Easter might feel like a long way away currently with the autumnal weather, nights drawing in and winter fast approaching. With this in mind planning a holiday to Africa or the Indian Ocean for the spring gives something to look forward to during the long UK winter. Whether you are looking for a wildlife based holiday or the chance to relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean, there is somewhere idyllic at this time of year. Here we look at the prime countries to visit at this time of year across East and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Easter usually offers a longer school holiday making it an ideal time to travel further. For a wildlife based holiday the three prime countries at this time of year are Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, whilst the countries of the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Mozambique offer an ideal destination for a beach holiday, or extension to your safari.
These countries will be at the start of their dry season, there will be plenty of young wildlife about and plenty of food for predators and prey alike. With regards to the weather you can expect warm dry days and cool evenings.
Wildlife Viewing at Easter
Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa are all at the start of their dry season and you can expect warm dry days and cooler evenings. Wildlife viewing is excellent with plenty of wildlife around with many young animals as well. The landscape is lush and green after months of rain and the birdlife is fantastic as well. In addition, none of the countries are in peak season for pricing, offering great value.
- Botswana
This country is a perennial favourite and with permanent land and permanent water, wildlife never has to move over huge distances. It is therefore a country which can be visited throughout the year. The Okavango Delta is about to flood and there is something amazing about seeing the landscape transformed. It is also key to choose the right camps at this time of year, not only to ensure there is plenty of wildlife but also for water-based activities such as boat trips and mokoro safaris.
- South Africa
This is one of the best times of year for those wishing to safari in the Kruger, or another wildlife area in the north of the country, and spend time in the Cape Region. Whilst the vegetation, after the rains, may remain thicker, it is beginning to die back and wildlife viewing becomes increasingly better as the season progresses. In the Cape the weather is becoming less predictable but should still be warm during the days. - Zimbabwe
After the long rains national parks and bush camps are beginning to re-open. Hwange National Park is sandy soiled and offers wildlife viewing throughout the year, however parks such as Mana Pools are much more seasonal. Whilst wildlife viewing in these parks may be more challenging as the wildlife will be more scattered, it is a rewarding time to visit and can easily be combined with time in the Victoria Falls – which will be reaching peak water at this time.
Indian Ocean at Easter
After the long winter months of the UK the shores of the Indian Ocean seem to become ever more attractive and the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Mozambique offer the idyllic beaches and warm seas that most people picture when thinking of these far-flung destinations.
- Seychelles
One of the warmest months of the year here you can expect warm days , excellent snorkelling and diving with good visibility. A transition month between the drier season and the wetter period, expect some tropical rain (which is possible throughout the year). - Mauritius
You can expect warm days, cooler evenings and wonderful sea temperatures. With direct flights from London and the Easter holidays this is a very popular month with families. Mauritius works very well with a safari in South Africa.
- Maldives
The end of the drier season, you can expect minimal rain – being tropical there is always a chance of some – hot temperatures and great visibility for diving and snorkelling. - Mozambique
Also the end of the dry season and you can expect warm, sunny days with light winds and lush vegetation. Sea temperatures are pleasant and the calm waters make it ideal for water sports. With direct flights from South Africa, this also makes a great combination at Easter.
Other areas
Away from wildlife viewing or the shores of the Indian Ocean, a holiday at Easter combines well with other wonderful experiences.
- The Victoria Falls will be at their most spectacular with water crashing over. At this time of year it really is an experience and we definitely recommend taking waterproofs to view it as the spray is enormous; its local name, ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, translates to the ‘smoke that thunders’ and it is immediately evident how it got this name. A few days here are an ideal start or finish to your holiday with plenty of activities to enjoy and beautiful properties which invite you to relax.
Cape Town and the Winelands are experiencing warm dry days. This cosmopolitan city has so much to offer with a great deal to enjoy indoors and outdoors. See the penguin colony at Boulders Bay, visit the Cape of Good Hope, take in the view from the top of Table Mountain, visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, visit Robben Islands, enjoy beach picnics and visits to world-class museums. You could happily spend a week just here.
The Winelands, just one hour from Cape Town, offer yet more beautiful views, opportunities to taste delicious wine, chocolate and so much more. Galleries and restaurants are some of the best and both these areas combine beautifully with an Easter safari in South Africa, Zimbabwe or Botswana, all of which offer direct flights to the city.
The months of March, April and May really are wonderful in this region, with so much to offer and with the Easter holidays it is an ideal time to explore. If you would like to chat about a holiday to any of these countries, or for any other holiday to East and Southern Africa or the Indian Ocean, please do get in touch with Lucinda who would be delighted to help.