Optimal off-season safari adventures in East Africa
Similar to other regions globally, optimal off-season safari experiences occur during both the wet and dry seasons. Variations in weather, whether minor or significant, must impact vegetation growth and wildlife behavior. In both tropical rainforests and savanna regions, animals will migrate, breed, and reproduce accordingly.
The arid season
The majority of the arid period in East Africa occurs from December to February and from June to September. This period is optimal for game viewing in Kenya and Tanzania, as well as for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Excessive sunlight and little rainfall lead to a decline in savanna flora, resulting in the desiccation of water supplies in certain regions. Consequently, huge creatures such as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and wildebeests typically congregate near permanent waterholes. The wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve occurs throughout the dry season as the animals seek new water sources and fresh grazing grounds.
Conversely, the dry season in tropical forests, inhabited by various primate species such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, leads to the reduction of particular plants that serve as their food source. Consequently, the primates will likely venture further into the forests in search of new foliage. Although this may extend the duration required to seek for and find gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, traversing the dry forest pathways becomes significantly more manageable.
The dry season is marked by fluctuating daytime temperatures, heat, and dust. In Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Parks, daytime temperatures may attain 25°C, while nighttime temperatures can descend to 14°C. The temperature will rise to 31°C and decrease to 17°C in northern semi-arid safari sites in Kenya, including Samburu National Reserve. This also pertains to Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda.
The Intermediary Season
Tripsavvy defines “shoulder season” as the period between a destination’s peak and off-peak seasons. This period is ideal for travel to East Africa for individuals seeking to evade excessive rainfall and arid conditions.
The rainy season
The wet season in East Africa is marked by substantial rainfall from March to May and again from October to November. Occasionally, intense rainfall can result in flash floods and significant mud accumulation. Consequently, traversing muddy roads is particularly arduous and necessitates the utilization of 4×4 vehicles.
The majority of individuals generally refrain from traveling under such circumstances. However, those that do can obtain numerous advantages. The hot season draws large throngs of travelers, whereas the wet season is quite the opposite. During the off-season, the same locations will experience diminished tourist numbers. Tour operators and hotel providers typically provide discounts. The likelihood of affordable safaris is considerable. Additionally, wildlife observation can be advantageous in some locations. For those planning an off-season safari in East Africa, here are several advantages and essential recommendations to bolster your confidence.
Benefits of off-season travel
Individuals planning to travel alone, in groups, or with children may find numerous advantages during the off-season. The primary advantages include evading crowds, securing affordable safaris, observing juvenile wildlife, and appreciating the verdant scenery.
Exceptional wildlife observation, including the sighting of neonate animals.
The low season in Kenya and Tanzania is from March to June and from October to December. During this period, it remains feasible to observe the wildebeest migration, the Big Five, and flamingos, as game viewing occurs year-round. This may vary from park to park, and the creatures may not be observed in large concentrations. Therefore, it is essential to schedule a visit to particular regions, such as the southern Serengeti plains, to witness the wildebeest calving phenomenon. Moreover, the majority of mammals are currently giving birth, increasing the likelihood of observing juvenile animals.
Optimal period for avian observation
It is likely that you are familiar with the adage that birds migrate south during the winter months. The low season in East Africa, occurring in March and September, attracts Palearctic migrants such as raptors, terns, storks, geese, gulls, and ducks. The species move from the northern to the southern hemisphere, where precipitation and verdant foliage offer many food sources, including insects. Intra-African migrations, like as the blue swallow, can be observed in Uganda’s Mabamba wetland, renowned for the shoebill stork, located in Entebbe on the banks of Lake Victoria.
Gorilla hikes are typically brief and exhilarating.
The rainy season fosters the proliferation of new flora and an abundance of sustenance for wildlife. The mountain gorillas typically remain in a single location for foraging. Even if they relocate, they are likely to remain around the park perimeter. It has nearly become customary for gorilla treks during the low season in Rwanda and Uganda to be abbreviated. Nevertheless, the intense rainfall renders hiking pathways slick and muddy, so enhancing the whole adventure of gorilla trekking, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The experience in the Virunga Mountains, particularly in Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga, is rather distinct due to the sparse undergrowth in their bamboo forest.
Reduced-price gorilla permits in Rwanda
Rwanda typically lowers the cost of a gorilla permit during the off-season to $500 for Africans and foreign residents in East Africa, and $200 for East African citizens. This represents a significant inducement, considering the identical permit is priced at $1,500 during the peak season. Permits can be reserved via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through travel operators. This campaign has been ongoing since the onset of Covid-19 and is annually revised, so ensure to verify any savings for 2023 Rwanda gorilla safaris.
Affordable safaris and accommodations without the necessity of prior reservations
In response to diminished visitor numbers, the majority of lodges will provide reduced rates to enhance occupancy. Ultimately, the total expense of safaris will decrease, even for luxury options. The primary benefit is the ability to secure last-minute reservations. The low season is the optimal period to arrange a cost-effective East African safari.
Picturesque natural landscapes for photography
The transformation of plants into a verdant scene during the wet season may represent the optimal period for photography. Reduced dust levels contribute to the formation of breathtaking cloudscapes. Wildlife photographers can seize the opportunity to get images of infants.
Recommendations and directives for off-season travelers
Excessive rainfall frequently results in flash floods, complicating vehicular access on unpaved routes to isolated national parks. Accessing Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park necessitates the use of 4×4 vehicles. Engaging a reputable tour operator ensures access to qualified guides and appropriate equipment for your safari experience.
