Green Season in Madikwe Game Reserve
The Green Season in Madikwe Game Reserve is a magical time of year that many safari-goers overlook, yet it offers some of the most rewarding experiences the African bush has to offer. While traditionally considered the rainy season, the months between October and April reveal a side of Madikwe that is brimming with life, colour, and activity.
As the rain transforms the landscape, the once arid savanna comes alive with lush greenery. Animals thrive during this period, and it’s the perfect time to witness the wonder of newborn wildlife. Birds, too, return in full force, creating a birder’s paradise with the arrival of migratory species donning their beautiful breeding plumage.
If you’re seeking a safari experience that feels more personal, intimate, and brimming with life, the Green Season at Tuningi Safari Lodge offers exactly that. We invite you to discover its hidden wonders for yourself.
When is the rainy season?
The rainy season in South Africa’s North West Province (which includes Madikwe Game Reserve) typically falls between October and April. During these months, the once-dry bushland transforms into a lush, vibrant landscape, earning it the name “Green Season” or “Emerald Season.” While it may not be considered the traditional peak time for a safari, this season offers its own unique magic. Not only does the bush come alive with fresh greenery and wildflowers, but the rains also mark the start of a new life cycle in the wild. This is the time when many animals give birth, so you’ll have the incredible opportunity to witness playful young antelope, wobbly zebra foals, and other newborn wildlife taking their first steps.
For bird enthusiasts, the Green Season is especially rewarding. Migratory birds arrive in large numbers, adding to the already impressive list of species that call Madikwe home. The landscape is filled with the sounds of vibrant bird calls, and the sightings of colourful bee-eaters, rollers, and various raptors become more frequent.
With fewer visitors during this time, you’ll also enjoy a more intimate, quieter safari experience. The Green Season in Madikwe is a time of renewal and abundance, offering fantastic wildlife sightings and the unmatched beauty of nature’s awakening.
5 Reasons to visit Madikwe during Green Season
1. Baby Animals
One of the most magical aspects of the Green Season is the abundance of newborn animals. This is the time when many species give birth to their young. Witnessing playful calves, foals, and cubs as they experience their first moments in the world is truly heartwarming. It’s nature at its most tender and awe-inspiring, and a safari during this season offers a rare chance to see baby animals in all their glory.
2. Fewer Crowds, More Space
If you crave a more tranquil, intimate safari experience, the Green Season is ideal. With fewer visitors around, you’ll often have the waterholes, viewpoints, and sightings to yourself. There’s no need to jostle for space—it’s just you, your guide, and the wildlife. This exclusivity adds a special sense of connection to nature, making your safari feel more personal and unique.
3. Amazing Birdlife
For bird enthusiasts, the Green Season is an absolute must. With the return of migratory species, bird numbers skyrocket, transforming the reserve into a birder’s paradise. Many species are adorned in their bright and beautiful breeding plumage, making for stunning sightings and photographs. From vibrant bee-eaters to majestic eagles, this is the season when Madikwe’s birdlife is at its most dazzling.
Check out the list of birds to be found at Madikwe Game Reserve.
4. Cheaper Rates, Same Amazing Experience
Another great reason to visit during the Green Season is that it’s more budget-friendly. Rates are generally lower, as this is considered off-peak season. However, this doesn’t mean you’re getting any less of an experience—on the contrary, you’re getting a front-row seat to one of nature’s most dynamic times. Savvy travellers can take advantage of the lower costs while still enjoying exceptional game viewing, incredible landscapes, and top-tier accommodations.
5. Epic Thunderstorms
Don’t let the rain deter you—if anything, it’s part of the adventure. The rains in Madikwe rarely last all day and usually come in the form of a dramatic afternoon thunderstorm. These storms are over quickly but leave the bush refreshed and glistening. There’s something exhilarating about being in the African wilderness during a powerful storm—it’s an experience that makes you feel alive and deeply connected to the untamed beauty around you.
The Best Time to visit Madikwe Game Reserve
When considering the best time to go on safari, don’t overlook the unique offerings of the Green Season. While rain in Europe may bring cold and gloom, in Africa it signals life and renewal. The parched earth is replenished, and the bush comes alive in a vibrant display of greens, with new plant growth, blossoming flowers, and wildlife thriving in the rejuvenated landscape. It’s a truly special time when the natural world is at its most vibrant.
At Tuningi Safari Lodge, you can relax knowing that despite the rains, our lodge is situated in a completely malaria-free zone. On top of that, all of our suites are equipped with mosquito nets, ensuring you won’t give mosquitoes a second thought as you drift off to sleep in your luxurious, king-sized, four-poster bed. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of fewer animal sightings during the rainy season, rest assured that our expert guides have an intimate knowledge of Madikwe’s wildlife and their movements. Although there’s more water available, which means animals may not be as concentrated around waterholes, our guides are highly skilled in tracking and finding the Big 5. Patience and persistence will pay off, and your safari will be as rewarding and memorable as ever.
At a glance
Many baby animals being born
Malaria-free even in the rainy season
Excellent birding opportunities
Green landscapes
Off-season rates
If you’re interested in enquiring about the Green Season in Madikwe, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reservations team directly at book@tuningi.co.za or use our online booking system by clicking here.
We look forward to welcoming you to Tuningi Safari Lodge.
Image Credits: Gavin Tonkinson