The Best African Safari Destinations By Month (Avoid Picking The Wrong Time!)

Wondering when’s the best time to embark on a safari? Since the timing varies depending on the region and season, I’ve compiled a guide that breaks down the best safari destinations in Africa by month, based on my opinion of best experiences.

Where to Go and When

When is the best time to go on a Safari trip? The truth is, it depends on multiple factors, like the season and location.

Time of year significantly affects wildlife migration, weather conditions, and ultimately the types of animals you’ll encounter, which is a major factor for most wildlife enthusiasts.

So, if you know you want to go on a Safari, and you know when you want to travel, here’s a monthly breakdown of the best destinations to visit.

January

South Africa

January marks the peak of the rainy season in many top safari locations—but that’s not necessarily a downside. The rain transforms the landscape into a lush, green haven.

South Africa: In Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands, January brings hot, humid, and often rainy weather. While the dense foliage can make spotting animals trickier than during the drier winter months, it’s also calving season, so you’ll have a chance to see newborn animals.
Kenya: January is dry season in Kenya, making the shorter grasslands perfect for spotting wildlife. The Maasai Mara is one of the most stunning regions of Africa, and January is ideal for exploring it.
Uganda: Uganda also enjoys its dry season in January, which means warm, sunny days, although you’ll want to pack a raincoat for visits near Volcanoes National Park. It’s also prime time for gorilla trekking, which, in my opinion, makes January one of the best times to visit Uganda.
Tanzania: In Tanzania, January is the tail-end of the rainy season, offering prime opportunities to see migrating wildebeest, zebra, and gnu on the southern Ndutu and Salei plains.

February

February, much like January, is characterised by scattered rains across much of Africa, but it’s still one of the best months for safaris.

Kenya: February is perfect for seeing newborn animals in Kenya. The hot, dry conditions draw big game, wild cats and birds to the Maasai Mara and Laikipia’s waterholes.
South Africa: The Garden Route is lush and green this time of year, offering spectacular scenic drives. Start in Cape Town and head east toward Gondwana Game Reserve.
Uganda and Rwanda: The dry, warm weather creates excellent conditions for gorilla trekking, but keep in mind that the later in February you visit, the more likely you are to encounter rain near Volcanoes National Park.
Tanzania: February in northern Tanzania is magical; The southern region gets a bit too hot and humid. The rain skips much of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, making this a top time to visit.

March

Tanzania

March is generally not the best time for a safari across most of Africa, but if it’s your only option, there are still some worthwhile spots.

South Africa: During March, the weather remains pleasant in South Africa, making it a great time to drive along the Garden Route. You can visit Cape Town and add a safari at Gondwana Game Reserve.
Tanzania: The rainy season begins, but it’s also the peak of the Great Migration. It’s a great time to experience the Serengeti.

April

While the abundance of water can make it harder to spot animals, a few key places shine in April.

Namibia: With the wet season ending, Namibia is back to its sunny glory, and it offers one of the best safari options for this time of year.
Tanzania: April is a fantastic time to visit Tanzania’s northern parks, avoiding the crowds of the peak season that runs from July to October.
South Africa: In South Africa, the cooler and drier autumn weather makes game spotting easier, especially in local reserves.
Botswana: April is the perfect time to explore the Okavango Delta. If you’re looking to save on safari costs, this is a great time to visit Botswana, as it’s outside peak season, but still full of raw natural beauty.

May

Mozambique

As the southern hemisphere moves into its cooler months, May isn’t prime safari season for most of Africa, with a few exceptions.

Mozambique: Mozambique offers warm, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures. Gorongosa and Niassa are perfect safari destinations just before peak season begins.
Zambia: May signals the beginning of Zambia’s peak travel season and offers a peaceful, serene time to explore the country, particularly the renowned Luangwa bush camps.
Botswana: Botswana remains a good option for May, with comfortable weather conditions and good wildlife spotting opportunities.

June

June marks the start of the dry season across much of Africa, making it one of the best times to go on safari.

Namibia: The dry season makes wildlife easier to spot near waterholes, especially in Etosha National Park.
South Africa: In the north, it’s prime game viewing season with sunny days and dry conditions. In the south, it’s the rainiest time of the year, and not ideal for safari.
Zimbabwe: Peak season in Zimbabwe starts in June, which means animals congregating around watering holes.

