It’s that post Christmas, pre-summer lull when the winter seems to get a firmer grip and you wonder if you’ll be ever be warm enough to wear shorts again. Amazing how you forget what those long balmy days feel like...oooh and Pimms...and Wimbledon....and sleeping under just a sheet...

Anyway, not to dwell...

Fortunately there is a solution to these late winter blues...and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Between February and June is sort of in-between season in southern Africa. The rains are petering out leaving the bush lush and green, the birds all excited and broody, and the rivers swollen. The transformation of the bush from crispy-dry to a kind of unreal green is always pretty cool to witness. The real bonus, of course, is that nature succeeds in doing all this without getting unpleasantly cold.

Historically, this season has always been rather degraded by nasty terms like low season or off-season (as though it were milk on the turn or something). All those years ago, someone obviously decided what the things that determine the high season should be (namely game concentrating conveniently around water-sources and short grass so you can see them really easily).

While we do appreciate this very considerate approach to game viewing, we do feel that everyone might be missing out on a whole heap of other exciting stuff...so someone needs to set the record straight.

Africa is a continent of wild extremes, amazing diversity and surprises around every corner, so it shouldn’t come as a revelation that things don’t just grind to a halt because it’s low season. Yes, you may get the odd tropical storm, which is normally a fairly dramatic experience in itself. Depending on where you are, you may also get stuck; but to be honest, what kind of safari would it be if you didn’t? And you’ll always get out again, eventually.

Also, contrary to popular misconception, the animals don’t pack their bags and head for the Costa del Sol either. They are still around but a bit more spread out and you have to actually look for them a bit harder, which in our opinion seems like more fun. Afterall, you know what an elephant looks like so it’s not that exciting if one is presented to you on a plate (actually, no, that would be quite entertaining). But you get the drift.

Birdlife at this time of year is also going crazy, as various migrants come through and breeding season is getting hot and steamy. Similarly, plants are in full, glorious bloom and the trees are simply magnificent.

So, the other thing just to mention is that you can avoid herds of other bipedals between February and June. This makes it a great opportunity for the more adventurous folk to do something a bit different and avoid bumping into the next door neighbour. Also, there is the pretty cool aspect of the cost. Camps and lodges put out some great specials designed to showcase the best parts of the continent and they are generally great value for money.

Below are a few ideas you might want to ponder while you watch tonight's weather forecast...

South Luangwa, Zambia: A proper escape to enjoy the bush at its best. 7 nights between Kapani Lodge and Kakuli Camp where you can enjoy some peace and quiet, walks and drives with Norman Carr’s expert guides and the unique clarity and colours that this season brings. $3010 per person including meals, activities, local drinks, park fees and return flights to/from Lusaka. Subject to availability until 1st April 2010.

5 Rivers Safari, Botswana: A choice of ten different camps in the Kalahari, Okavango Delta, Chobe and Victoria Falls in a variety of combinations with light aircraft transfers in between. Activities range from day and night drives, dugout mokoro trips, walks with San trackers and the odd spot of fishing. An example of an 8 night trip from Maun to the Kalahari through the Delta, finishing at Victoria Falls (including a flight over the Falls) would cost in the region of $3700 per person including all meals, activities, local drinks, park fees and internal air and road transfers. Subject to availability until 30th April 2010.

Kalahari, Okavango, Caprivi, Vic Falls: 8 nights, flying between 4 different Wilderness camps. The camps are all simple but comfortable with a focus on drives, boat trips and walks in a variety of different eco-systems. The safari starts in Maun and ends in Livingstone (or vice versa). $4000 per person including all meals, activities, park fees and internal air and road transfers. Subject to availability until 30th June 2010. Bookings made before 28 Feb 2010.

For more information on the above or to find out what else might be available, please give us a call on 01747 898104 or e-mail us.