If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable safari experience, visiting Kavinga Safari Camp in the greener months offers an exciting opportunity to witness the wilderness in its most vibrant form.
Typically stretching from November to the end of April, the green season (also known as the rainy season) is often overlooked by safari-goers. However, we believe these months – along with the ‘shoulder’ months of May and June – bring a fresh perspective to the Mana Pools region and our concession, when the landscape transforms into a stunningly green paradise.
Although Kavinga is closed during the wettest months (December–March), we’re open in November, and between April and June you can make the most of our green season rates.
Vibrant scenery and lush landscapes
During the green season, Mana Pools National Park turns into a canvas of vibrant colours, providing a perfect backdrop for your safari adventures. The rain transforms the dry savannah into an oasis of green grass, while the trees and shrubs bloom, creating a beautiful contrast against the ever-changing dramatic skyline. Sometimes the usually-dry riverbeds (for example the Rukomechi and Chiwuye rivers meandering across the Kavinga concession) will be flowing, or the various pans dotted across the landscape will be full of water.
Special animal sightings
While the dry season is renowned for large numbers of game and big game sightings, the green and shoulder seasons offer their own wildlife sighting advantages. It’s a time of beginnings, so you may witness elephants and buffalo interacting with their young, as well as other wildlife such as impala, kudu, bushbuck and warthogs thriving. If you’re very lucky, you might even see a birth, or a newborn finding its legs. Although harder to spot due to the denser foliage, there is still a good chance of seeing the big cats – perhaps even one of the leopards up in a tree! What’s more, given there are no fences at Kavinga and two beautiful hides, you can do much of your game viewing right from the comfort of the camp and even your room.
Birdwatching paradise
For birding enthusiasts, the green season is particularly special. It’s the peak of the migratory bird season, bringing many different species to the area, none more famously than the elusive but exquisite African Pitta (generally seen in the late November and early December). The dense foliage and thriving riverside vegetation also attract a wide range of forest and woodland species, making this time of year a birder’s dream. The bird baths and pans around camp provide a great opportunity to spot many of these different birds.
Quieter, more intimate experiences
As a private concession, Kavinga Safari Camp provides an intimate experience with no crowds – with only our guests allowed in the area. This means that it will often just be you and your group at a sighting at any one time – giving you the freedom to explore the wild at your own pace, enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of the bush and surrounding African landscapes.
Milder temperatures
In April, once the rains have ended, the weather shifts to milder temperatures, offering a refreshing break from the extremes of summer and winter. The air feels cooler but not too cold, with gentle breezes that carry the scent of fresh earth and greenery. It’s a time when mornings are crisp, and afternoons remain comfortably warm, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities. The moderate climate is perfect for enjoying nature’s beauty without the discomfort of sweltering heat or biting chill.
We can't wait to see you.
So, if you’re seeking a unique, peaceful, and vibrant safari adventure, the green and shoulder seasons at Kavinga are the perfect time to visit. With lush landscapes, wildlife, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities, this time of year offers an entirely different way to experience the magic of our concession within Mana Pool National Park.
Drop us an email to find out more about booking a trip to Kavinga during the green season (April, May, June and November).
This article was originally published by Kavinga Safari Camp on their website HERE.