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Then beware, it's often essential to book ahead!
Many of the continent's most striking destinations and natural spectacles are very popular, so they can get booked out well in advance, especially in peak season.
“But when is peak season?” you might be asking…
Well, when it comes to popular African destinations, peak season is not just dictated by school holidays and public holidays.
It varies from location to location, influenced by the local climate and weather patterns, along with the mating and migration habits of the local wildlife (which many visitors are coming to see).
If you want to travel to any of the continent's most popular destinations in peak season (or even outside of it in some instances), you have to plan and book ahead so you don’t miss out!
From the thundering Victoria Falls to the epic scenes of the Great Migration, here are five spectacular African adventures you need to book in advance, along with our tips on the best time to visit…
The mighty Victoria Falls, which straddles the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of Africa's most iconic natural wonders.
Thousands of people flock here each year to see its jaw-dropping scenes.
Known locally as "The Smoke That Thunders," because of the immense roar it emits and the enormous wall of mist it throws out in all directions, Victoria Falls is a true spectacle to behold!
Though you can visit this awe-inspiring waterfall all year round, it’s important to know that the water levels fluctuate hugely.
When the Zambezi River’s waters are at their lowest, the Falls can lack the breathtaking grandeur most people expect from the world’s largest sheet of falling water! However, low water season is the best for water-based activities like dipping in the Devil's Pool and white water rafting in the Zambezi.
If seeing Vic Falls in full flow is your #1 priority, you should time your visit when the Falls have good water flow.
As such, it pays to know that the Falls are at their fullest from March to May.
However, this time of year also brings high temperatures and humidity, meaning the visibility of Victoria Falls is not always the best.
This is because the sheer force of the water tumbling at speed throws up a huge wall of mist that can obstruct views and disappoint visitors!
Indeed many activities, guided walks and viewpoints at Vic Falls are off-limits at this time too, as they’re not safe when the water levels are so high.
At this time the waters are receding, allowing better visibility and enabling you to get closer to the Falls action.
During these months, the water flow is optimal for visibility, as well as being ideal for many of the Falls’ most popular activities, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking and guided walks to the best viewpoints.
This is also a good time of year to visit Victoria Falls as it coincides with the region’s dry season and best safari conditions (making it perfect to combine a safari into your trip!)
All these reasons mean it's a very popular time of year and booking far in advance is crucial!
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To truly appreciate the Okavango Delta and its unique ecosystem, you should visit when the Delta’s water levels are high - from May to September.
This is when the Delta transforms into a lush, water-filled oasis, perfect for mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) trips and other water-based activities.
This period also coincides with Botswana's dry season, offering clear skies and perfect safari conditions.
It's also Botswana’s winter at this time, meaning temperatures are cooler and more comfortable than for much of the year.
To witness the Delta in its full oasis-like splendour, with the blue skies of the dry season, early booking is essential!
Seeing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti National Park is a wildlife experience like no other!
In fact, some say it's the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth!
And it’s easy to see why…
Watching the dramatic scenes unfold as vast herds of wildebeest, zebras and other animals make their dramatic journey from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Masai Mara is like something straight out of a wildlife documentary!
July and August, when the river crossings peak, make for particularly spectacular viewing, with thousands of animals braving the crocodile-infested Mara River.
For many travellers, these river crossings are up there as the most sought-after moments of the Great Migration!
As you can imagine, that means this is the most popular time of year to visit these national parks and the park permits get booked up a long time in advance.
Booking ahead is essential if you want to witness this incredible event, ensuring you don't miss out on nature's grandest show.
Seeing the majestic mountain gorillas in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a dream come true for many people.
Getting up close for an intimate encounter with these gentle giants of the forest is a true and rare privilege, especially as these magnificent creatures hold a spot on the critically endangered list.
The rarest primates in the world, there are just over a thousand mountain gorillas left worldwide, all located in the forests spanning Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is not politically stable enough for tourists to visit, but there are established and well-organised treks that allow you to see the gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda.
During these months the hiking conditions are better which, because gorillas live in high-altitude zones, is pretty important as it’s often a long and steep trek to reach them!
Unless you’re an experienced hiker, it's absolutely recommended to make the hike to see the gorillas during the dry season when the trails are far less muddy and slippery.
For conservation reasons, Uganda and Rwanda strictly limit the number of trekking permits available each day to protect these amazing animals and their habitat.
As most people want permits for the dry season, the limited number available means they get booked up months in advance.
So if you dream of coming face to face with these magnificent creatures, book well ahead of time (we recommend around 6 months) to secure your trekking permits!
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Namibia is home to some of the most striking landscapes in Africa.
From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the surreal vistas of Deadvlei, prepare to have your mind blown by these otherworldly scenes!
The best time to experience these unique African adventures is during Namibia's winter, from May to September when the country’s daytime temperatures are warm but not scorching hot.
As a largely desert-covered country, Namibia sees extreme climatic changes throughout the year, with many areas reaching over 100°F/40°C in summer!
If you don't fancy extreme heat or soaring humidity, it's best to visit during their cooler, dry season. In this season (from May to September) you can experience Namibia’s desert adventures without the extreme heat of the hottest months.
As you can imagine winter is the most popular time for travel here, so booking early is vital to secure accommodation and activities.
So that’s our top 5 recommendations for some of the most popular African adventures you need to book in advance.
Each of these adventures requires careful planning and early booking to ensure you experience the best of each destination.
When you book with established travel agents like African Budget Safaris, you can always modify your initial booking at a later stage. This means you can book your trip well in advance and shift your dates or make changes if needed later on. By booking early, you can ensure you don't miss out on your bucket list activities and preferred accommodation because they're fully booked. Plus, you will have plenty of time to plan your trip and make adjustments before you set off.
So don’t wait, speak to our team of African travel experts today to start planning your journey and make your dream African adventure a reality!
Explore these destinations mentioned in this post.
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