When is the best time visit Africa on a safari?
Depending on rainfall and wildlife, the best time to visit Africa fluctuates from south to east to north. Those looking for a beach holiday will find that Africa is a year-round destination. However, most travellers come here for exceptional wildlife experiences. The best time to visit Africa for a wildlife safari is between May and September when the vegetation thins out and wildlife gathers around surviving water sources. During this time, the big southern game reserves are at their best.
The winter dry season in Kruger National Park runs from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its peak, but you’ll need to visit between June and early September to see East Africa’s Great Migration. Gorilla trekking is possible all year in Uganda and Rwanda, however, the months of January and February, as well as June through September are considerably cooler.
From November to April, the green season offers lush foliage, excellent birdwatching, and often lower rates. While there are strong rains in some regions during these months, it’s an excellent time to see Victoria Falls, go diving in Zanzibar, or track chimps in Rwanda.
Botswana
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the best time to visit Botswana. With warm, sunny days (22°C to 35°C) and cool evenings, it is a comfortable and rewarding time of year. This is also when the Okavango Delta’s water levels are at their peak, creating Botswana’s famous rivers and channels. Although safari-goers might experience the rare bout of rain, the months of April and May are also good for a Botswana safari.
• Best time to visit: June to October
• Top destinations: Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve
• Things to note: The nights can drop below 10 degrees, so pack warm weather clothing as well.
Kenya
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The dry season in Kenya, which runs from July to September and overlaps with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, is one of the best times to visit. The rainy seasons are also ideal times to visit because there are fewer tourists, and you can appreciate the lush emerald vegetation. However, because different parts of Kenya are accessible at different times of the year, safari-goers can travel in Kenya all year.
• Best time to visit: July to October
• Top destinations: Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Amboseli National Park
• Things to note: Higher altitudes may experience chilly temperatures.
South Africa
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The best time to visit South Africa for game viewing is during the winter months between May and September. During this time, the eastern part of the country experiences a dry season, making it easier to spot wildlife because the vegetation is sparse and animals gather around waterholes.
• Best time to visit: May to October in the north and eastern parts where most of the parks and reserves are located
• Top destinations: Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, Shamwari Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park
• Things to note: During winter, expect cool and dry weather with temperatures dropping below -12°C at night. This climate usually occurs in the northern and eastern parts of South Africa.
Namibia
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The best time to visit Namibia is between July and October, when temperatures are mild with little chance of rain. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, making it peak travel season. The sun shines throughout the year, but during the dry winter months, it can get quite cold.
• Best time to visit: July to October
• Top destinations: Etohsa National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park
• Things to note: Temperatures and the amount of greenery start dropping by the end of June.
Malawi
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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Malawi has a hot summer rainfall season that lasts from November to April, so the best time to visit is during the dry winter months, between May and October. This is also the best time to visit Malawi for game viewing because much of the vegetation has thinned out and animals congregate around rivers and waterholes. Because the weather in Malawi is generally quite warm throughout the year, we recommend visiting between June and October.
• Best time to visit: June to October
• Top destinations: Lake Malawi National Park, Liwonde National Park
• Things to note: During January and February, temperatures can become unbearably hot and humid, and rainfall is at its peak. The risk of malaria is also high and some roads in the national parks become impassable.
Uganda
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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Uganda has two dry seasons: June to August and December to February. The dry season is the best time to visit because hiking opportunities abound and offer excellent gorilla and chimp viewing. Game viewing in national parks is also excellent during this period, as well as in February and March.
• Best time to visit: June to August and December to February
• Top destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Things to note: Gorilla permits need to be booked very far in advance
Rwanda
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The dry seasons of June to September and December to early February are typically the best times to visit Rwanda. However, because most visitors come to Rwanda to go gorilla trekking, the best time to visit is whenever a permit is available. For those wanting to visit in November, there are short rain spurts, while longer rains occur between March and May. These months allow visitors to experience the forest and lakes without the crowds of people during the drier months. Additionally, gorilla trekking permits can be cheaper.
• Best time to visit: July to September
• Top destinations: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park
• Things to note: Self-drive is an option, but it is not recommended if you intend to take a longer tour of the country or visit remote areas.
Tanzania
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season from late June to October, which is when wildlife spotting is best. The famous Migration in the Serengeti National Park occurs in June and July, while the best time to see wildebeest carving is in January and February.
• Best time to visit: June and July for the wildebeest migration and August to September for the wildebeest river crossings.
• Top destinations: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park
• Things to note: Mornings and nights get cold so safari-goers are advised to bring warm clothing.
Zanzibar
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The best time to visit Zanzibar is between July and September when it is warm and balmy. From December to February, the weather is dry, and this is also a popular time to visit as families flock to the island. Zanzibar has a wet season during March, April, and May.
• Best time to visit: Any time of year
• Top destinations: Jozani National Forest
• Things to note: Travel to Zanzibar is done by plane or boat, most likely from Dar es Salaam.
Mozambique
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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The best time to visit Mozambique is from September to November, when wildlife spotting is best. During these months, safari-goers can watch the whale migration as well. The weather is nice and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C.
• Best time to visit: September to November
• Top destinations: Gorongosa National Park, Niassa Reserve, Quirimbas National Park, Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago
• Things to note: anuary and February is cyclone season in southern Mozambique.
Zimbabwe
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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From May to September is the best time to visit Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is at its most spectacular, and wildlife watching is at its best, as animals concentrate near rivers and waterholes. The dry season also offers mild temperatures, almost no rain, and a low risk of malaria.
• Best time to visit: May to September
• Top destinations: Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park
• Things to note: From March through April, a layer of spray often obscures views of Victoria Falls.
Zambia
The Best Time To Visit Africa
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Safari-goers opting to visit Zambia have a good chance of seeing an abundance of wildlife during the dry season between May and October. To see the impressive Victoria Falls, its most spectacular between June and September.
• Best time to visit: May to September
• Top destinations: South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park
• Things to note: October can get very hot. However, morning game drives in winter are bitterly cold, so safari-goers should pack warm clothing
