Winter in many parts of the world coincides with East and Southern Africa’s green season, a period of dramatic skies, fresh landscapes, newborn wildlife and quieter sightings. For travellers planning the best safaris in Africa, November through March brings a different kind of spectacle: vivid colours, softer light and far fewer vehicles across some of the continent’s most significant reserves. Below, the list begins in East Africa before moving south to Botswana and South Africa’s prime green-season wilderness.
East Africa
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Set atop the Grumeti plains, Singita Sasakwa Lodge offers a spectacular vantage point for travellers seeking the best safaris in Africa, Sasakwa’s offers panoramic views during the green months, when the landscape turns bright and expansive. As one of the most exclusive places for the best safaris in Africa, the private reserve sees far lighter vehicle numbers than the central Serengeti, with a focus on conservation and slow, unhurried game viewing.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
- 🔑 Standout features: Hilltop suites with private pools overlooking the Grumeti plains, low vehicle density, personalised guiding, strong conservation ethos
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers seeking luxury, exclusivity, and unhurried game drives amid lush green-season landscapes
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Perched directly on the lush plains of Grumeti, Singita Sabora Tented Camp comes alive during the early rains when wildlife flourishes in vivid surroundings. Its contemporary, design-led tents feature expansive decks for unobstructed wildlife viewing. Guests enjoy low-density drives with fewer vehicles, providing quiet, unhurried access to lions, elephants, and large herds of antelope. Birdlife is especially abundant during the green season, adding colour and vibrancy to every game drive. Combining luxury and immersion in nature, Sabora is ideal for travellers seeking a visually stunning and immersive best safari in Africa experience in the lush Serengeti.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
- 🔑 Standout features: Open-plains tented suites, design-led interiors, excellent wildlife sightings during early rains, minimal visitor traffic
- ✨ Ideal for: Safari enthusiasts seeking atmospheric, immersive stays in the green-season Serengeti plains
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Located in the central Serengeti, Four Seasons Safari Lodge offers a combination of luxury and some of the best safaris in Africa with spectacular wildlife encounters. The lodge’s pool overlooks a wildlife-filled waterhole, where elephants, giraffes, and zebras can be seen year-round. During the green season, dramatic storms enhance the landscape’s beauty while newborn animals appear across the plains, creating unforgettable sightings. Guests enjoy spa treatments, fitness facilities, and gourmet dining alongside expert-guided safaris. The lodge’s accessible location, combined with the richness of the wet-season environment, makes it a perfect base for travellers seeking comfort, family-friendly options, and immersive wildlife experiences.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Central Serengeti, Tanzania
- 🔑 Standout features: Wildlife-facing pool, resort-style amenities including spa and gym, accessible year-round, calving season highlights
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers who enjoy service-rich lodges and dramatic green-season scenery with newborn wildlife
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp sits along a scenic riverbank where hippos and birds thrive among dense, revitalised vegetation providing intimate encounters with wildlife, characteristic of the best safaris in Africa in the green season. The green season brings dramatic skies and abundant wildlife activity, including frequent sightings of predators and herbivores alike. With fewer visitors than the central Serengeti, game drives feel intimate and unhurried, guided by experienced rangers who share local insights. The camp’s open-sided tents provide comfortable, immersive views of the surrounding wilderness, while evenings around the fire allow guests to connect with the sights and sounds of the landscape. This camp perfectly balances seclusion, luxury, and authentic safari experiences.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
- 🔑 Standout features: Riverside location with hippos, lush post-rain vegetation, strong guiding, fewer vehicles than central Serengeti
- ✨ Ideal for: Visitors seeking intimate wildlife encounters in verdant, low-traffic green-season habitats
andbeyond.com, @andbeyondgrumeti
Mwiba Lodge
Nestled in the private Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Mwiba Lodge offers a secluded sanctuary where rocky outcrops and woodlands come alive with the green season’s lush growth. With just a handful of suites, the lodge ensures exclusivity and intimacy, providing guests with uninterrupted wildlife encounters and dramatic landscapes. Expert guides lead immersive game drives, often yielding sightings of elephants, big cats, and antelopes against vivid green backdrops. The lodge also offers cultural experiences connecting travellers to local communities. Mwiba blends contemporary design with a sense of adventure, making it an ideal retreat for discerning safari-goers seeking privacy and luxury.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tanzania
- 🔑 Standout features: Private rocky outcrops, exclusive suites, cultural experiences, secluded green-season landscapes
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers who value design-focused, quiet, and intimate safari experiences
legendaryexpeditions.co, @legendaryexpeditions
Angama Mara
Perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara overlooks sweeping views of the Mara Triangle, especially breathtaking during the green season. Dramatic skies and freshly verdant landscapes provide a photogenic setting for wildlife encounters, with fewer vehicles ensuring quiet, unhurried drives. Guests stay in glass-fronted suites designed to blend luxury with immersion in nature, offering private verandas and uninterrupted views of plains alive with herds and predators. Expert guides provide in-depth knowledge of the ecosystem, making each safari drive educational and intimate. Angama Mara combines scenery, comfort, and exceptional wildlife access for a quintessential green-season safari experience.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Mara Triangle, Kenya
