One of the most common questions I’m asked about safari planning is, “what are the best months for an African safari?” The truth is there are no bad times to go on safari because every month has excellent weather for at least a couple of safari destinations.

The Ultimate Safari Travel Guide

Most trip planning starts with a destination, and then you decide when you will visit. But with a safari, you need to do the opposite. Decide when you will be traveling, then scroll down to that month to decide where to go on safari.

Here are the best months for an African safari!

January

This is one of the rainiest months for many safari destinations, but there are a few pockets of dry wildlife areas. Plus, you can score some great accommodation deals in January!

Uganda & Rwanda. January is the dry season for these neighboring countries, so this is an excellent time for gorilla trekking. Visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Bwindi in Uganda. But still bring your raincoat because the “dry season” in these countries still has a lot of rain.

Botswana. Head to the Kalahari Desert for the zebra and antelope birthing season, which also means predators are on the prowl in full force. This is also a great month to spot meerkats, and the desert foliage will be beautiful after the rains.

Tanzania. The Northern Circuit in Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park) is one of the driest safari destinations in January. Plus, the first herds of wildebeest and zebra will have migrated back south from the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.

February

Rwanda & Uganda. Like January, February is still relatively dry (though it will get wetter the later in February you go). This is when you can see new-born gorillas, so get ready for a cuteness overload!

Botswana. This is still a great month for the Kalahari area. The calving seasons are in full spring, it’s relatively cool in the desert, and big cats will be on the prowl.

Kenya. This is a hot and dry month for the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Laikipia. Wildlife will congregate around water holes, herds will be full of newborns, and this is an excellent month for birding.

While I always recommend seeing as much of Africa as you can during your trip (you’ve come all this way!), this isn’t the time to visit the Okavango Region of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Namibia if you’re interested in seeing big game. The rains will make wildlife viewing very difficult.

March

March is one of the least-desirable times to visit Africa for a safari because of the rains. But if this is the only month you can go, there are a couple of options.

Tanzania. This is the start of the rainy season and the Great Migration, so wildlife should still be easy to find in the Serengeti. You’ll also see lots of (super cute) newborn wildebeests. March is a shoulder month, so safari lodges discount their rates to attract travelers.

South Africa. This is a great month to drive the famous Garden Route. March is also an excellent time to visit Kruger and Sabi Sands. Avoid the areas of South Africa that border Botswana and Zimbabwe because these places will be rained out.

April

Victoria Falls. Both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of Victoria Falls are excellent destinations during April. Victoria Falls will be at its peak water levels, so prepare to get wet! You can do river and land safaris in Zambezi National Park, and make sure you see Victoria Falls from the land, air, and water.

Namibia. This is an excellent month for birding immediately after the rainy season. Namibia is a desert country, and its rainy season is only from February-March, so wildlife will still be easy to find around water holes in Etosha National Park. The rest of the country will be green and lush from the rains, making this the perfect month for a road trip.

Botswana. April is a shoulder month for Botswana, meaning the most expensive safari destination in Africa will be MUCH more affordable this month. The Okavango will start to flood, so you’ll see lots of wildlife on river safaris.

May

This is a shoulder month for most of Africa’s safari destinations, so you can score great accommodation deals. This is the end of Fall/beginning of Winter, so the weather will get colder.

Zimbabwe & Zambia. These neighboring countries are great destinations in May because the temperatures will still be pleasant, you’ll beat the crowds and high prices, and Victoria Falls is at some of its highest water levels all year.

Namibia. The weather is perfect in Namibia in May – dry, warm during the days, and cool in the evenings. Namibia’s main attractions – Sossusvlei, Spitzkoppe, Okonjima Nature Reserve, Twyfelfontein, and the Skeleton Coast – will have relatively few crowds and low accommodation rates. Because Namibia is a desert country, you’ll still be able to see wildlife in Etosha National Park in May, even though the rains have just recently stopped.

Mozambique. Known for its “bush to beach” trips, Mozambique is the perfect May destination if you want to combine a safari with a beach getaway.

June

Southern Africa. This is one of the driest and best safari months for most of Southern Africa! You can’t go wrong with anywhere in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique. This is an especially great month for waking safaris!

Tanzania. June is the beginning of the river-crossing season in the Serengeti when migrating wildebeest negotiate the snapping jaws of giant crocodiles on their journey back to the Masai Mara. This portion of The Great Migration is one of the most sought-after wildlife sightings in the world, so you’ll need to book your safari as far in advance as possible and be prepared for peak prices and crowds.

July, August, September

These are the peak months for safaris throughout Eastern and Southern Africa. As far as game viewing goes, you can’t go wrong with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, or Uganda.

July, August, and September are great months to see the river crossings in the Serengeti and Masai Mara areas. In addition to watching wildebeest avoid crocodiles, big cats are always crouched nearby as The Great Migration moves through their territories.

Every safari destination will have peak prices and crowds during these months, so book in advance and plan accordingly. I recommend opting for smaller accommodation to avoid overcrowding on game drives.

October

This is the start of the rainy season for most safari destinations, but you can still find some prime wildlife-viewing conditions in a few places.

Zimbabwe and Zambia. These are two of the driest destinations in October, and Victoria Falls will be at one of its lowest water levels. This means the wildlife will be congregating around waterholes and on riverbanks. Opt for accommodation on the Zambezi River or with an on-site watering hole to give you the chance to see wildlife from your room, dining table, or pool chair.

Kenya. This is one of the least-expensive safari destinations in October, even though big game is still very active and visible. So if you want a budget safari option that will still blow you away, Kenya in October is for you!

Tanzania. This is still a peak travel month in Northern Tanzania when the weather is warm but not hot. The Tarangire area will be filled with elephants, and there will still be river crossings in the Serengeti. If you want to escape the crowds and feel like you have the African bush to yourself, head to Ruaha or Katavi.

November

This is a washout month for most of Southern and Eastern Africa. It will be hot and humid (remember, it’ll be summer down there!) There is a minor migration for serious safari-goers in Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia, but otherwise, your options are pretty limited this month.

Tanzania. If you stick to the northern part of the country, some migrating herds allow for excellent wildlife viewing despite the weather. Just don’t forget your rain jacket!

Botswana. This is an excellent month for bird watching in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It will be wet, but this area of the country is all about water safari activities, so you’ll still be able to spot some wildlife. Botswana consistently ranks as the most expensive safari destination in Africa, but if you go in November, you can stay in top-end luxury game lodges for a fraction of their standard rates.

December

If you want to celebrate the holidays on safari, Eastern Africa offers you some great safari options.

Kenya. Early December will still have some rain, but the weather will dry out the later in the month you come. Big game will be less visible because water is so plentiful, but your safari lodge will still find you some incredible wildlife sightings. Because of the rains, the Maasai Mara, Laikipia, and Lewa areas are stunningly lush during this month.

Tanzania. Stick to the Northern Circuit, specifically the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, to maximize your wildlife viewing.

Rwanda & Uganda. The weather will dry out in these neighboring countries, so this is an excellent month for a gorilla trek.

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