Since shifting to South Africa, going on safari has turn into considered one of my favourite issues to do. From South Africa to Kenya and past, the continent has such uncooked, pure magnificence. And Africa has far more range than you would possibly suppose!
Removed from a one measurement suits all expertise, you’ll be able to select one of the best safari expertise in Africa for you and your journey model.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to discover the African bush just a few occasions and expertise a number of the finest safari locations in Africa. I completely adore interacting nature this fashion and seeing animals in their pure habitats.
In fact, in the event you’re a shutterbug like yours actually, an African safari is a should. You’ll be touring via a number of the most stunning landscapes on earth. African safari pictures will take your snaps to the subsequent degree.
Earlier than you go, try a few of my important reads for all the pieces you want to know earlier than your first African safari. I’m speaking essential information like how to price range for an African safari and what to pack for a safari.
Curious as to when one of the best time to go on safari is? As a result of there are such a lot of locations to select from and seasonal variations, I’m breaking it down by month!
The place to Go + Why
Individuals typically ask me about one of the best time to go on safari and the highest locations to try. The fact is that it completely relies upon—an African safari is extremely seasonal and site dependent.
The time of 12 months impacts migration, how moist or dry the land is, and in the end which animals you’re going to see (which is a HUGE issue).
The easiest method to determine the place to go on safari is to determine if you’re going. As soon as you recognize which month you need to go to Africa, you can begin researching the place to go on safari.
So, animal lovers, listed here are one of the best occasions to go on safari in Africa, primarily based on the month!
January
That is the center of the wet season in lots of the high safari hotspots—which isn’t essentially a nasty factor! Rain supplies a lush inexperienced panorama and there are just a few detours you’ll be able to take to get to dry land.
Uganda
January is definitely the dry season in Uganda so the times are sometimes heat and sunny, although you’ll need to pack a raincoat for visits across the Volcanoes Nationwide Park. It’s prime time for gorilla trekking, which makes this probably the greatest occasions to go to Uganda, in my opinion.
Kenya
It’s additionally the dry season in Kenya, which implies that the bush and grass are all fairly quick. This is a bonus in seeing native wildlife. Maasai Mara is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Africa and this is without doubt one of the finest occasions to see it.
South Africa
It’s the moist season in South Africa so pack a raincoat. Animals are on the transfer so you’ll need to be strategic to discover them. Discover Sabi Sands close to the Mozambique border or head down to Cape City. Kruger Nationwide Park is an incredible safari park proper exterior of the town.
That is particularly nice for a primary safari as a result of you’ll be able to discover the intense lights of the massive city, then merely hop in the automobile to go for a day journey to Kruger Nationwide Park. The animal sightings are simply as spectacular however there’s much less want to tough it or pay for an expensive lodge out in the countryside.
Tanzania
January is the tip of the wet season and it is without doubt one of the premier months for recognizing migrating wildebeest, zebra, and gnu, particularly close to the southern Ndutu and Salei plains.
Uganda
February
Like January, you’ll run into some wet spots whereas exploring a lot of Africa in February. It’s the finest time of 12 months to go on a safari although in case you are in seeing child animals (and who isn’t?)!
South Africa
February is a heat however wet summer season month in South Africa. The beloved Backyard Route that runs from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east is lush and inexperienced. Make a cease in Knysna for an ideal base to discover. Make your manner up to Kruger Nationwide Park to see the Large 5, or come down to Cape City for an city wonderland.
Kenya
Child animals! Want I say extra?
To your very personal cuteness overload, February is the time to go to Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda to see lovable little guys of all sizes and shapes. February can be good as a result of it’s a scorching and dry time that may carry out massive sport and birds in locations like Maasai Mara and Laikipia. Safaris will take you to the animals’ fave water spots the place they love to hang around. Maintain an eye fixed out for wild cats too throughout this time!
Tanzania
Whereas the southern a part of the nation is simply too scorching and humid for me, I really like northern Tanzania throughout February. Nearly half one million wildebeest are born in this single month in Tanzania! You will see cheetahs all around the Serengeti when you ooh and ahh in any respect the little infants. Best of all, the rain passes by Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya throughout February so it’s prime time for a go to right here.
