Why the Low Season Is the Best Time to Book an African Safari

Many travelers assume that the only time to enjoy a safari in Africa is during the dry season. While it’s true that peak season offers easier wildlife spotting and pleasant weather, the low or green season can be just as rewarding  and much more affordable.

At Traford Safaris, we believe every season offers its own magic. Here’s why booking your safari during the low season could be the smartest travel decision you make this year.

What Is the Low Season?

In East Africa, the low season refers to the months with higher rainfall and fewer visitors. These typically fall between:

• March to May (long rains)
• October to early December (short rains)

During these months, the landscape comes alive with lush greenery, dramatic skies, and abundant wildlife activity  without the large tourist crowds.

 1. Enjoy Exclusive Discounts and Better Deals

One of the biggest advantages of traveling during the low season is significant cost savings.

• Lodges and camps often reduce rates by 20–40%.
• Tour operators, including Traford Safaris, offer special packages and discounts on guided tours.

These savings mean you can experience luxury lodges and private game drives for a fraction of the usual cost.

Tip: Book early with Traford Safaris to secure limited-time offers before they sell out.

Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps In Masai Mara

2. Fewer Crowds, More Personalized Experiences

If you value privacy and exclusivity, low season travel is perfect for you.

• Bird watching excursionhave fewer vehicles, making your wildlife encounters feel intimate and authentic.
• At lodges, you can expect more attentive service, quiet dining experiences, and unhurried safari activities.

It’s an ideal time for honeymooners, photographers, and travelers who prefer peaceful nature experiences over busy safari traffic.

 3. Beautiful Landscapes and Vibrant Photography

The rainy season transforms Africa’s scenery into a photographer’s dream.

• Vegetation becomes lush and vibrant, ideal for landscape and bird photography.
• Newborn animals — from lion cubs to antelope calves appear during this period.
• Dramatic cloud formations and rainbows create unforgettable backdrops for your safari memories.

Our Traford Safaris guides help you plan around the rain, ensuring you get the best light and wildlife moments for your photos.

 4. Birdwatching Paradise

The green season is also the best time for birdwatching. Migratory species from Europe and Asia join resident birds, filling the skies with color and sound.

Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth, Rwanda’s Akagera, and Kenya’s Lake Nakuru become prime birding locations. With fewer vehicles and more nesting activity, bird enthusiasts will find this season unmatched.

Bird watching excursion

5. Easier Booking and Flexible Itineraries

During high season, safari lodges and gorilla permits can sell out months in advance. The low season, however, offers more flexibility.

With Traford Safaris, you can:

• Choose your preferred lodges and room types.
• Adjust your itinerary without strict booking limits.
• Enjoy personalized service with private guides and vehicles.

This freedom allows you to travel spontaneously and at your own pace.

 6. Where to Go During the Low Season

The best destinations for green season safaris include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): Great for gorilla trekking with fewer visitors.
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Misty landscapes and relaxed trekking schedules.
• Serengeti (Tanzania): Calving season in Ndutu, where thousands of wildebeest give birth.
• Masai Mara (Kenya): Dramatic skies and abundant resident wildlife even after migration.

Our team will help you choose the right parks and lodges that perform well even in wet weather.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Save More

The low season is Africa’s best-kept secret  offering incredible value, beauty, and tranquility. With expert planning, you can avoid heavy rain disruptions and still enjoy breathtaking wildlife encounters.

At Traford Safaris, we tailor low-season safari packages that combine comfort, adventure, and unbeatable savings. Whether it’s a discounted gorilla trekking tour in Uganda or a serene migration safari in Tanzania, we help you make the most of your travel budget.

Ready to Plan Your Low Season Safari?

Contact Traford Safaris today to find out about our special low-season offers, flexible itineraries, and expert-guided experiences across East Africa.
Your dream safari is just one booking away  and sometimes, the best journeys happen when the crowds are gone.