The awaking of an Emerald Kingdom
Okavango Delta, green Season.
In the collective imagination, the Okavango Delta is best seen in winter, when floodwaters from Angola transform the Kalahari sands into a silver labyrinth. Yet, for the photographer in search of a vibrant and cinematic Africa, there is a well-kept secret: The Green Season.
From November to April, Botswana does not just change color, it changes its soul. It is a period of metamorphosis where the dust disappears before an explosion of life of absolute purity.
The Theater Light and Storm.
For eyes accustomed to the sepia tones of the dry season, the Green season is a visual shock. The Okavango sky transforms into a captivating character in its own right. Crystal-clear mornings give away to imposing cumulonimbus cloud formations in the afternoon. For the image expert, these contrast are a blessing. Picture a dark-maned lion, its silhouette illuminated by the last golden rays of the setting sun, standing proudly against the backdrop of anthracite-blue rain. This dramatic light, saturated with humidity, offers a depth and texture that no digital retouching could match. The air, freshly cleansed by downpour, offers a sharpness of image with surgical precision.
The Time of Renewal : Raw Emotion.
The Green Season is a birth period. The plains teem with hundreds of young impalas, wildebeests and zebras. It is a time of boundless tenderness, ideal for capturing unique behavioral interactions through the lens.
But this vulnerability inevitably attarcks predators. Leopards taking advantage of the thick emerald foliage, become even more elusive, while African wild dogs seize the cool air for frenzied hunts. The dense vegetation demands a new discipline; that of composition. One learns to play with the foreground, to isolate a gaze through the tall grass, transforming each shot into an intimate and mysterious portrait.
Okavango Delta December 2023 © Richard Juilliart
Africa in the most intimate setting
Choosing the green season also means prioritizing peace and exclusivity. There are fewer travelers, private concessions regain their original tranquility and prices are often more affordable. It is a total immersion, where time seems to stand still between refreshing showers.
“ The green season isn’t a rainy season, it’s a season of promise. It’s the time when Okavango breathes deeply”
Okavango Delta ©Richard Juilliart
The Photo-Safari Experience: Why join us?
Organizing a safari during this period requires an intimate knowledge of the field and an ability to anticipate the unpredictable nature of the weather.
Mastering exposure: Taming the stark contrast between dark clouds and the midday sun.
Ethics and patience: We will take the time necessary for the animals to become accustomed to our presence, prioritizing the quality of the moment over the quantity of encounters.
Exclusivity: Far from the crowds of peak season, we will often be alone, facing the magic of the Delta, guaranteeing total immersion for your photographs.
The Okavango Delta in the green season is a visual epic that appeals to those who prefer drama to monotony, and life in all its ardor to passive contemplation.