Uganda and Rwanda
The heat and dry climate makes good gorilla trekking situations! Simply bear in mind that the later you go in February, the extra probably you might be to run into rain, particularly close to Volcanoes Nationwide Park.
Useful Tip:
March
Frankly, March isn’t one of the best time of 12 months for a safari in nearly all of Africa. That mentioned, if March is your solely accessible time, there are undoubtedly a few locations the place you may make it work.
Tanzania
The wet motive is simply beginning and migration is at its peak. I might extremely suggest trying out the Serengeti in the course of the well-known Nice Migration. It’s additionally an opportunity to see the little new child wildebeests discovering their new world proper alongside you.
South Africa
The climate continues to be good in South Africa in March and it’s a dream season to drive alongside the famend Backyard Route. Additionally it is an ideal time to go to Kruger and Sabi Sands, although you’ll need to keep away from areas shut to Botswana and Zambia as they’re each fairly probably to be rained out.
RIVER CRUISE AT MENO A KWENA, Botswana
April
April showers carry Might…tigers! The continent is washed over in April. Vegetation is extremely lush, which is gorgeous however makes it tougher to see the animals.
Since water is plentiful, animals don’t want to congregate in any explicit watering gap as a result of water is throughout. This could make animals onerous to see in many international locations. There are just a few key spots which are at their finest in April although.
Botswana
With the rivers full to the brim, that is the right time to discover the Okavango Delta and go to Victoria Falls. Positioned between Zimbabwe and Zambia, a visit to Victoria Falls is without doubt one of the most unforgettable experiences in Africa. Whereas it’s not peak season for a sport viewing safari, that is one of the best time to go to Botswana in the event you’re trying to save a bit of money.
Botswana is definitely some of the costly safari locations, so touring exterior of peak season generally is a main perk to your pockets. Best of all, you’ll be able to see the unimaginable uncooked great thing about the Okavango Delta flooded (a bucket listing merchandise for any safari lover!).
Namibia
The moist season is ending in April and Namibia is as soon as in opposition to bathed in solar. If you’re prepared for the final word street journey, add a drive throughout Namibia to your issues to do in Africa listing.
South Africa
Welcome to autumn in South Africa! As cooler and drier climate comes, timber lose their leaves and it’s straightforward to spot the native wildlife. Native sport reserves are an ideal vacation spot.
Tanzania
In April, I might extremely suggest trying out the northern parks of Tanzania. It’s a high time to go on a safari and it is possible for you to to keep away from peak season, which runs from July to October.
Might
Simply as issues are warming up in the Northern Hemisphere, there’s a chill in the air south of the equator. When it comes to one of the best time to go on safari, this merely isn’t prime time for many of Africa—with one spectacular exception although!
Mozambique
Simply earlier than the height season, Mozambique is at its finest. The afternoons get into the excessive 80s whereas the afternoons hardly ever fall beneath 50 levels. The skies are clearing up because the wet season ends. Hotspots like Gorognosa and Niassa are prime for exploration.
June
June is the turning level of the 12 months in Africa. Goodbye, rain. Howdy, sunshine! June is without doubt one of the finest occasions of 12 months to go on safari in Africa in so many numerous spots across the continent.
South Africa
In South Africa, you’ll discover two distinctly completely different seasons in June. Within the northern a part of the nation, issues are drying out. It’s peak sport viewing time up there and the times are sunny. Within the south, close to Cape City, nevertheless, it’s absolutely the rainiest time of the 12 months.
Whereas it’s not nice for a safari, it’s the finest time of 12 months to see the whale migration in the Southern Cape. Discover the delta as herds head to Chobe after which make their manner over to Linyanti.
Namibia
The climate is dry and comparatively heat. Because the pure sources of water are diminished by the arid season, it’s straightforward to spot animals hanging out collectively at native water sources. Be certain to plan ample time to discover Etosha Nationwide Park.
Zimbabwe
The peak season right here is from June to September. Throughout June, the panorama is drying out. You already know by now that dry climate means animals partying on the native watering gap! June can be a dream month to go to Victoria Falls (and I’d extremely suggest flying over to see the falls whereas they’re at their strongest of the 12 months).
