Best Time to Go on an African Safari

Africa is a continent of immense scale and its seasons are not one-size-fits-all. The safari calendar is best understood by splitting it into two major regions: East and Southern Africa. Each has its own distinct high, shoulder, and low seasons dictated by rainfall and temperature.

East Africa

The safari experience in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda is defined by two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The long, dry period from June to October is the peak season for classic game viewing, as animals congregate around water sources. The green seasons, spurred by the "short" and "long" rains, bring lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer crowds. They offer a different but equally magical perspective on a region you can find out more about with our East Africa Travel Guide

• High season from June to October provides dry, cooler weather and phenomenal, concentrated wildlife viewing.
• Shoulder season between November and February sees the landscape turn green and marks the annual calving season.
• Low season during the long rains of March, April, and May offers great value and wonderfully lush, quiet parks.
• Wildebeest return to Tanzania from Kenya in late September and October, a key part of the migration cycle.
• Birding peaks during the shoulder season, as migratory birds arrive to take advantage of the summer conditions.

Southern Africa

The safari pace in Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia is set by a distinct dry winter and a wet summer. The winter months are peak season, as the lack of rain and low vegetation make spotting wildlife exceptionally easy. In contrast, the summer green season brings dramatic thunderstorms, vibrant scenery, and an explosion of life, particularly for birders and those who appreciate lush, photogenic landscapes. For further information on the region, see our Southern Africa Travel Guide.

• High season from June to October delivers superb, easy game viewing in comfortable, mild daytime temperatures.
• Shoulder season in April, May, and November offers a sweet spot of good viewing, pleasant weather, and better value.
• Low season from January to March is the height of the summer rains, creating a green paradise for birdwatching.
• Winter evenings are crisp and clear, perfect for sitting around a campfire and listening to the sounds of the bush.
• Christmas safaris in the early summer shoulder season offer a uniquely festive way to experience the wild.

While Africa’s wildlife can be seen year-round, there is no question that the dry season provides the most exceptional opportunities for game viewing. As seasonal waterholes evaporate and vegetation thins out, animals are forced to congregate along permanent rivers and water sources, creating a magnificent stage for observing their behaviour. This concentration of wildlife, combined with greater visibility through the sparse bush, makes for consistently thrilling and productive game drives.

East Africa

The best months for spectacular game viewing in East Africa’s famous reserves are during the long dry season. From June through October, the weather is sunny and largely rain-free, making it the ideal time to witness incredible wildlife action in iconic destinations like Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Samburu National Reserve, where animals gather in huge numbers.

• Optimal months for seeing wildlife are June, July, August, September, and October.
• Waterhole action is at its peak, drawing in diverse species and creating fantastic predator-prey dynamics that you can witness on East Africa Safaris and Tours.
• Sunny weather and clear skies provide comfortable conditions and beautiful light for photography.
• Famous reserves like the Serengeti are at their absolute best, offering classic, wide-open plains viewing.
• Walking safaris are perfect during these months, with cooler temperatures and better visibility on foot.

Southern Africa

The winter dry season, running from May all the way through September, is the undisputed best time to see wildlife in Southern Africa. The climate is dry and the vegetation is low and sparse, making it far easier to spot animals that might otherwise be hidden. This is the time to venture out on Southern Africa Safari Tours to uncover the bush’s secrets, as wildlife is abundant and sightings are excellent near waterholes and on open plains.

• Prime time for game viewing runs from the end of May through to the end of September.
• Low vegetation across the landscape makes spotting elusive animals like leopards much easier.
• Abundant wildlife is forced to gather at the few remaining permanent water sources.
• Mild days are comfortable and pleasant for long hours spent out in the safari vehicle.
• Crisp evenings under big, starry skies complete the classic safari atmosphere.

Witnessing the Great Migration is one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on Earth, but its magic is entirely dependent on timing. While the wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle herds are technically migrating year-round in a continuous cycle, the most dramatic moments, particularly the famed river crossings, occur at specific times. Being in the right place at the right time is crucial to experiencing the thunderous sound and organized chaos of this incredible event.

• River crossings in the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara are best witnessed between July and October.
• Calving season in the southern Serengeti offers a different spectacle as thousands of newborns appear from January to February.
• Herds gather in the western Serengeti around May and June, preparing for their northward trek.
• Tanzania's return sees the herds moving south through the eastern Serengeti around November, following the rains.
• Book early as lodges in key migration corridors are often reserved more than a year in advance.

While less famous than its East African counterpart, Botswana is home to one of Africa's largest and longest land migrations, as massive herds of zebra embark on a round-trip journey of over 360 miles. Following the promise of rain and fresh grazing, they travel between the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi grasslands, their thundering hooves creating dramatic dust clouds that add to the spectacle of this magical journey. For more on what you will experience, take a look at our Botswana Safari Guide.

• Southern movement occurs around November as herds travel from Chobe and the Okavango towards the Makgadikgadi Pans.
• Northern return happens between April and June as the zebras make their way back north for the dry season.
• Huge herds create a breathtaking visual as they stretch for miles across the vast salt pans.
• Follow water is the simple, driving principle behind this incredible journey dictated by the seasonal rains.
• Dramatic skies filled with dust from thousands of hooves make for incredible

A face-to-face encounter with a mountain gorilla is a profound, once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can have on Zicasso’s Uganda Safaris and Gorilla Trekking tours. However, it requires a challenging trek through dense, high-altitude rainforests. Choosing the best time to go is essential for making the hike as manageable and pleasant as possible. The dry months are universally recommended, as trails are less muddy and slippery, and the chances of rain during your precious hour with the gorillas are significantly lower.

