Travel in Africa is all about knowing when the best time is to go to Africa, where to go in Africa & what you want to experience in Africa for the ultimate safari experience. A few weeks too early / late or a few kilometres off course, and you could potentially miss the greatest show on Earth – wouldn’t that be a pity?
The month-by-month analysis below is a broad description of a ‘typical safari year’ in Africa, BUT, of course, ongoing seasonal variations & natural cycles require further in-depth & current knowledge of our safari experts.
JANUARY: PREDATORS, GORILLAS & CHIMPS
January is one of the secret months for safari ecstasy – excellent action combined with low tourist volumes. This is the start of the calving season throughout Africa, and the predators are cashing in on easy meals. It’s also the best time to trek for gorillas & chimps in Rwanda & Uganda as well as search for rare, endemic birds. Along the coast, water clarity is good for snorkelling & diving.
FEBRUARY: BABIES, PRIMATES & BEACHES
February sees fantastic wildlife action and low tourist volumes if you know where to go. The calving season throughout Africa is in full swing, and the predators are easily picking off young animals. It’s also an excellent time for gorilla and chimp trekking and searching for rare and endemic birds. Along the coast, the skies are clear and the days hot – perfect for snorkelling, diving and lazing on white-sand beaches. Expect lower lodge prices and no crowds during this safari month.
MARCH: NO CROWDS & LOWER PRICES
March enjoys favourable weather in southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe & Zambia), where the summer heat has dissipated. Wedged between the Christmas festive season & Easter, this is a period when fewer people travel – resulting in lower lodge prices & no crowds. There are many antelope calves in March – and the predators are cashing in. Coastal beaches & offshore islands still offer good beach weather during March, but for late March travel, your safest bet is Southern Africa, due to the imminent arrival of the East African (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) ‘long rains’ season.
APRIL: COOLER WEATHER & LOWER PRICES
April heralds cooler weather in Southern Africa as it transitions into the dry winter, while the ‘long rains’ season has commenced in East Africa. Expect lower lodge prices & no crowds, although watch out for Easter & other public holidays in South Africa, which can attract more local visitors.
MAY: START OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICA DRY SEASON
May announces the start of the dry season in Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe & Zambia), while the ‘long rains’ season has settled into East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Rwanda). Seasonal camps & walking safaris open for business in Southern Africa as the dry weather settles in. Expect lower lodge prices & no crowds in both regions.
JUNE: START OF THE PRIME WILDLIFE SEASON
June is the start of the best wildlife-viewing season in Africa. It’s early winter in Southern Africa – heralding pleasant dry weather with limited to no rainfall. Thirsty animals congregate at any remaining waterholes, trees are often bare & vegetation is sparse. These conditions make it much easier to spot wildlife – making for truly thrilling game viewing. East Africa has emerged from the long rains, meaning drier weather & ongoing moderate temperatures. Tourist numbers & lodge prices have not yet increased to peak season amounts – this is a good time to travel!
JULY: EXCELLENT WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
The prime safari season has arrived & you can expect SPECTACULAR wildlife encounters throughout Africa! There is very little rain expected (the dry season prevails) & temperatures are moderate – perfect safari weather. Tourist numbers & lodge prices are higher between July & September than at other times of the year. Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe & Zambia) is in the early stages of its dry season – enjoying lower temperatures & a low chance of rain. Wildlife is easier to find because the bushveld has thinned out, and temporary water pans have dried up, forcing wildlife to frequent known water sources. In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the annual floodwaters are at their peak – making for spectacular boating and mokoro outings in between your game drives and walking safaris.
AUGUST: AFRICA’S MOST POPULAR MONTH
The prime safari season is in full swing – ensuring spectacular wildlife encounters throughout Africa. There is very little rain expected (the dry season prevails) and temperatures are moderate – perfect safari weather. Tourist numbers & lodge prices are higher from July to September than other months – early booking is essential!
SEPTEMBER: DRY SEASON ACTION
September provides ongoing prime safari-season action throughout Africa. Very little rain is expected (this is the late dry season) & temperatures are increasing in Southern Africa. Tourist numbers & lodge prices are higher from July to September than other months – early booking is essential!
OCTOBER: BEST AFRICAN SAFARI MONTH?
Several of our safari experts view October as the best month for a safari in Africa. In Southern Africa, it’s the height of the dry season (wildlife is easier to find), in East Africa the Great Wildebeest Migration is ongoing, trekking for the great apes is at its best & you can expect great weather on the coast & islands.
NOVEMBER: FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
November is the month of variety & for seeking out localised migrations & other unique safari experiences. From the world’s largest mammal migration to the second-largest wildebeest migration & exotic destinations such as Ethiopia & Madagascar, this is the month for something different.
DECEMBER: BEACHES & LUSH BUSHVELD
Our safari experts view December as the month to seek out lush green landscapes, festive-season Cape Town & the white sand beaches of Indian Ocean islands. The festive season is in full swing, so why not double down on delicious cuisine, award-winning wines & laid-back beach time before or after heading out for your wildlife fix in the bushveld?
