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When is the best time to go on an African safari

When is the best time to go on an African safari

Most believe the best time to go on an African safari is during the dry season, which runs from June to October (for the majority of African safari hotspots). At this time of year, animals are easier to spot as they congregate at water sources.

However, the wet season also has its merits for a thoroughly enjoyable African safari. During these months there are fewer visitors to the parks, offering a more private safari experience, where you can enjoy the abundance of wildlife, birds and green savannah in relative seclusion.

How to time your safari in Africa

One of the most difficult decisions to make while planning a safari is deciding the time of year to visit. The truth is, it all depends on what kind of wildlife you want to see, your specific destination, your price range, and your weather preferences.

We specialize in East African safaris, so have focused our attention on this region.

Keep reading to learn more about the unique offerings of an African safari during every season.

The best time to go on Safari in East Africa

Most tourists choose to go on safari in East Africa during the winter months of June to October. At this time, the weather in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda) is typically dry and sunny, making it excellent for spotting wildlife on game drives.

The coldest months in this region are during the dry season, which falls between June and October, with average temperatures in the 70s (Fahrenheit).

March through May and October through December are the rainiest seasons, and the wettest month is usually May. The driest and hottest month is January.

Check out our country-by-country guide below…

When to go on a safari to Kenya

January to March: The dry season offers great game viewing and cheaper prices, a win-win.

April to June: A safari might be muddy during the peak rainy season, but this is the best time to beat the crowds and get the most value out of your trip.

July to September: This is the most popular (and most expensive!) time for a safari, as this is the best time to see the wildebeest herds on the move during the Great Migration.

October to December: This short rainy season is ideal for spotting baby animals and migratory birds.

Map of Kenya

Map of Tanzania

When to visit Tanzania

January to March: Animals are fewer in Tarangire National Park, but birds are plentiful during this time of year.

April to June: As Tanzania’s rainy season, you can see newborn animals at lower prices.

July to September: Dry season provides the best wildlife viewing, but with this comes higher prices.

October to December: This short rainy season offers more affordability and fewer crowds. You also can see the migration herds making their way through central Serengeti.

The best time to visit Uganda

January to March: One of the best times for a safari is in January and February when conditions are excellent for game viewing. It gets rainier in March, and with the rain comes fewer crowds. Even with the rain, you will still likely see quite a few animals.

April to June: While April and May are typically wetter months, June marks the beginning of another dry season, ideal conditions for a safari.

July to September: July and August provide the perfect weather for trekking to see gorillas and chimpanzees. In September, the rainy season begins again.

October to December: While October and November have lots of rain, December is the beginning of the next dry season, creating ideal safari conditions.

Map of Uganda

Map of Rwanda

When to go on a safari in Rwanda

January to March: Expect a rainy season in the Nyungwe Forest, with a few dry patches in January. Look for discounts on gorilla permits during this time of year.

April to June: In the Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park, April and May are the rainiest months of the year.

July to September: This is the driest weather of the year, and it’s perfect for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. This is the best time to go on an African safari in Rwanda.

October to December: October and November are stormy in the Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park, but December offers a break from the rain.

What to expect from Africa’s weather

Africa’s seasons are very different to those of Europe and north America. And although the continent’s climate can appear too complicated to understand at first, it’s actually very simple.

Instead of four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) with different weather conditions, Africa’s climate is best divided into wet and dry seasons. This is especially true in the destinations of the best Africa trips such as Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda in east Africa.

This is because these nations lie on or very near the equator, splitting the Earth into its northern and southern hemispheres. Countries north of the equator roughly follow the seasonal differences of Europe and north America, while those south of this imaginary line see their seasons flipped by comparison. It means Christmas isn’t dominated by colder weather, but by the height of summer.

Close to the equator itself, countries can be said to have their very own regional climate, which is dominated by the arrival and departure of annual rains.

Ngorongoro

What are the best months for African safaris?

Given Africa’s intriguing seasonal variabilities, the best months for an African safari are the end of June until October of each year. Heading out on a safari during these months will see you exploring during the long dry season.

From a human perspective, temperatures tend to be some of their lowest of the year, and you might even want a sweater for those early morning game drives. But June to October is also the best time to go on an African safari from the animals’ perspective.

The reason for this is that animals are easier to spot. The vegetation of the plains dies back as the season progresses, so there are less places for animals to hide. At the same time, the lack of water requires animals to seek out remaining waterholes, and driver-guides will know exactly where you’ll be able to find them. Then add to this clear skies perfect for photography and mesmerizing sunsets, and you’ve undoubtedly got the best months for African safaris!

The downside of traveling between June and October is that their superb conditions make them the most popular months to visit east Africa. Prices tend to ramp up for flights and accommodation, and there will be more vehicles seeking out those epic animal encounters on the plains.

Even so, June to October can’t be faulted. But for a full month by month breakdown of reasons to head out on safari, just keep reading!

When is the best time to trek with gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

The best time to trek with gorillas in Rwanda is during the long dry season, which runs from mid-May to mid-October. In Uganda, the best time to trek with gorillas is during the country’s two dry seasons, either between January and February or from June to September.

Gorillas can be hard to track, and during the rainy season, muddy paths make it tracker to locate the animals. Therefore, it’s best to avoid the rainy season in Rwanda and Uganda from March to April and October to November.

Because their habitat has been significantly reduced, gorillas don’t have very far to roam and can be seen as a year-round attraction. But be aware that the trek to find them can vary significantly in length, from 2 hours to 8 hours each way.

Gorilla trekkingin bwindi Impentrable Forest national park

chimpanzees-monkey

Chimpanzees

You can find chimpanzees year-round in Western Tanzania and Uganda.

Like gorillas, chimpanzee safaris are more challenging during the rainy season due to the muddy paths. However, chimps might be easier to locate during the rain because they don’t have to travel too far to find water.

The rainy season is from February to June and November to mid-December. For better photos, visit during the dry season, from July to October and December.

Bird watching

You can find plenty of birds in East Africa between January and March.

The best destinations for bird-lovers include Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Lake-naivasha

Lions of Meru National Park

Lions

Lake Manyara National Park

You will see lions year-round in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

Tanzania’s national parks also offer many lion sightings; the high season spans from July through October.

Whales

From June to November, the Cape coast in South Africa comes alive with southern-right whales, along with humpbacks and orcas. Much of the sea life can be seen from the shore, so there’s no need to spot marine life via boat.

Whales

Wildlife-in-Kenya

The Great Migration

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the annual great migration. Every year millions will make the dangerous crossing when migrating between Tansania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

The best times to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration are August and September, and you will also be more likely to see a river crossing during these months.

What time of day is best for a safari?

The best time of day to see abundant wildlife on a safari is early in the morning and in the evening before the sun goes down. The animals are more active either before the sun comes up or as the sun is setting. As a bonus, the temperatures will generally be milder during these times of the day.