Timing matters more than almost anything when planning an African safari. From dramatic wildlife migrations to dry season game drives and lush green season escapes, each country offers something distinct depending on the time of year. This guide highlights the best time to visit Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana—month by month—based on safari conditions, weather, and luxury travel experiences.
January
- Best time to visit Tanzania: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti; excellent predator activity.
- Best time to visit Kenya: Dry weather, ideal for game drives in Masai Mara.
- South Africa: Lush green season; good for photography and birdwatching.
- Botswana: Wet season continues; quieter parks and beautiful landscapes.
February
- Tanzania: Peak of calving season; dramatic predator-prey interactions.
- Kenya: Clear skies, excellent game viewing in central reserves.
- South Africa: Still green season, great for photography and fewer tourists.
- Botswana: Low season, but rewarding for birding and landscapes.
March
- Best time to visit Serengeti National Park: Final stretch of the calving season in Tanzania.
- Kenya: End of dry season, shoulder period begins.
- South Africa: Weather begins to cool, good visibility for game drives.
- Botswana: Wet, but transitioning to better access in some areas.
April
- Tanzania & Kenya: Long rains begin, many camps close.
- South Africa: Transition into dry season starts.
- Botswana: Green season ends, some areas drying out.
May
- Best time to visit South Africa: Start of dry season; ideal for game drives.
- Botswana: Fewer visitors, excellent early-season wildlife sightings.
- Kenya & Tanzania: Still rainy, but low prices for luxury lodges.
June
- Best time for safari in Africa: Dry season sets in across most countries.
- Best time to visit Botswana for safari: Wildlife gathers near water.
- Best time to visit Tanzania for safari: Wildebeest migration enters western corridor.
- Kenya: Parks drying up, game becomes easier to find.
July
- Best time to visit Kenya safari: Great Migration reaches Masai Mara.
- Best time to visit Tanzania: River crossings in the northern Serengeti.
- South Africa: Peak safari season with clear skies.
- Botswana: High season; book well in advance.
August
- Kenya & Tanzania: Migration at its peak.
- Best time to visit Okavango Delta: Water levels perfect for mokoro safaris.
- South Africa: Excellent for big game sightings.
September
- Kenya: Migration continues in Masai Mara.
- Best time to visit South Africa for safari: Fewer crowds, great weather.
- Tanzania: Northern parks remain productive.
- Botswana: Prime time for predator sightings.
October
- Botswana: Still dry, high chances of big cat sightings.
- South Africa: Warmer weather, good for family safaris.
- Tanzania: End of dry season; wildlife still concentrated.
- Kenya: Hot and dry; good value and fewer visitors.
November
- Best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania: Short rains begin, parks turn green.
- South Africa: Start of green season.
- Botswana: Shoulder season begins, dramatic skies return.
December
- Best time to go on safari Kenya: Calving begins in southern parks.
- Best time for African safari Tanzania: Calving season attracts predators.
- South Africa: Festive and warm, ideal for multi-generational trips.
- Botswana: Rain increases but scenery is lush and photogenic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for safari in Africa?
June to October is widely considered the best time for safari in Africa, especially in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. Dry conditions lead to high visibility and concentrated wildlife activity.
When is the best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania for the Great Migration?
The migration reaches Masai Mara in Kenya by July and stays through September. In Tanzania, you can follow the herds nearly year-round—with calving in the south from January to March and crossings between June and August.
Is the green season a good time to visit South Africa?
Yes. From November to April, South Africa's green season offers vibrant scenery, great birding, fewer crowds, and excellent photography conditions—especially in private reserves and eco-luxury lodges.
Related topics:
0 Comments
Post a Comment