When is the best time to go on an African Safari?
Africa stands out as one of the top destinations on our planet that everyone dreams of visiting. From the vast plains of Namibia to the seven wonders of Masai Mara and Serengeti, the unique mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda, the magnificent Victoria Falls, and the stunning dunes of Namibia and the Okavango Delta, all these attractions are shaped by time. Time is crucial in determining the ideal season for travel, ensuring that you experience the very best during your holiday in Africa.
In January
In January, which is a dry season, it is the best time to visit the Ngorongoro/Ndutu conservation area, as this is when the wildebeest are giving birth to their young ones The experience here is magical and can be combined with gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda, as the trails are not slippery for those who are interested in great apes trek. Additionally, the weather remains ideal for those looking to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and the Rwenzori Mountains, as there is no rain during this period. This makes it a favourable time to visit Tanzania’s Ngorongoro, the gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, and to relax on Zanzibar Island.
February
In February, it is the ideal time to visit Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and Masai Mara, as this period is looked at as a shoulder season. During this time, visitors can enjoy scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, perfect for photography from Amboseli National Park, which is located in Loitoki area. Additionally, there is a significant concentration of lesser flamingos in Amboseli, along with the majestic elephants. Furthermore, this month is also excellent for visiting Nanyuki/Aj-pajeta and Samburu National Park, renowned for rhino tracking. Being a shoulder season, it remains ideal to combine this experience with mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda, which is an activity available year-round.
March
The month of March is regarded as the onset of the rainy season. Some areas become inaccessible, even with a 4×4 jeep. However, this is a great time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli National Park, as well as Zambia’s renowned Kafue National Park and Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Here, elephants can be seen playing in the waters of Sedudu Island on river Zambezi. This park is also well-known for the African Big Five and wild dogs. It is important to note that March may not be the best time to visit Zanzibar, especially if it is month of Ramadan, the fasting period for Muslims, when many activities and shops remain closed during the day. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly. On the other hand, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC remains open for public visits year-round. However, it is advisable to stay informed about the political situation and any potential red flags regarding tours in Virunga National Park.
Welcome to April
Welcome to April, a month marked by sorrow and misery in Rwanda. If you are planning a trip to Africa, consider skipping Rwanda during this time of year, as it commemorates the 1994 genocide, a tragic event that claimed millions of lives due to ethnic conflict between the 2 tribes, the Hutu, and Tutsi. The entire country remains calm and peaceful, but music and entertainment are not allowed. Therefore, Rwanda should not be on your travel itinerary every month of April. Similarly, April is regarded as the rainy season in many regions of East and Southern Africa, where flooding is common and visibility for wildlife viewing is hindered by tall grass. Roads can become impassable, making it challenging to explore these areas. Instead, consider visiting Victoria Falls in Zambia, Livingstone in Zimbabwe, or Wangwe National Park and Chobe National Park. There are numerous activities available in these locations, viewing the falls on both sides – Zambia and Zimbabwe, walking with lions in Mosi-a-Tunya National Park, as well as opportunities to walk with cheetahs and elephants while you’re in the area. Don’t miss the Boma cuisine. This period is also ideal for visiting the Okavango Delta National Park in Botswana and the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
May
May is regarded as the final month of the rainy season, while also marking the shoulder season when rainfall begins to diminish. During this time, the grass remains tall, and some areas may still be inaccessible. However, it presents a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of discounted gorilla trekking in Rwanda. If you are an African citizen, you can enjoy a 75% discount on gorilla tours in Rwanda, making this an ideal time to experience these magnificent creatures. Conversely, Ngorongoro, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks are excellent destinations to explore in Tanzania. Other wildlife parks worth visiting include Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Park, which are perfect for a visit. Additionally, an extended trip to Chobe and Victoria Falls, along with Namibia for the sand dune drives, would be an exceptional experience.
