The rainy season in Madikwe is a magical time of year often overlooked by safari-goers, yet it offers some of the most rewarding game viewing and birding of any season. The months between November and April reveal a side of Madikwe that is brimming with life and colour. If you are seeking a safari experience which feels more intimate, we invite you to discover some of the highlights for yourself below!

Water for Elephants

After months of abundant rainfall, Madikwe’s water holes are brimming, creating a paradise for the reserve’s elephants. With an endless supply of fresh water, the herds can drink their fill, while playful calves take full advantage of the muddy shallows—splashing, rolling, and cooling off in the midday heat. It’s a spectacular sight that perfectly captures the joy of the green season.

Baby Impalas

One of the most magical aspects of the Green Season is the arrival of newborn animals, and few are as iconic as baby impalas. Born in synchrony, usually between November and January, impala calves take their first wobbly steps within minutes of birth and can run within a day—an essential survival tactic in the wild. During these early weeks, mothers often leave their young hidden in tall grass to keep them safe from predators.

Plentiful Grazing

After months of prolific rains, Madikwe offers abundant grazing and browsing for the reserve’s herbivores. Antelope species, from kudu to wildebeest, are thriving on the nutrient-rich grasses, while buffalo herds revel in the plentiful food and ample water sources. These animals are in peak condition, making for incredible sightings across the reserve. As the landscape flourishes, so too does the wildlife that depends on it—an awe-inspiring display of nature’s perfect balance.

Wet Cats

Big cats may be apex predators, but even they aren’t fond of soggy paws! During the rainy season, lions, leopards, and cheetahs adapt to the wet conditions by seeking higher, drier ground. Leopards, true to their tree-climbing prowess, are often spotted draped over sturdy branches, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings while avoiding the damp earth below.

Cheetahs, preferring open terrain, gravitate toward termite mounds and rocky outcrops, using the elevation not only to stay dry but also to scan for potential prey.

Meanwhile, lions—especially those with cubs—will retreat to well-drained ridges or beneath dense thickets to escape the mud and heavy downpours. Despite the challenges, the wet season also brings lush landscapes and thriving prey populations, making it a rewarding time for these big cats to hunt and thrive.

When is the Rainy Season in Madikwe?

Madikwe’s rainy season falls between October and April, transforming the dry bushveld into a lush, green paradise. Known as the Green Season, this time of year brings new life—fresh vegetation, blooming wildflowers, and an abundance of newborn animals, from playful antelope calves to wobbly zebra foals.

While not considered the peak safari season, the rainy months offer fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters. With plenty of water available, animals are more dispersed, but expert guides at Tuningi Safari Lodge use their deep knowledge of the reserve to track and find the Big 5 and more.

Why Visit During the Green Season?

• The landscape is vibrant and teeming with life.
• Fewer visitors mean a more private safari experience.
• Dramatic skies, afternoon thunderstorms, and incredible birding.
• Malaria-free—Tuningi offers complete peace of mind for your stay.

Stay With Us

At Tuningi Safari Lodge, your comfort is our priority. With luxurious suites and expert-guided safaris, the Green Season offers a truly magical, unforgettable safari experience.

Ready to experience Madikwe in all its green-season glory? Contact us to start planning your safari.

📧 Email: book@tuningi.co.za
📞 Call: +27 (0)82 613 5729

We can’t wait to welcome you to the wild beauty of Madikwe!

Image credits: Gavin Tonkinson