OKAVANGO RIVER CRUISE
July
Dry season is in full swing and you’ll be spoilt for selection throughout the continent. That is peak journey time and simply one of the best time of 12 months for a safari in nearly all of one of the best spots in Africa.
It’s practically inconceivable to select one of the best place to go in July—however you higher hurry!
That is the most well-liked time of 12 months and issues promote out quick. In fact, that implies that journeys come at a premium so your choices for a price range safari are fairly restricted.
Tanzania
Serengeti Nationwide Park is a large draw throughout July. The Nice Migration in northern Serengeti will actually blow your thoughts. Elephants are migrating in Tarangire whereas spots like Katavi, Selous, and Ruaha provide one thing a bit extra off the overwhelmed path.
South Africa
Extra of the identical from June, the climate in the north of South Africa is getting even drier and recognizing wildlife is getting even simpler. In the meantime, the Cape continues to be rained out however with good whale recognizing situations.
Botswana
July is unquestionably probably the greatest occasions of 12 months to go to Botswana. Well-known areas like Okavango, Moremi, Chobe, and Linyanti are flawless. The Delta is gloriously flooded and animal recognizing is as probably as ever. Simply be aware that animals have principally left the Pans and Kalahari space.
Kenya
The Nice Migration is operating its manner via Maasai Mara throughout July and August. We’re speaking wildebeest and zebra galore! It’s an incredible time however undoubtedly busy. Take your time and do a little analysis whereas choosing a camp so that you don’t find yourself anyplace too crowded when safari insanity sweeps the world.
August
One other unbeatable time of 12 months for an African safari! The climate continues to be dry for a bit longer and excellent throughout the continent in many spots.
Kenya
You haven’t missed the Nice Migration but so get to Maasai Mara to see a draw-dropping motion of wildebeests and zebras. Be certain to spend at the very least a part of your safari on the river the place you’ll be able to see these guys zigzagging between crocodiles as they make their manner throughout the river.
Tanzania
You can too try dramatic river crossing in Tanzania, particularly in Lamai and Kogatende. Iconic spots just like the Serengeti Nationwide Park are at their finest because the elephant migration takes over the nation (round in Tarangire). Whereas tourism is at its peak, you’ll be able to nonetheless examine to discover tranquil spots round Selous, Ruaha, and Katavi.
Botswana
In order for you to see majestic elephants, look no additional.
The Chobe and Linyanti space has extra of those large cuties than anyplace else on the continent. The Okavango Delta continues to be flooded as properly and appears unimaginable presently of 12 months. Simply be aware that the Pans and the Kalahari are largely empty presently of 12 months because the native wildlife holidays overseas.
Zimbabwe
Additionally in its peak season, Zimbabwe is on the high of its sport for safaris. Journey lovers will need to make sure that to jump over to Victoria Falls after the sport recognizing for extra heart-stopping enjoyable. The water is a bit decrease presently of 12 months and it’s white water rafting season.
Namibia
For extra unforgettable animal sightings, get to Etosha then make your manner out to the Skeleton Coast to soak in the otherworldly magnificence. Simply LOOK at my newest pics and also you gained’t give you the option to wait one other minute to see this epic nation.
Kenya
September
Go massive or go dwelling in September! In the course of the coronary heart of the dry season, you’re going to see the largest of huge sport animals at high spots across the continent.
Tanzania
In the course of the Nice Migration, Tanzania is at its peak with fixed river crossings and elephants thundering via. In fact, the Serengeti Nationwide Park is a necessary vacation spot. For river crossings, the northern a part of the park round Lamai and Kogatende is the place to be. To stand up shut and private with the majestic elephants of Tanzania, ensure to plan time for Tarangire Nationwide Park.
Botswana
September is one of the best time to go to Botswana. Well-known spots like Okavango, Moremi, Chobe, and the Linyanti are actually at their highest. Chobe and Linyanti is the elephant capital of Africa for the time. In the meantime, the Okavango Delta is flooded and glowing with magnificence. Whereas the entire nation is gorgeous, avoid the Pans and Kalahari areas, which lots of the animals have left behind for the season.