Include more goods due to the variable weather conditions. This is contingent upon the destination and the activities you intend to undertake. For off-season gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is essential to have rain jackets, waterproof gaiters, or high-knee hiking boots. Ensure you pack the appropriate equipment while planning to hike in the Rwenzoris, Mount Kilimanjaro, or Mount Kenya. The necessity for additional supplies pertains not just to mountain or primate trekking but also to game drive safaris. In savanna national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, there is a high likelihood of morning mist, strong winds, or light rainfall. Certain game drive routes may be so arduous that it necessitates exiting the vehicle.
Destinations for off-season safari in East Africa
Uganda – optimal for gorilla and chimpanzee observation
Winston Churchill’s research in his book “My African Journey” indicates that Uganda is among the most culturally and ecologically diverse countries in Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to more than 56 indigenous groups, over 1,060 avian species (11% of Africa’s total), tree-climbing lions, and half of the global mountain gorilla population.
The ten national parks and thirteen wildlife reserves comprise a variety of habitats and landscapes, including the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Virunga volcanoes, savannas, and tropical rainforest. Kibale is renowned for hosting 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, gray-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, Demidoff’s potto, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Sixteen-day safari in Uganda
Uganda provides an extensive array of economical African safaris, encompassing gorilla observation via boat cruises, cultural excursions, white-water rafting, mountaineering, butterfly observation, avian watching, and sport fishing. Moreover, numerous chances exist for enthusiastic wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts. The optimal period to visit Uganda is the dry season, which occurs from December to February and from June to September.
Nonetheless, her equatorial location ensures a consistently mild and temperate climate throughout the year, especially during the low season from April to May and October to November. The majority of Uganda safaris occur in the western region, which contains 8 of the 10 protected areas. Included are Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla parks, as well as four out of five savanna parks: Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
The northeastern region, referred to as Karamoja, exhibits a semi-arid environment, while the expansive Narus Valley and the craggy volcanic mountain ranges transform into lush and striking landscapes during the low season. The primary attractions in the region comprise Kidepo Valley and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, which is the second largest protected area in Uganda. These are the sole locations to observe cheetahs and ostriches in Uganda.
off-peak safaris
Many wildlife species, such as the roan antelope, white-eared kob, aardwolf, and black-backed jackal, are difficult to locate in other regions of the country. Additionally, the central region encompasses Kampala, the capital city, and Entebbe Airport. Your safari will probably commence or conclude there, with chances for day excursions such as white-water rafting and viewing the source of the Nile River in Jinja. Entebbe town is situated on the northern beaches of Lake Victoria, providing access to the Ssesse Islands and the chimpanzee sanctuary at Ngamba Island.
Kenya Off-Season Safari
Kenya possesses a robust infrastructural network that facilitates access to its premier wildlife areas from the city, Nairobi, and the port of Mombasa. The optimal period for visitation is during the peak season (July to October), when one may reliably observe the remarkable migration of wildebeest traversing the Mara River in Masai Mara National Reserve.
To experience the big migration while evading crowds, consider incorporating the lesser-known Laikipia plains, Mount Kenya, or Samburu National Parks into your itinerary. These locations attract fewer visitors even in peak season, and private wildlife conservancies, such Ol Pejeta and Lewa Wilderness, provide exclusive activities such as camel riding and on-foot elephant tracking with a ranger.
Visiting Kenya during the off-peak season is a prudent decision. It is advisable to circumvent the precipitation of April and choose for travel during the brief rainy periods of March, May to June, and November to December. Visitor numbers are low, and safari lodges in premier destinations such as Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Tsavo National Parks typically provide discounted rates.
Moreover, the low season in Kenya aligns effectively with that of Uganda and Rwanda, creating opportunities for combined East African safaris. Travel to both nations is feasible with the East African tourist visa, which may be obtained via the online site of the country from where you plan to commence your journey. A wildlife safari in Kenya, combined with a break in Mombasa, Lamu Islands, or Diani Beach, offers an unparalleled African experience. Kenyans can be encountered throughout the tour, but the Maasai warrant particular attention.
Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to several of the world’s natural marvels, including Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa), Ngorongoro Crater (the biggest unflooded caldera globally), and Serengeti National Park. Both protected areas have a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five mammals, the wildebeest migration, and endangered species such as African wild dogs and cheetahs.
Tanzania encompasses the beautiful Zanzibar islands, renowned for some of Africa’s premier beach locations, in addition to its biodiversity. The capital city of Stone Town is accessible via a three-hour boat from Dar es Salaam, the major commercial port in the country. Visitors may also access the location via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, situated 5 km from the city.
For a safari in Tanzania, you may arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in the northeast. This facilitates convenient access to primary locations, including Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Mount Kilimanjaro national parks. East of Kili Airport is the Arusha Town Airport, designated for domestic air transport.
Commencing in Arusha provides superior access to the parks, while Tarangire or Lake Manyara are both 127 sq.km away, requiring a two-hour trip. The off-season in Tanzania occurs from January to March and from November to December. This period marks the wildebeest birthing season in the southern Serengeti plains and the mating season in the Grumeti Reserve.
Anticipate both high temperatures and humid conditions as a result of precipitation. The golden savanna grasslands transform into verdant and awe-inspiring landscapes. This park is encircled by indigenous communities, including the Maasai, who are Nilotic-speaking semi-nomadic pastoralists, and the Kuria, who are Bantu-speaking cultivators.
The Tanzanian government has recently been promoting the adoption of modern lifestyles, including education and sustainable agriculture. Both tribes are committed to preserving their traditions through tourism, which enables them to maintain their arts and crafts. While in the Serengeti, one can visit local Maasai settlements to study their rich cultural heritage and acquire arts and crafts as mementos.