- 🔑 Standout features: Glass-fronted suites with escarpment views, access to quieter Mara areas, stormy green-season skies, photography opportunities
- ✨ Ideal for: Guests wanting panoramic scenery and unhurried drives in the lush green season
&Beyond Bateleur Camp
Situated on the edge of the Mara, &Beyond Bateleur Camp offers an authentic tented safari experience amid lush green-season landscapes. Fewer visitors and a private concession provide exclusive access to wildlife, while expert guides lead quiet, informative game drives. The area’s abundant birdlife and striking scenery are heightened by the seasonal rains, making each outing a visual delight. Tents feature comfortable furnishings and open decks for direct immersion in the surroundings. Bateleur Camp balances timeless safari architecture with personalized experiences, appealing to travellers who want serene, nature-focused green-season safaris away from the central Mara crowds.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Kichwa Tembo, Kenya
- 🔑 Standout features: Classic tented style, low visitor numbers, rich birdlife, private concession access
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers seeking peaceful green-season wildlife encounters with a classic safari atmosphere
andbeyond.com, @andbeyondbateleurcamp
Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs
Loisaba Lodo Springs sits within the remote, rolling hills of the Laikipia region, where green-season rains transform the terrain into a vivid, open paradise. Large, private rooms offer panoramic views, while guided safaris reveal wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and big cats thriving in lush habitats. The lodge emphasizes conservation, with programs that engage local communities and protect ecosystems. Birdlife flourishes during the wet months, adding colour and sound to game drives. Combining spacious, modern accommodations with immersive nature experiences, Loisaba offers travellers a rare and distinctive green-season safari that balances wildlife, landscape, and responsible tourism.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya
- 🔑 Standout features: Rolling green hills, large private rooms, conservation-focused experiences, open landscapes after rains
- ✨ Ideal for: Guests who want distinctive, off-the-beaten-track safari experiences in vibrant green landscapes
elewanacollection.com, @loisaba_conservancy
Bisate Lodge
Overlooking mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers a rainforest safari experience that complements traditional plains safaris. Its architecturally inspired “hive” villas provide comfort and privacy while immersing guests in the lush green-season scenery. Gorilla trekking and golden monkey excursions are the highlight, with local guides offering expert knowledge of wildlife behaviour. The lodge’s sustainable design integrates with the surrounding rainforest, enhancing the connection to nature. During the green season, mist, rain, and vibrant vegetation create dramatic and atmospheric landscapes. Bisate Lodge is perfect for travellers seeking unique wildlife encounters in a serene, luxurious setting.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- 🔑 Standout features: Misty rainforest villas, gorilla trekking access, architectural design, lush green-season mountain scenery
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers combining primate experiences with East Africa safari itineraries
wildernessdestinations.com, @wearewilderness
Southern Africa
Xigera Safari Lodge
Set within a private concession in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Xigera Safari Lodge offers a striking blend of contemporary design and wild immersion. During the green season, waterways fill, creating rich habitats for birds, elephants, and hippos. Suites feature art-focused interiors and private decks overlooking tranquil channels. Guests can enjoy seasonal water activities such as mokoro excursions, guided boat trips, and fishing. Low guest numbers ensure exclusivity, allowing quiet encounters with abundant wildlife. Xigera seamlessly combines design, adventure, and solitude, making it one of Africa’s premier green-season safari destinations for travellers seeking a harmonious blend of luxury and nature.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- 🔑 Standout features: Private Delta concession, art-focused interiors, seasonal water activities, limited suites
- ✨ Ideal for: Guests seeking luxury, design-led stays amid vibrant green-season Delta scenery
xigera.com, @xigerasafarilodge
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp occupies a remote island within the Okavango Delta, where expansive floodplains burst into green life during the wet months. The camp’s small number of suites allows for personalized, intimate game drives, with guides sharing deep knowledge of predator-prey interactions, particularly between lions and buffalo. Seasonal rains transform the scenery, creating vibrant landscapes and attracting a wealth of birdlife. Guests experience classic safari activities—walking safaris, mokoro excursions, and boat trips while enjoying the camp’s understated luxury and tranquil surroundings. Duba Plains combines solitude, wildlife spectacle, and seasonal beauty for an unforgettable green-season safari.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- 🔑 Standout features: Remote island location, wide floodplains, lion-buffalo interactions, small guest numbers
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers wanting exclusive green-season wildlife experiences
greateplainsconservation.com, @greatplainsconservation
Atzaró Okavango