Zimbabwe
Dry season is upon Zimbabwe and the situations in the nation couldn’t be higher. After a lot of the vacationers have gone dwelling, all the animals are gathering at their watering holes, and the nation is ripe for exploration.
Namibia
Get to Etosha peaks for unbeatable sport viewing then make your manner over to the Skeleton Coast for a number of the most beautiful surroundings in all of Africa.
Mozambique
Vacationers are clearing out as summer season comes to an finish (however the climate continues to be beautiful!) in Mozambique. If you’re trying to squeeze in a seaside break throughout your African safari, look no additional than this coastal retreat.
Kenya
In fact, it’s all concerning the Nice Migration in Maasai Mara. This is without doubt one of the finest occasions to go to Kenya. Whenever you need to get away from the vacationer hotspots, try the quieter areas of the north. Recreation viewing is equally spectacular up there however you’ll be a bit extra off the overwhelmed path.
October
The dry season is coming to an finish in October however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover prime situations throughout the nation earlier than the rain actually begins to roll in.
Zimbabwe
The bush continues to be fairly dry round Zimbabwe so animals are chilling round the most well-liked water sources. Whereas the climate continues to be fairly scorching, it’s bearable. Be certain to plan time for Ruaha and Katavi the place the vacationers have cleared out and large sport have taken their place. Within the north, the Tarangire space is crammed with elephants whereas the Serengeti is seeing many river crossings.
Kenya
Costs are decrease than typical whereas the sport continues to be energetic and visual. If you’re in search of a price range safari choice that may knock your mountaineering boots off, this one’s for you.
Tanzania
Nonetheless in its peak season, it’s heat however not loopy scorching in Tanzania. To flee the warmth of locations like Zimbabwe, wildlife is coming to the everlasting watering gap they know and love in Tanzania.
MEERKAT SAFARI IN BOTSWANA
November
The southern facet of Africa is into the wet season. Humidity and warmth (don’t overlook it’s summer season down right here!) make it fairly uncomfortable in a whole lot of locations. There’s a minor East African migration for severe safari-goers in Liuwa Plain Nationwide Park however, in any other case, lots of the common spots are a washout.
Tanzania
In case you stick to the northern half, you will notice migrating herds making their manner throughout the nation regardless of the climate.
Botswana
Whereas it’s not your conventional African safari fare, the skies above Botswana are alive with motion. Birds are migrating via the Okavango Delta whereas dramatic storms sweep in for gorgeous photograph ops.
Though the climate is scorching, it’s at the very least a dry warmth apart from passing storms. Because it’s not peak season, you’ll be able to seize a significant deal on when camps are providing up to 40 p.c off their peak charges.
December
Need to beautify the yuletide bush and ring in the brand new 12 months underneath the celebrities? East Africa is one of the best place to be for a winter break in Africa. Throughout the areas of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the climate is dry and the animals are energetic.
Kenya
The wet season in Kenya is coming to an finish in the center of December. The surroundings is lush and emerald however that makes it a bit harder to spot sport. It’s nonetheless price it although! The Maasai Mara, Laikipia, and Lewa areas are drop-dead beautiful on the finish of the 12 months.
Tanzania
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro space stunning presently of 12 months however throughout the nation rainfall will probably be making it a bit tougher to spot sport. Stick to the Northern Circuit to see the locals celebrating Christmas in their very own manner.
Total
So, my fellow explorers, that’s all you want to create your good safari. I do know there are a TON of choices. Each month provides one thing a bit completely different.
The backside line is: simply go! Africa, as an entire, is definitely some of the underrated journey locations on the planet. My finest recommendation is to merely discover a place that intrigues you and go for it.
For me, probably the most dynamic and attention-grabbing international locations in Africa for a safari are Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and, in fact, my adopted dwelling of South Africa.
Observe, whereas there are different locations I may have included on this listing, I primarily caught to those with my opinion of “finest experiences.”
However I’d love to hear your opinions and what locations you’ll recommend throughout sure occasions of the 12 months beneath!