By The UNCHARTED® editors · 5 min readNow is the perfect time for savvy travelers to start planning March-to-May adventures.
As spring approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere offers quieter, more affordable travel options. Africa, India, South America, and New Zealand are ideal for exploring during shoulder season, with fewer crowds and great deals. Book now to experience these top destinations before the rush of peak season.
February-March: Kenya or Botswana
Going on a green season safari is a must. This time of year offers lower airfares and substantial savings — plus it is an ideal period for observing nature in full bloom and witness the arrival of all the newborns, since mating season happens when wet season has arrived and resources are abundant. Large numbers of wildebeest calves are particularly notable in Kenya, seen taking their first steps alongside their mothers. But with these calves and zebra foals also come lion cubs, as the cooler weather and abundant prey support the pride’s growing family. Discounts are available in Kenya during this time of year because even though the wildlife is abundant, the great migration won’t have reached the Mara yet — and neither will the high season crowds.
In Botswana, the Okavango Delta starts to fill up, and the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers begin to overflow. It is perfect for bird watchers as there is a massive influx of migratory species gracing the skies, adding a splash of color to the scenery — especially when it comes to the Carmine Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Purple Herons. Plus, impressive elephant herds stroll straight through your camp as they enter the floodplains in search of the growing watering holes, and 6,000 pound hippos fill the channels while you cruise by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, offering close-up views of wildlife in shallow waters.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you’re seeking an active adventure closer to home, Peru stands out. Embark on thrilling hikes along ancient Incan trails in Machu Picchu before heading to the Sacred Valley, a once crucial agricultural and cultural hub for the former Empire that continues to be a vibrant center of indigenous traditions and history. Trek or ATV up into its surrounding hills. Cooling temperatures and low humidity make exploring this area comfortable and enjoyable.
Horseback riding is another fantastic way to get immersed in the villages that dot the country’s expansive highlands and plains, while for those seeking an adrenaline rush, rafting on Peru’s wild rivers, such as the Urubamba or Apurímac, is the way to go.
Less trodden southern routes that include Arequipa and the Colca Canyon can also be tied in with the traditional Peruvian journey. Arequipa, known as the White City for its distinctive sillar volcanic stone colonial architecture, has a relatively mild climate year-round. Nearby Colca — known for its magnificent Andean Condors and for being one of the deepest canyons in the world at almost 11,000 feet below sea level — begins to see the rainy season wind down in March and April, and the temperatures are perfect for spotting the avians at far less crowded, unobstructed vistas before high season picks up in May.
In Chile, since our spring is the southern hemisphere’s fall, travelers can go to both the salt flats and the glacial plains without having to worry too much about extreme weather differences.
In the Atacama Desert, you will definitely not be roasting at this time of year. Explore otherworldly landscapes like the Valle de la Luna and the geysers of El Tatio, and horseback to Moon Valley while taking in the red plains and Mars-like atmosphere. Sand dunes lie in the distance, crystallized salt creeks snake alongside you, and the stone walls are full of petroglyphs — and you may even spot a Chilean flamingo. This area is also known for its solar eclipses and exceptional stargazing, so in the evenings kick back in the camp’s on-site observatory and take in the endless night sky with a pisco sour in hand.
As for Patagonia, changing foliage creates a breathtaking backdrop for trekking in Torres del Paine National Park, where crisp air and clear skies offer spectacular views of granite spires and turquoise lakes. Coastal cities like Valparaíso come alive with cultural events and art galleries, providing a lively and artistic atmosphere as well.
April in India brings rising temperatures, but you can stay comfortable in luxurious, air-conditioned tents and palaces. This month is perfect for exploring early and late in the day, with midday reserved for relaxation. Think tiger safaris at dawn and dusk — at this time of year the dense jungle foliage thins out, improving visibility — with pampered treatments in between. The heat drives the majestic cats to frequent watering holes as well.
The northern cultural hubs of Jaipur, or the Pink City, known for its majestic forts, and New Delhi, known for its Lotus Temple and the Chandni Chowk market, both offer slightly cooler exploring experiences thanks to their geographic locations. New Delhi isn’t too far from Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located. Darjeeling, even more northerly, is the charming town known for its tea in the Himalayan foothills, whereas Udaipur, known for its lakes and romantic ambiance, invites you to take serene boat rides to cool off.
That’s all to say that if you are looking for an amazing safari trip that also blends rich heritage, consider visiting India in April.
April-May: New Zealand
Lastly, New Zealand’s spectacular fall colors start to show off right around now, and there will likely be a first frost at the top of the Southern Alps. Visiting Flock Hill Station, one of our favorite Outposts in the country, is highly recommended. This working sheep station transforms into a patchwork of rich, golden hues, and you can hike or horseback across the grasslands.
From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua’s Māori culture to the picturesque fjords of Milford Sound, you really can’t go wrong. Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is known for its adventure sports, and it isn’t too cold yet to play in the secret coves on a day aboard the Pacific Jemm before wine tastings and gallery visits. Christchurch also has an innovative art scene and vibrant café culture. The best way to put it: The blockbuster period has passed, but there is still every opportunity to have incredible outdoor adventures before ski season starts.
