Somak ET Kenya Brochure

25 www.somak.co.uk When to go Africa is a vast and fascinating continent, with so many different climates and habitat types that there’s plenty to see all through the year. Every safari country we offer can be an excellent destination year-round, though wildlife migrations, rainfall, prices, tourist concentration, and school holidays mean different people will have different preferences. For many, the fantastic deals at beautiful properties during low season are irresistible, and for those keen to compromise, a shoulder season safari offers good game viewing without the August price-tag. What’s more, away from peak season, safari-goers are far more likely to avoid crowds of vehicles around wildlife and get that big game moment all to themselves. January-March Tanzania’s southern Serengeti plays host to the wildebeest calving season. In the Mara water levels drop and dramatic hippo fights break out over valuable water holes. Birdwatching in East and southern Africa benefits from an influx of migrant species such as the Steppes Eagle. Botswana’s salt pans see a high wildlife concentration. Great prices and superb general game viewing can be found across most of East Africa. This is also the best time for a beach holiday to Cape Town. April-June Southern Africa’s dry season begins and the weather cools. Meanwhile, the Okavango Delta starts to flood, and the Victoria Falls flow rates reach their peak. Rwanda & Uganda’s gorillas descend to lower altitudes in search of food. Large herds of elephants wander the Mara with their calves. In Tanzania, the wildebeest migration reaches the Western Serengeti. Birding remains good, with more inter-African migrants as species return to the northern hemisphere for summer. This is also when the best discounts and deals across some of East Africa’s finest safari lodges can be found. July-September Africa’s prime game-viewing season is full of wildlife experiences. The wildebeest migration crosses crocodile- infested rivers and lion-patrolled plains to reach the Masai Mara around July. Zebra- and wildebeest-viewing across the northern Serengeti and the Mara is spectacular for months. In the Okavango Delta water levels peak, and safari conditions in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia approach their best. Whale-watching conditions in South Africa are excellent, and the dry season in Rwanda and Uganda reduces mosquito numbers. October-December Northern hemisphere bird species arrive in large numbers to East and southern Africa. In East Africa, the Kenyan lakes come into their own, and for those wishing to summit Kilimanjaro, September-October is the best time of year for your climb. Chobe National Park sees large herds of elephants and buffalos gather. Gorilla-trekking in Rwanda and Uganda benefits from clearer air providing the best photographic conditions. Across southern Africa, at this time of year, prices are generally lower, yet there is still the chance for some fabulous game viewing before the dry season ends.