Green Season

Green season, sometimes marketed as emerald or secret season, is when the rains arrive. Timing varies by region: southern Africa’s rains generally run from about November to March or April, while East Africa has short rains around November and long rains around April and May. Storms tend to come in the afternoon, often leaving mornings clear.

The rewards are real. The bush turns green, many antelope give birth and predators follow, migratory birds arrive, and fewer vehicles mean quieter sightings. In Tanzania, the southern Serengeti calving season around February falls in this window. Many lodges offer lower rates, though some camps close during the wettest months, especially where roads become impassable.

The trade-offs are thicker vegetation, wildlife dispersed away from waterholes, and humidity. Green season suits photographers, birders, and repeat visitors, while first-timers chasing the Big Five may prefer the dry season. See best time for safari and our safari calendar.