When is the best time to go on an African safari
So you’ve decided that you want to go on an African safari but you’re not sure when to visit. You may have heard that June through to October is generally considered the best time to go on safari in East Africa, with sunny days and less vegetation making the animals easier to spot. But what about southern Africa and the mountainous slopes of Africa’s central-east? Temperatures and rainfall patterns vary across the continent, making the best time to visit different from country to country.
In this guide, we’ll explain the best time to go on safari in some of Africa’s most popular wildlife-viewing destinations. Aside from sharing with you the experience of visiting during the peak season, we’ll also let you know what you can expect in the “off-season”.
Tanzania’s peak safari season extends from June through to October when the lack of rainfall see wildlife congregating around permanent watering holes, lakes and rivers. The limited rainfall means that mosquitoes are less likely to be biting in the evenings and the chances of being “rained out” are next to none. However, the parks of the Northern Circuit can get quite crowded during this period and you’ll pay a premium on accommodation prices.
If you want to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration, then June and July are great times to visit to see the herds in action as they make their journey north. August to September is when they’re making the precarious river crossings in the northern Serengeti, with these wildlife spectacles a highlight of any safari.
But a wet season safari should not be overlooked, with the wildebeest and zebras rearing their young on the plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in February/March. Not only does this mean big cat encounters but the birdlife is exceptional as species flock from near and far. Accommodation prices tend to drop and there are some great off-season deals to be had.
Similarly, the best time to visit Kenya’s parks and reserves is between June and October when the dry conditions are ideal for being out wildlife spotting. The wildebeest migration usually arrives in the Maasai Mara around August and the herds will remain until October when they make their return journey south into Tanzania’s Serengeti. A shorter dry season is experienced around January/February, making this another good time to visit if you’re willing to pay peak-season rates.
Kenya’s rainy season transforms the landscapes a lush green, attracting migratory birdlife and offering endearing sightings of newborns taking their first steps. For much of the season (November to May) the downpours are short afternoon showers that you can plan your game driving around. However, from late-March to May, the rainfall is at its heaviest and some lodges/camps will close down altogether.
May to September is generally the best time to visit South Africa’s wildlife parks, with animals congregating around watering holes and rivers as the landscape dries out. As this coincides with the winter months, you won’t experience the crowds that descend during the summer, except if you’re in Kruger National Park during South Africa’s school holiday periods. Keep in mind that the mornings and evenings can get very cold, so plan for May or September if you prefer milder temperatures.
The arrival of the rains around October turns the scenery a photogenic green and attracts plenty of birdlife, with mostly short, afternoon showers that won’t interfere with your travel plans. But South Africa swells with tourists over the long summer break in December/January, so avoid these months if you don’t like crowds. The temperatures can also soar during this period, so plan your game drives for the early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the heat of midday.
While Namibia is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is generally between June and October when the temperatures are mild and there’s little-to-no rainfall. Wildlife viewing is at its best in Etosha National Park and despite this being peak season, it still doesn’t feel crowded (compared to other African safari destinations).
If you’re a bird enthusiast, plan your trip during the wet, summer months that extend from October through to April when migratory species arrive. The showers are generally short, afternoon downpours, so you can easily plan your day around them. This is also the best time to see newborns taking their first steps, although most species will move away from permanent water sources and scatter throughout the parks. You may also be able to take advantage of low-season rates but be aware that the days can be humid and sticky!
If you’re heading to Botswana, plan to visit between May and September during the country’s dry, winter season. Not only is there far less chance of rainfall but the temperatures are much milder, particularly in the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango Delta floods from June to October, making this the best time to visit if you want to experience this watery wonderland at its most photogenic. Except for the Chobe riverfront (which can get busy), most of the parks don’t feel crowded, although you will be paying a high price for the experience.
If you want to take advantage of Botswana’s off-season deals, you might want to consider the shoulder months of April and October or opt for a wet season safari. You’ll still see an abundance of wildlife amidst the lush, green scenery and (provided you don’t visit in January and February), it’s highly unlikely that your safari will get washed out.
Zambia’s dry season extends from May to October, with the best wildlife encounters generally towards the end of the season (around September to mid-November). During this time, large numbers of big-game species can be seen congregating in the Lower Zambezi Valley and around the Luangwa River. Victoria Falls tends to be at its best from June to September, making it easy to combine this natural wonder with one of the country’s wildlife parks.
In the wet season (November to April), many of Zambia’s wildlife lodges and camps close down altogether, with heavy rain making the roads impassable. One exception is the Mfuwe section of South Luangwa National Park, which offers year-round access. You’ll benefit from heavily reduced accommodation rates and exceptional birdwatching if you decide to travel during this period, all backed by a lush landscape for photographers to enjoy.
May through to October is also considered the best time to go on safari in Zimbabwe, with the wildlife viewing excellent as animals congregate around the permanent waterholes and rivers. The thin vegetation makes animals easier to spot and you’ll be treated to clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. Despite this being high season, Zimbabwe’s national parks don’t get too crowded, with the exception being Victoria Falls. If you want to raft the Zambezi River, visit later in the season (from August onwards) when the lower water levels result in faster rapids.
Victoria Falls gets an influx of water with the arrival of the rains in November, which transforms the country’s landscapes and attracts plenty of birdlife. The rains are predominantly short, afternoon showers that won’t put too much of a dampener on your activities, however, the heat of the low-lying areas can be intense.
Uganda is best visited between December and March or June through to September during the country’s dry seasons. Although rain can be expected year-round in the mountains, the trails of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are at their driest during these periods (although you will need to secure your trekking permit well in advance). The reduced vegetation in the country’s savannah reserves makes wildlife easier to spot and the parks never feel crowded, unlike some of Africa’s more popular safari destinations.
While the wet seasons bring reduced accommodation rates and still offer good wildlife sightings, some of Uganda’s roads can become impassable. Gorilla trekking trails are at their slipperiest, so come prepared with well-gripped boots and trekking poles if you decide to visit at this time!
Due to their proximity, Rwanda experiences a similar climate to neighbouring Uganda, with two distinct dry seasons interspersed with wetter months. Gorilla trekking is at its best between June to September and December through to February when the trails are easiest to negotiate.
But if you want to take a big chunk out of your gorilla trekking permit (which is quite hefty in Rwanda), you should plan your trip in May or November when they slash the cost. The only catch is that you also need to visit one of the country’s other national parks - Nyungwe Forest or Akagera - during your visit.
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