WHEN TO GO

The island of Mauritius is famed for its pristine white beaches and clear Indian Ocean waters. The stream of sunshine is occasionally interrupted by short, sharp shower that brings out the scent of the frangipani. Best time to Travel: The best time to visit Mauritius is towards the end of the year, from October through to December, when temperatures are hottest. However, Mauritius has an enviable subtropical climate that normally brings sun, warmth, and blue skies, so expect perfect beach weather for most of the year. The Chamarel Mountains in the south can get rain at any time of year, which provides them with a luxuriant green covering, but the rest of the island generally only sees prolonged rain in January and February, when cyclones roll in from the Indian Ocean.

Azure blue waters and white sandy beaches fringed with palms; this little island lies a thousand miles off the coast of Africa. The sensual Seychelles offer 360-degree unspoilt loveliness. Best time to Travel: The best time to visit the Seychelles is either between April and May, or October and November. These are the calmer periods in between the two trade winds the island experiences each year. However, since the Seychelles is just seven degrees south of the Equator, the climate is beautiful all year. The northwest trade winds from November to March and southeast wind from May to September can cause seaweed to build up on some beaches, so it is important to consider the right hotel locations at different times of year.

A jewel in the Indian Ocean, and island fringed by tropical beaches and surrounded by coral reefs. Known by generations of traders as the Spice Island, Zanzibar’s rich history is felt across the island. Only a short hop from mainland Tanzania or Kenya, Zanzibar is an idyllic location to visit after your Masai Mara or Serengeti safari. The Zanzibar Archipelago's dry season runs from July to September is. However, anytime of year is worthwhile a visit with balmy temperatures and sunshine. The island see some short rains in November and December, downpours are followed by blue skies, with only the 'long rains' in April and May being very wet.

From the vast wilds of the Greater Kruger to wine tasting in the Cape, a country that has something to suit all our discerning travellers. South Africa is a year-round destination due to its varying regional climates and wildlife opportunities. The Cape has beautiful hot, dry weather in its summer months between November and February, while the best time to visit for whale watching is between July through to November. The northern regions can be rainy from November to February, while the cooler winter months from May to September bring superb conditions for those spectacular big game sightings.

Landlocked, this stunning country is a refuge for Africa’s great wildlife concentrations in a virtually untouched landscape, a rarity in our over-populated, over-developed world. Best time to Travel: Botswana's dry season is between May and October, when you can expect warm, sunny days and chilly nights. This is also when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest, creating the waterways and channels Botswana is famed for. The green season from November to April is a great time to travel if you don't mind the odd shower, as visitor numbers and prices are lower, migratory birds are back and the vegetation is thick and lush, and the bush is brimming with life.

‘I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills.’ - Karen Blixen The Great Rift Valley and its far reaches, we often think of Kenya as the epitome of safari, with its sweeping savannah’s and rocky outcrops and the immense choice of wilderness in which to explore. Best time to Travel: One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country’s dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.During the rainy seasons you can take advantage of the fewer visitors and the lush vegetation and migratory birds. December in particular is a great time to travel to Kenya, when the rains are short lived and newborn animals are plentiful. The ‘long rains’ during March, April and May are quite wet.

Ethiopia is an ancient holy land, where you can discover its culture-rich history, old-world sites, diverse wildlife and trek through majestic mountain ranges. Located in the Horn of Africa it is a rugged, landlocked country split by the Great Rift Valley, with archaeological finds dating back more than 3 million years, it’s a place of ancient culture. Rare wildlife can be seen in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Simien National Park, such as the Gelada baboon, Simien fox and the Walia ibex. We offer bespoke historic, birding, cultural, hiking and foodie tours throughout this incredible country. Guided by local people join us and leave the outside world behind.

A much loved and game-rich destination, a Zimbabwean safari will take you off the beaten track into true wilderness. Whether your on foot in Hwange, sleeping under the stars in Gonarezhou, on a canoe down the Zambezi or enjoying the sweeping vistas of Lake Kariba. Game viewing in Zimbabwe is at its peak during July through to October. However, travel from November to March we love to call the ‘emerald’ seasons rewards those wanting explore the country's remarkable heritage, while birders will be in heaven with the migratory birds. Meanwhile, April to June, the shoulder season provides great value for money safaris and Victoria Falls will be in full flow.

