When to go
There is always a good time to go on Safari. But what are the best months and times to see what?
January
The hot summer of South Africa’s Eastern Cape means high temperatures and zero rainfall, which provides good opportunities to spot the Big Five in the region’s malaria-free private game reserves. We also recommend Kenya in January, if you want to see newborn animals. The fresh rains create a carpet of green on the savannah that supports the annual baby boom of plains game.
February
Green season in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve is the best time to track huge packs of wild dog hunting impala, a rare experience in most other months. Migratory northern carmine bee-eaters also make Selous their home in February. This is the time to witness them dive bombing as your safari vehicle flushes out small insects and other prey.
March
In Botswana, the longest migration among African mammals sees a few thousand Burchell’s zebra walk for nearly 480 km (300 miles) back and forth from Botswana to Namibia. They’re best seen in the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana’s south. The rains across the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa make many of the roads impassable, leading to a tricky month for safari.
April
Temperatures are cooling down in South Africa’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park as the wet season ends, turning this usually arid region into an attractive and adventurous safari destination. Black-maned Kalahari lions enjoy a glut of newborn prey, and a termite population explosion draws raptors and other migratory birds to feast on this seasonal banquet.
May
Kruger National Park is in its dry season. As the vegetation thins out, the bush starts to reveal the wildlife previously hidden by dense foliage. As the season changes, the chilly mornings are ideal for a walking safari in one of the private game reserves that encircle the Kruger. East Africa experiences heavy rains and many camps close. We do, though, love Botswana in May, when the bush is still thick with vegetation but the animals are healthy and prices are lower.
June
Experiencing Victoria Falls at any time of year is impressive, but in June the water levels are slightly lower so the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray. You can add three days at the falls onto most safaris, but Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe particularly stands out at this time, when its dry season begins and it’s rich with wildlife.
July
July is a special time for safari, as the dry season is in full swing across East and Southern Africa. In Botswana, a great phenomenon occurs as the rains in faraway Angola move downstream and flood the Okavango Delta. Scenic flights offer you views over this huge wetland, though lodge prices are also at a premium.
August
The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra are creating quintessential safari images as vast hordes cross the Mara River between Tanzania and Kenya on their perennial search for fresh forage. Most safari-goers want to see a crossing, so you’ll often share this special experience with many other visitors, which can be off-putting for some.
September
As the dry season really sets in across East and Southern Africa, September is a popular choice for wildlife viewing. South Luangwa in Zambia is known for its walking safaris and prolific sightings of leopard, which are even easier to spot in the parched land at this time. Mornings are chilly, so we recommend getting out in the bush early before the temperatures rise and wildlife seeks out shade.
October
In northern Namibia, October is an overlap month as the onset of the rains creates some greenery to the desert. As the weather changes, the lodge prices do, too, and you can find some good-value options across southern Africa in the late part of October. Visitor numbers also drop, creating some truly remote wilderness experiences.
November
After months of the dry season, temperatures start to soar and the rains hit most of Southern Africa and parts of East Africa. Mahale Mountains National Park in western Tanzania experiences peak birdwatching season, as the forest comes alive with migratory birds and butterflies, and the park’s many waterfalls are in full flow. The clear air and lushness of the forest create a photographer’s dream.
December
If you’re looking for a luxury safari at a fraction of the cost, December is a great time to plan for. The short rainy season and high temperatures will put off some people, but there’s good wildlife spotting in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, and the Masai Mara is green and full of elephant but laden down by very few vehicles. Some flexibility with dates is required due to the Christmas travel season.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Contact us if you’re ready to book your safari or to get additional information.