Best Time of Year

[Dutchlund]

I just returned from my first safari, and am already planning for next year. We hunted Limpopo, and will probably go back to the same general region. Our hunt was in early April, and it was still pretty warm. Highs most days in the upper 80s to low 90s. So I'm thinking about maybe going back in late May instead, so hopefully things will be a little more comfortable, without getting into the potentially cold temps of July/August. Any thoughts from the veterans??

 

[375Fox]

What will you be hunting? For kudu mid May during rut is perfect. For Buffalo I’d go September once vegetation thins out. If you are hunting lower elevation areas like near Kruger it’s much warmer than higher elevation areas near Johannesburg. Lot of variables in the “best” time. May through August is generally pretty comfortable for everyone.

 

[Dutchlund]

Hunting primarily plains game. I took a mid size Kudu last safari, so Sable, Eland, bushbuck, white and saddleback Impala are my primary targets, but if I see a 55"+ Kudu, I'll probably take a second one, and not mount the first (47")

 

[375Fox]

You’ll be happy with late May

 

[BeeMaa]

Late May and beginning of June is really nice in SA. The weather is cool and there is still a lot of greenery, so less crunching while stalking. Plus, you can use the leaves as cover while stalking. Of course, this goes both ways because the animals will be a little tougher to spot. An experienced PH and tracker won't be fooled, they will know exactly where to be looking for game.

Another thing to consider is moon phase. I always preferred hunting during a new moon because the animals are less active at night and therefore more active in daytime. Scheduling this far in advance will allow you to pick and choose.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Late May early June is nice weather. I prefer a bit colder and like mid June first July myself. Seems with cooler weather we hunt all day and don’t take breaks due to heat.

 

[Nyati]

I like September/October, cooler temps, less vegetation, less snakes.

 

[375Fox]

I like September/October, cooler temps, less vegetation, less snakes.

That may be the first I’ve ever seen Africa in October and the phrase cooler temperatures used together! I also like September and October too though but it is hot. I like less hunters so more flexibility than peak times May-August.

 

[Nyati]

That may be the first I’ve ever seen Africa in October and the phrase cooler temperatures used together! I also like September and October too though but it is hot. I like less hunters so more flexibility than peak times May-August.

Sorry, I meant the opposite, of course, it is warmer, as you said, I prefer it because it is less crowded, also airline fares are cheaper !

 

[Adipose]

Hunting primarily plains game. I took a mid size Kudu last safari, so Sable, Eland, bushbuck, white and saddleback Impala are my primary targets, but if I see a 55"+ Kudu, I'll probably take a second one, and not mount the first (47")

My favorite months are July August and September. Go ahead and mount the 47. I have a bud that mounts his animals, and if ever he gets a bigger one, he has the horns fitted to the mount and the old horns fitted to the new skull mount.