Atzaró Okavango blends contemporary design with the lush tranquillity of Botswana’s delta. Elevated suites overlook lagoon networks, with abundant birdlife and wildlife frequenting the waterways during the green season. The lodge emphasises wellness, with spa treatments, yoga, and gourmet cuisine complementing wildlife experiences. Guests enjoy guided game drives, mokoro excursions, and boat safaris that highlight seasonal scenery and abundant fauna. The combination of modern comforts, stylish interiors, and immersion in vibrant green-season landscapes makes Atzaró ideal for travellers seeking a serene yet adventurous Delta safari experience.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- 🔑 Standout features: Contemporary suites, lagoon views, wellness focus, modern comforts
- ✨ Ideal for: Guests who value relaxation, wildlife, and design-forward green-season stays
atzaro.com/okavango, @atzaro_okavango
Camp Okavango
Camp Okavango specialises in water-focused safaris on Nxaragha Island, where floodplains and palm groves flourish during the green season. Guests explore the Delta by mokoro, boat, or on guided walks, observing hippos, elephants, and abundant birdlife up close. Elevated walkways and classic thatched suites ensure comfort while keeping guests immersed in nature. The lodge’s relaxed pace and prime location in a private concession provide a quiet, intimate safari experience. With abundant water and greenery, the camp showcases the Delta’s seasonal vibrancy, making it perfect for travellers seeking both adventure and tranquillity in a lush, immersive setting.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Nxaragha Island, Botswana
- 🔑 Standout features: Water-based activities, thatched architecture, palm-filled floodplains, elevated walkways
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers seeking immersive Delta experiences during the green season
desertdelta.com/camp-okavango, @desertdelta_safaris
Duke’s Camp
Duke’s Camp is set within a pristine northern Okavango Delta concession, offering a mix of woodlands, channels, and floodplains that come alive during the green season. With low guest numbers and a commitment to low-impact operations, the camp provides intimate encounters with wildlife while preserving the environment. Expert guides lead immersive game drives and birdwatching excursions, highlighting the vibrant scenery and seasonal activity. Combining stylish tented accommodation with a private, tranquil setting, Duke’s Camp ranks among the best safaris in Africa for travellers seeking exclusive wildlife encounters and immersive green-season landscapes.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Northern Okavango Delta, Botswana
- 🔑 Standout features: Intimate tented camp, mixed habitats, abundant birdlife, low-impact design
- ✨ Ideal for: Guests wanting private, eco-conscious green-season safari experiences
naturalselection.travel, @naturalselectiontravel
Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane is known for some of South Africa’s most experienced guiding, with bright green Lowveld landscapes and dramatic summer skies. The green season also brings softer rates, making it one of the best safaris in Africa for travellers seeking high-level expertise.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Greater Kruger, South Africa
- 🔑 Standout features: Experienced guiding teams, lush green-season landscapes, large private suites, softer seasonal rates
- ✨ Ideal for: Safari-goers seeking expert-led green-season wildlife encounters
theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane, @theroyalportfolio
Singita Lebombo
Singita Lebombo offers a riverside setting in a private Kruger concession, where contemporary design meets the lush greenery of the green season. Guests enjoy quiet drives and excellent predator sightings in an environment transformed by seasonal rains. Elevated suites provide sweeping river views and seamless access to nature. The combination of luxury, private safari experiences, and abundant wildlife activity during the green season positions Lebombo among the best safaris in Africa. It is ideal for travellers seeking to witness dramatic predator action and verdant landscapes while enjoying exclusive comfort and stylish design.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Kruger National Park, South Africa
- 🔑 Standout features: Private Kruger concession, contemporary architectural design, flowing river scenery, strong predator sightings
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers seeking luxury and privacy with green-season predator viewing
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Londolozi Private Granite Suites offer an ultra-exclusive safari experience along the lush Sand River, which flourishes during the green season. With only three suites, guests enjoy unparalleled privacy, personalised service, and front-row access to wildlife including the Sabi Sand’s famed leopards. Guided game drives during the wet months reveal vibrant birdlife, newborn herbivores, and dramatic predator activity. Combining intimate luxury with immersive safari encounters, Londolozi ranks among the best safaris in Africa, particularly for those seeking quiet, high-end green-season experiences that balance wildlife spectacle with serenity and comfort.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Sabi Sand, South Africa
- 🔑 Standout features: Ultra-exclusive three-suite camp, riverfront location, renowned leopard sightings, high privacy
- ✨ Ideal for: Guests wanting intimate, high-end green-season safari experiences
Tswalu Loapi / Motse
Tswalu Loapi and Motse offer expansive Kalahari wilderness where green-season rains transform the terrain with bright grasses, occasional wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Private vehicles and large land allocations per guest ensure unrivalled space and exclusive encounters with elephants, predators, and rare species. Expert guides provide immersive drives focused on photography, conservation, and observation. The combination of luxury accommodations, serene landscapes, and low guest density makes Tswalu one of the best safaris in Africa. Its open skies, dramatic light, and seasonal vibrancy create an unforgettable green-season experience for travellers seeking remote and immersive wilderness adventures.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
- 🔑 Standout features: Private vehicles, expansive green-season landscapes, huge land per guest, excellent photography conditions
- ✨ Ideal for: Travellers seeking wide-open wilderness and immersive Kalahari safari experiences