July

Kenya

This is peak season, and everything books up quickly. Of course, this means that prices are on the higher side, making budget safari options a bit scarce.

The dry season is in full force, offering an abundance of choices across Africa for a safari. This is the prime time for travel, and undoubtedly one of the best times of year for a safari in most of the top African destinations.

South Africa: The northern regions of South Africa are experiencing even drier conditions than in June, making wildlife spotting even easier. This is an excellent time to visit Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands.
Tanzania: Witnessing the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti is truly one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles. In Tarangire, the elephants are migrating, and if you’re after a more secluded experience, you can venture to spots like Katavi, Selous, or Ruaha.
Kenya: The Great Migration continues in Maasai Mara, with zebra and wildebeest in abundance. It’s an extraordinary experience, but it can get quite crowded at this time of year.
Botswana: July is undeniably one of the best times to visit Botswana. Iconic destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe, and Linyanti are at their absolute best. The Delta is flooded, offering stunning animal sightings.

August

August remains a stellar time for an African safari. The dry season continues, creating ideal conditions for wildlife spotting across the continent.

Zimbabwe: Peak safari season continues in Zimbabwe, with ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. For the thrill-seekers, I highly recommend combining your safari with a trip to Victoria Falls for some adrenaline-pumping activities. The water levels are lower at this time, making it perfect for white-water rafting.
Namibia: For something truly special, head to Etosha National Park for more exceptional wildlife sightings.
Botswana: If you love elephants, look no further than Botswana in August. The Chobe and Linyanti areas boast the largest elephant populations in Africa during this time. The Okavango Delta remains beautifully flooded and vibrant with life.
Kenya: You can still catch the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, where wildebeest and zebras navigate dangerous river crossings teeming with crocodiles. It’s one of the most dramatic wildlife events you’ll ever witness.

September

Botswana

September is a prime month for safaris across Africa. The dry season is at its peak, and you’ll have the best chances of seeing big game in many destinations.

Botswana: September is hands down the best time to visit Botswana. The Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe, and Linyanti are all teeming with wildlife. It’s best to avoid the Pans and Kalahari, which many of the animals have left behind for the season.
Mozambique: While the main tourist season is winding down in Mozambique, the weather remains beautiful. September is not a bad time to go on a safari there.
Tanzania: Tanzania remains a must-visit during the Great Migration, with river crossings and elephants dominating the landscape. The Serengeti National Park is a given.
Kenya: Kenya is still buzzing with activity during the Great Migration in Maasai Mara at this time of year, and remains a good option.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe remains in its dry season, and the animals are gathering around watering holes, offering superb game viewing. With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy a more peaceful safari experience.

October

As the dry season starts to wind down, October still offers great conditions for safaris across Africa. However, rain is just around the corner.

Tanzania: Still in peak season, the Serengeti and Tarangire are bustling with wildlife, while areas like Ruaha and Katavi are less crowded, but just as rich in big game.
Zimbabwe: The bush remains dry in Zimbabwe, and animals continue to gather around key water sources. The heat can be too intense for some.
Kenya: October offers a more budget-friendly safari option in Kenya, with fewer tourists and lower prices, but still plenty of game to see.

November

November is rainy season in southern Africa, and it can be quite humid. For traditional safaris, many spots are not at their best, but bird enthusiasts will be in for a treat.

Botswana: While the Okavango Delta may not offer the typical safari experience in November, the birdwatching is phenomenal. Migrating birds flock to the region, and dramatic thunderstorms create stunning photo opportunities.
Tanzania: Stick to northern Tanzania in November if you’re keen to see the migration continue. Despite the weather, herds still make their way across the landscape.

December

Uganda

East Africa is the place to be in December. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are all dry, with wildlife sightings galore.

Tanzania: The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater remain beautiful, although the rains make wildlife viewing a bit trickier.
Kenya: The rainy season in Kenya is winding down by mid-December. I loved visiting Maasai Mara at this time of year, when the lush, green landscape creates a striking backdrop for the wildlife.
Uganda: Dry season has started in Uganda in December, making it a good time to visit. Conditions are perfect for trekking and safaris.