommodation rates and visitor numbers usually drop, giving clients a more exclusive experience at a lower price. However, there are cons to go with the pros.
Temperatures rise, with some areas becoming uncomfortably hot. Longer grasses and plentiful water can make spotting game more of a challenge, as animals don’t necessarily need to congregate at watering holes. And, while there won’t be days of driving rain – it tends to come in short, sharp bursts, and there can be dramatic thunder and lightning too – humidity is higher, and there are more insects around. It’s also worth noting that in some low-lying areas roads and even camps can close, so it’s imperative to research itineraries particularly carefully. In many areas, a safari in Green Season can
be a wonderful experience, so long as you’ve briefed clients in advance about what to expect. And remind them above all that the weather is unpredictable, so rain may fall when it’s not expected – and vice versa.
l SOUTHERN AFRICA Varying a little by destination, the rainy season tends to hit Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October or November and lasts until March or April. In Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe accommodation rates can drop by as
26 June 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 51
AFRICA
travelweekly.co.uk/destinations
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