June
June: This is one of the finest months when everything becomes clear for wildlife enthusiasts, as the grass begins to shorten and large game starts to wander in the African savanna, particularly in parks like Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Amboseli. As the vegetation clears and opens up, this is the perfect time to combine gorilla trekking or climbing Kilimanjaro with wildlife viewing and beach safaris on your bucket list. All the trails are less crowded and less slippery, making June the ideal month for an African safari. Additionally, lodge prices remain low.
July
July marks the arrival of summer in Europe, a month renowned for extensive travel, as most schools are on holiday in Europe. This period sees a significant influx of tourists, particularly from Western countries, to Africa. In tourism terminology, this is referred to as the high season, during which lodge prices often increase, sometimes even doubling. Many lodges experience overbooking, gorilla permits can sell out quickly, and skilled guides may become unavailable. Additionally, vehicles are frequently booked in advance, leading to traffic congestion in popular national parks such as the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. This month is considered the best time of the year for travel, making bookings for all activities highly recommended, preventing last-minute disappointments. The parks that are on everyone’s list in Africa during this month include Tanzania’s Serengeti, Kenya’s Masai Mara, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Kruger Park in South Africa.
August
August, the month of August, is a time to cherish, highlighting the vibrant beach life and diverse wildlife. This is where the beach and wildlife converge, not far from the pleasantly warm weather of Africa, as the sun shines directly over the equator. Wildlife viewing reaches its peak during this time, particularly with the wildebeest migration, when the grasslands are in disarray. Animals can be spotted at most waterholes and along the riverbanks, attracting thousands of wildebeest. They bravely venture into the perilous Mara River crossing, where crocodiles lie in wait along the banks, ready to seize the vulnerable. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many refer to as a moment of great wonders. This month is also ideal for enjoying encounters with the great apes of Rwanda and Uganda, especially during mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. For those who enjoy mountaineering, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, or the Moon Mountain/Rwenzori, is best undertaken this month due to high success rates. To conclude the holiday, a visit to Zanzibar or Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean is highly recommended.
September
September: welcome to this beautiful month of great adventures as we bid farewell to the end of the busy season. This is a perfect time as the traffic congestion into the wilderness begins to lessen, and lodges start to see a slight increase in tourist arrivals. This period of the year is particularly special as the migration is concluding, with the Masai Mara returning to the central Serengeti to witness Africa’s beauty at its finest. The top countries to visit include the remote Katavi National Park, known for its untamed landscapes, along with Kenya’s Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks. Don’t forget that the iconic Ol Pejeta remains a must-visit, located near Nanyuki. The Giraffe Manor is my top recommendation for feeding giraffes and appreciating humanity’s role in conservation. Additionally, consider visiting the Elephant Orphanage run by Shadrack, where many elephants have been rescued. Spending time on your African safari and visiting this sanctuary is highly recommended. A trip to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda would also be an unforgettable experience.
October
October is considered a low season for travel to most parks, as the weather is mild. However, the heavy rainfall makes it extremely difficult to spot animals, and the trails for hiking tours become challenging. Mountain climbing activities are not feasible, leading to impassable roads. Therefore, it would be beneficial to focus more on Ngorongoro Park, which is known as the park of all seasons due to its high concentration of big cats and the Big Five. It would be ideal to combine this visit with a gorilla habituation experience, as gorillas tend to be less active during the rainy season due to the abundance of food in the jungle. Visiting Uganda for gorilla habituation would be a great option, while Rwanda offers a discounted gorilla trekking experience for African citizens at just $500 per permit, compared to the usual $1500.
November and December
November and December. December marks a shoulder season because of the Christmas festivities, during which many individuals begin to organise how to conclude the year with their families. If I were in your position, I would consider Mombasa, Zanzibar, Serengeti, Alpa-jeta, Victoria Falls, and gorilla trekking in Rwanda as ideal destinations to experience the finest that Africa has to offer with your loved ones. Decide on your destination and the timing for your African safari.