Nothing is more exciting than the thought of seeing some of the most spectacular animals in the world in their native habitats, but where do you go on safari in February? Discover where to travel in February if you’re ready to schedule a little adventure by looking at these breathtaking safari locations.
In Kenya and northern Tanzania, February is a great time to do a safari. In the surrounding countries of Rwanda and Uganda, it’s also a perfect season to go chimpanzee and gorilla trekking. In East Africa, the months of January and February are dry in between the short and long rains. One of the biggest animal spectacles in East Africa right now is the wildebeest calving in the Southern Serengeti, which is worth scheduling a vacation around.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is incredibly fantastic for a safari in February and March, with February being the Great Migration’s calving month. Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a very good location in February. Safari enthusiasts travel to the Serengeti around this time of year exclusively to coincide with the two to three weeks during which the migration is fully in progress. In less than a month during this time of year, 500,000 wildebeest are born! The Serengeti also becomes the best spot in Africa to see cheetahs during this period, and the sheer number of predators on the vast open plains is astounding. Check out our Serengeti tours below.
Serengeti ToursCentral Kalahari Game Reserve
The wet season, which runs from December to March, is the ideal time to visit Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Animals congregate near the pans in the Deception Valley area during these months because they migrate through the park with the seasons. The largest game reserve in Botswana is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. This is untamed wildness in its purest form. Though sightings in this dry environment are rare, the difficult desert terrain does not support the large diversity of safari animals found in greener locales.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is also a fantastic place to go on a safari in February. The hot and dry season is almost over, yet animals are still congregating by watering holes. The calving season is in full swing, much like in the Serengeti, so expect to see not just young animals but also the big cats at work. Enjoying a trip to Kenya that combines the well-known Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru with some time at Diani Beach to cool off is a smart option.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
As one of the driest months of the year, February offers easier trekking, greater photographic opportunities, and better chances to see gorillas. You’ll need to decide between going gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Since both countries have the same daily success rate of locating gorillas (90%) the option mostly comes down to cost and availability. For instance, Uganda is typically the more affordable option, although Rwanda provides a speedier overall gorilla experience.
Makgadikgadi National Park
The Makgadikgadi Pans, a section of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, are a remnant of a lake that was once bigger than Lake Victoria. The area can only be explored in a 4×4 vehicle in February because the rains turned the previously dry lakebed into a shallow lake. This makes the location ideal for flamingo sightings. Additionally, it is possible to see the less well-known but equally magnificent migrating zebras who come to this area in quest of luscious seasonal grazing.
