We think it’s a great time for a safari. Winter at Kavinga brings crisp mornings, clear skies, and game viewing that gets better by the day as the dry season takes hold.
There’s a particular kind of magic to the Zambezi Valley in winter that’s easy to overlook when you’re planning a safari. Most people picture Africa at its most dramatic — blazing heat and dry landscapes, thunderstorms rolling across the plains, or the lush green of the wet season. And that’s beautiful, don’t get us wrong. But right now, in the cool heart of our dry season, Kavinga is quietly spectacular.
Here’s why we think a winter safari deserves far more credit than it gets.
Cool, calm and collected
Temperatures in June, July and August are about as close to perfect as the African bush gets. Days sit in the low-to-mid twenties (°C) — crisp, clear, and very comfortable for safari. And the nights can cool right down to the low teens or even lower, giving the air a clean, sharp quality that makes everything feel more alive.
There’s something deeply satisfying about setting out into the bush with cold cheeks and a hot coffee, watching the world warm up around you as the sun climbs over the escarpment. On a practical note: early morning game drives can be chilly in June, July, and August so pack a fleece or light jacket. It’s a small trade-off for some of the best game viewing!
Good sightings close to camp
As we move further into the dry season, the vegetation strips right back and the game viewing improves dramatically — there’s less tall grass and thick bush for the animals to hide in.
What’s more, as many of the water sources dry up, the wildlife has to travel greater distances to find water. Our waterhole in front of camp becomes the only reliable source for miles around, and the animals know it. Large numbers of elephant, buffalo, and antelope start to use the pan every day. And the predators, especially lions and leopard, are never far away.
With lots of wildlife coming right to our doorstep, it’s the perfect time for that armchair safari or some stunning moments in one of our two special eye-level hides.
Night skies you thought only existed in your dreams
Without the cloud cover and humidity of the wet season, and with no light pollution at all, the Milky Way stretches overhead with a clarity that makes you feel very small and very lucky at the same time. Sit around the campfire after dinner, listen to lions calling in the dark, and look up.
There are few better antidotes to the noise of ordinary life than this.
Picture perfect sunsets
Our sundowners out in the bush pair perfectly with winter sunsets that tend to rise the occassion. Dissolving into shades of amber, burnt orange and deep rose – these susnets are sure to have you reaching for your camera to capture the moment.
Speaking of photography — winter light is a gift throughout the entire day. Paired with crisp, clear air and a stunning setting – what more could a photographer need?
Home comforts away from home
A warm fire? Perfectly cooked delicious freshly home-cooked food, and the hot showers you don’t want to leave? Kavinga promises all of these and more.
But our food deserves a special mention – there’s something about a cool morning or a chilly evening that we think makes our team’s cooking taste even better than usual. Think hearty breakfasts after a fresh morning drive, warming soups and stews after a day in the bush… Our team specialises in the kind of food that settles you into a camp chair and makes you feel genuinely at home.
From warm duvets and blankets to snuggle under during the cool nights, to candlelit and unhurried dinners under the stars, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a few nights in June, July or August.
And, rest assured, our team will always have the campfire ready!
Plan your winter escape now
We still have a small number of spaces available in July, and given the way the season is heating up in terms of sightings, we expect it to be a memorable one.
If you’ve been thinking about it, now is a good time to stop thinking and get in touch.
Reach out to Kimi on bookings@kavingasafaricamp.com or +263 78 836 9199 — we’d love to have you visit us.