Soaring sand dunes and desert adapted elephant, lion and black rhino. Spend your nights under a blanket of stars, with the NamibRand Nature Reserve officially a Dark Sky Reserve. Namibia touches the soul, with its stark landscapes and arid ways, a safari like none other. Best time to Travel: We love visiting Namibia from July to October, when the temperatures are just above 20°C and the chance of rain is low. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, making it peak travel season — you will need to plan well in advance.The northern hemisphere summer is warm and sunny, albeit with cold nights, while during the winter Namibia is hot with the chance of spectacular thunderstorms. However, it’s a predominantly dry country, where deep orange sand dunes contrast with cobalt skies.

Home to the ‘smoke that thunders’ and some of Africa’s prime game parks. The sweeping savannah of Liuwa Plains with its great clans of hyaena, South Luangwa’s hippo pods and predators, to the shoebills of Bangwelu, Zambia showcases a huge variety and offers an array of exciting wildlife and birding safaris. The dry season between June and November is peak season and a wonderful time to visit South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi. Victoria Falls makes a great option to combine with a safari either at the start of end of your trip.

Our ultimate safari destination, home to the world famous Serengeti National Park - place of the Great Wildebeest Migration, the relatively unexplored Katavi National Parks, chimps in the Mahale forests that skirt Lake Tanganyika, the Ngorongoro Crater and the sun-kissed coast. Tanzania is the perfect playground for the most intrepid travellers. July to October is peak season animals are easier to spot in the lesser vegetation and watering holes are highly frequented, and the annual migration crosses the Maasai Mara following after the rains. April and May are classed as ‘shoulder’ season, best value for money whilst still offering good sightings. November through to May sees the annual migration circling the Serengeti and between December and March is the birthing season. The northern circuit can get quite busy, but the southern parks are relatively unknown so it's possible to enjoy a more intimate safari experience.

Plunge beneath the waves and experience an underwater world teeming with marine life. Mozambique has plenty to offer, from diving, paddleboard, horse rides along the white sandy beaches to deep sea fishing, it makes for the perfect ending after your safari adventure. Best time to Travel: Mozambique has a subtropical climate, with a dry season lasting from April to December, and a rainy season from January to March. The beaches on both the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos are stunning throughout the dry season, although the winter (June - August) months can be breezy; especially in the north. The optimal time to visit is September to November, when the game viewing is at its best, the weather calmest and warmest, and whale migration can also be observed.

The Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is a destination for all seasons and is well paired with any big game country in East Africa. The green clad volcanoes, shimmering lakes and mountain gorillas are just a few iconic highlights to make this country well worth a visit. The drier season from June to September is best for spotting the mountain gorillas. The rainy seasons from March to May and June to September are the optimum times for tracking chimpanzees. Temperatures hardly vary throughout the seasons due to Rwanda's position just south of the Equator, taking altitude into consideration, enjoy with warm days and cool evenings.

Located in the heart of eastern southern Africa and defined by the Great Rift Valley. Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake, slinks the length of the country and offers diving, snorkelling, kayaking and general beachside bliss. The game parks have been extensively restocked after suffering for years at the hands of poachers and make for a wonderful safari with great wildlife sightings in the likes of Liwonde and Majete game parks and excellent birding opportunities. Malawi offers a true African experience at a relatively low cost and a legendary welcome is always received when visiting this colourful country. From the warm-hearted people, wildlife, the lake and landscapes, Malawi is ideal for a beach and safari combo. The dry season is from May to October. Within this, May to August is a cooler time of year with bright sunshine and fresh evenings. The heaviest rains are often in December, January and February. Because of Malawi's varied landscape, regional variations in weather are significant.

Let us take you deep into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mahinga, searching amongst the bamboo groves and forest slopes for the golden monkeys and the last remaining gorilla families. Enjoy a varied safari style from primates to the tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda can be visited all year round with temperatures staying consistent. However, this diverse destination is at its best during its two dry seasons between December and February and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for primate trekking and game viewing in national parks is also good at this time

Did you know that 80% of the species found on the ‘Eighth Continent’ are endemic? As Earth’s number one biodiversity hotspot, Madagascar simply doesn't disappoint. Palm-fringed beaches, baobabs, lemurs and sunsets, there's a little bit of something to suit everyone when visiting this wanderlust island. Best time to Travel: The best time to visit Madagascar depends on what you want to do and see. The country is green and fresh after the rain that falls between January and March, with lemurs and reptiles active and easy to spot. While there are some heavy downpours from April to June, these are interspersed with sunshine, while July and August are cool and dry, making this an ideal time for exploring.The whales arrive in July and remain until the end of September. Between September and November the weather is particularly lovely, remaining fine and warm.