Benefits of low season travel to East Africa : Kenya and Tanzania in particular are well known for their incredible wildlife diversity and amazing safari adventures in East Africa. Off-peak travel is a fantastic choice for tourists who are on a tight budget and who want to have a more genuine safari experience. In addition, low season travel offers fantastic weather and thrilling game viewing options.
East Africa has two low seasons: from October to December and from March to June. In general, there is more rain from March through June, especially in April and May. These times of year provide excellent weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Sunsets are spectacular, and visitors can view animals with their young.
The rain should not deter you from visiting to East Africa, even if many travel books advise doing so during the busiest and driest months of the year. Although the rainy season extends into off-peak months, the rains are typically intermittent rather than continuous. A brief yet heavy downpour is followed by the sun’s appearance. In the afternoon, evening, or nighttime, rain typically falls. In most cases, it won’t have an effect on safari excursions and, in fact, makes the trip more enjoyable with lusher scenery and more species.
Between the beginning and the end of East Africa’s protracted rainy season is shoulder season. They typically cover the months of January through March. In addition to offering some of the best game watching, these months have lower prices than the busy season.
Reasons to travel in East Africa in Low Season.
An East African safari during the off-season offers several of benefits for visitors, including the chance to see plenty of animals and less crowds. The wet season offers a special chance to go to East Africa, whether you want to see the Big Five or experience huge and open landscapes.
Save money.
During the Christmas season or the summer vacation season in the Northern Hemisphere, travelers to the area will frequently experience high pricing in East Africa, including for safari packages and accommodation. Many people avoid going on safaris because of the high expenditures, especially if they are on a tight budget. Additionally, they can put safaris beyond the means of many tourists.
Off-season safaris are more reasonably priced, making it simpler to check something off your bucket list. You may save a lot of money by going in the off-season on anything from packages to accommodations. Rates during off-peak months may be reduced by 20% to 40%. Additionally, low season often results in cheaper flights.
Escape crowded safaris.
For many tourists, East Africa offers the ultimate safari experience, whether they are wildlife enthusiasts or photography enthusiasts. Safaris are frequently associated with this region of the world because it is home to the Masai Mara and Serengeti, among other notable locations. For the best weather, tourists typically swarm to East Africa during the dry months. At the same time, the region’s busiest travel season coincides with its drier months.
In contrast, off-peak times see fewer guests than dry months. It is frequently advised in travel recommendations that travelers avoid travelling during these months to avoid the rain. At the same time, travelling during the rainy season can be an unforgettable safari experience. Since fewer people are travelling at these times, you can have a more private safari experience. Off-peak months also provide you a more genuine safari experience because there are fewer people to squirm around with while attempting to obtain the ideal shot and more time to enjoy your visit.
Snap the perfect shot.
The rainiest months are often April and May, while downpours are typically brief and powerful and are followed by sunny days. Warm and comfortable temperatures prevail, and rivers and waterholes are well-supplied with water thanks to the rain. Animals congregate close to water to drink and rear their young as a result, creating a lush, green landscape.
In the off-season, grasslands are lush and colorful, rivers are gushing with water, and young animals play with their parents. An off-season safari is a terrific time for photography because the dramatic clouds contrast with the vibrant vistas. Low seasons are ideal for taking pictures of melancholy, dramatic, and strong sunsets. Animals congregate in waterholes and along rivers, many of which are typically dry during peak seasons, making them easier to spot.
See plenty of wildlife.
The two off-peak seasons in East Africa are when many animals give birth because food and water are easier to come by. A fantastic time to watch animals with their young includes cubs, pups, fawns, foals, and calves during the low season. Particularly at Masai Mara Reserve, larger elephant groups can be seen grazing on the grasslands.
In order to avoid the cold, migratory birds from Europe start to arrive starting in October. Through April, migratory birds will still be arriving and staying. Numerous migratory bird species, particularly from the Great Lakes, are drawn to the area. Animal herds move throughout the year, while the exact timing varies from year to year. Herds have recently started to move into southern Kenya during the off-season.
Avoid the heat.
Although East Africa normally has warm, tropical weather all year round, drier months can bring more extreme heat. In East Africa’s two off-peak seasons, the temperature is warm yet bearable. Travelling during off-peak hours can provide some relief and help you to better enjoy your visit if you have trouble with the heat.
When travelling during the rainier months, there will be some rain, but the downpours will be brief and will provide relief. Additionally, they contribute to the landscape’s realism in a way that is absent from travel during the dry seasons. A great method to balance weather and temperature with cost and the possibility of seeing wildlife is by travelling off-peak.
The crowds are a significant deterrent to visiting East Africa in the height of the tourist season. On a safari, crowded spaces, long queues, and traffic delays can ruin an unforgettable day. Off-season travel offers a less congested experience without reducing the chance of seeing wildlife. Aside from experiencing new things like spectacular vistas and young animals, you also gain from decreased costs.