• Dry months from June to August, and again in December and January, offer the best trekking conditions.
• Easier hiking with less mud and firmer footing makes the steep trails more accessible.
• Secure permits well in advance, as they are strictly limited and sell out months ahead for peak dates.
• Consider shoulders just before or after the absolute peak season for slightly better availability.
• Second trek opportunities, for those who want to repeat the experience, are easier to secure outside the busiest months.

If you are a birdwatcher on one of our Wildlife and Nature Tours, Vacations, and Safaris, you will find that the African bush truly comes alive during the summer green season, from November to March. The arrival of the rains transforms the dry landscape into a lush, vibrant paradise, triggering a flurry of activity. Resident birds are in their most stunning breeding plumage and are joined by a host of colourful migratory species from Europe and northern Africa, filling the air with sound and movement.

• Peak season for birding runs from the start of summer in November through to early March.
• Migratory arrivals from the northern hemisphere dramatically swell the number and variety of species.
• Lush conditions provide beautiful backdrops for photography and a feast for insect-eating birds.
• Breeding plumage means resident birds are on full display in their most colourful and impressive feathers.

While traveling to Africa with family is often dictated by school vacation schedules, the best times to visit thankfully align well with optimal safari conditions in May, June, September, and October. The dry season is ideal for taking Family African Safaris and Tour Packages, as the cooler climate makes for comfortable days and spotting animals is easier for younger, less patient eyes. Choosing shoulder months just outside the peak season can offer a great balance of fantastic viewing and better value.

• Ideal months just outside of the main school holidays are May, June, September, and October.
• Cooler climate during the dry season ensures days in the safari vehicle are more comfortable for children.
• Easier spotting of animals against the sparse vegetation keeps younger travelers captivated and engaged.
• Lodge activities like short guided walks or a "safari bumble" around the camp are perfect for kids.
• Combine trips easily during these months, adding a city or beach escape to your safari adventure.

The dry season, from June to September, offers the perfect backdrop for Romantic South Africa Tours for Couples that include secluded and romantic safari escapes. During this time, the drama of the African bush is on full display as wildlife congregates around waterholes against stunning landscapes. The atmosphere is one of classic romance, with crisp, fresh mornings for game drives and cozy evenings spent under the stars by a crackling fire.

• Peak romance can be found in the classic dry season months from June through September.
• Wildlife sightings are spectacular and easily found, creating incredible shared moments and memories.
• Crisp mornings provide beautiful, clear light and a fresh start to days filled with adventure.
• Crackling fires at night are a quintessential safari experience, creating a wonderfully cozy and intimate atmosphere.
• Exotic islands like Zanzibar are easily combined with a safari during the dry season for a perfect bush-and-beach honeymoon.

On our Best African Safaris and Vacations for Seniors, you will enjoy comfortable and rewarding African safaris that are best during the pleasant shoulder months bordering the main peak season. Travelling in May, June, or September allows you to take advantage of prime game viewing and beautiful weather while avoiding the biggest crowds and the most intense heat. This timing is perfect for enjoying smaller camps and a more relaxed pace.

• Ideal times are at the edges of the high season, such as May, June, and September.
• Avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience by sidestepping the busiest month of August.
• Smaller camps can offer a more personalized and attentive service during these less frantic months.
• Prime viewing is still excellent, as these months capture the beginning or end of the fantastic dry season.
• Easy combinations with city stays or beach escapes are perfect during these mild and pleasant periods.

As spring unfolds in September and summer takes hold through February, the African bush transforms into a spectacular green landscape bursting with new life. This is a quieter time to explore, perfect for activities that take advantage of the lush scenery and replenished waterways. It's the season of birth and birdsong, offering a completely different but equally enchanting safari experience.

• Bird watching is simply world-class as migratory species arrive and residents show off their breeding plumage.
• Witness birthing season from January to February as thousands of young animals are born onto the plains.
• Boat safaris become a primary activity in places like the Okavango Delta as water levels rise.
• Bush dinners on warm, balmy summer evenings are a truly magical and immersive experience.
• City breaks in places like Cape Town are ideal, as this is the city's prime summer season. Take a look at our 7 Things to Do in Africa Beyond Safari for more inspiration.

As the rains cease around March and the dry winter takes hold through August, the classic safari season begins. The cooler, drier air and thinning vegetation make this the perfect time for activities that maximize wildlife sightings. With clear skies and a high concentration of animals, this is the time for thrilling game drives, adventurous walks, and gaining a new perspective from the air. For further information, see our Africa in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

• Game drives in the crisp air deliver consistently phenomenal sightings as animals congregate near water.
• Walking safaris are ideal in the cool, dry conditions with lower grass for better visibility and safety.
• Hot-air balloons offer breathtaking aerial views over the plains, especially with the clear skies of winter.
• Bush dinners under a vast, starry sky are unforgettable, with no chance of rain to interrupt the evening.
• Boat safaris on permanent rivers like the Chobe offer incredible, close-up encounters with thirsty elephants and buffalo.

Throughout the year, an African safari offers countless natural wonders and your choice of season will ultimately shape the wildlife experiences you will have. Whether you are a passionate birder, eager to witness the raw drama of the Great Migration, or simply wish to see lions and elephants in a classic setting, knowing when and where to visit will make all the difference.

For more information on visiting Africa for a safari, see our African safari travel guide. Further inspiration can be found in our African safari tours and vacation packages.