What Is The Best Month To Go On An African Safari?

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The best time to go on African Safari is when the earth is dry, and the sun is hot.

The dry season is perfect as the wild animals tend to come out of the denser parts of their habitat.

Most likely in search of food and water, scarce at this time of the year.

Here is a breakdown of the best countries in Africa to visit for a Safari and when.

Why Safari in Africa?

Africa is the ultimate adventure trip for tourists interested in seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Safari Africa best months to visit
Safari Africa experience

The experience is breathtaking, especially as you come close to the various animal species. 

We Recommend – If you are seeking the famous African predatory mammals, plan a Safari to the African continent. You will get to tick it off your bucket list and make memories forever.

List of places and the best time to go on an African Safari

Below is a list of Africa’s most famous safari destinations and the best months to visit.

This is not an exhaustive list, as there are many other great places in Africa.

However, we’ve been to most places listed herein and loved the experience.

Safari in East African countries

East Africa is renowned for some of the most scenic and expansive Safari locations in all of Africa.

Samburu National Reserve Africa
Samburu National Reserve (East Africa)

As the number one safari destination, there are numerous reasons it is a must-visit for adventure seekers.

Kenya from June to October

Besides being home to the Big Five, the elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinos, Kenya has sensational landscapes.

From flat and dry savannah national parks and reserves to wet and green mountainous conservation areas.

All these offer an exciting variety of safari destinations to fit all budgets.

Plan Ahead – The best months to go on Safari in Kenya are from June to October when the wildebeest migration is at its peak.

Best locations for Safari in Kenya

As one of the top safari destinations in Africa, Kenya has some fantastic destinations you can visit.

One is the annual wildebeest migration from the southwestern Savannah lands to Serengeti in Tanzania.

It remains the top-rated Safari experience in Kenya.

Maasai Mara reserve in Kenya
Maasai Mara National reserve in Kenya

Others include:

Tanzania from January to March

Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro and another favorite Safari destination in East Africa.

It is a rich country with incredible safari destinations.

Since it shares a border with Kenya’s most prominent national reserve, Tanzania also shares the wonder of the wildebeest migration. 

These large animals move from the dry grasslands in search of pasture after the short rains in the Serengeti plains.

January to March is the best time to visit Tanzania as it is low season and the number of people visiting is lower.

Best locations for Safari in Tanzania

Some of the top Safari destinations in Tanzania are:

  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • Lake Manyara National Park
  • Tarangire National Park
  • Selous Game Reserve
  • Ruaha National Park
  • Katavi National Park

Uganda from late June to September

Uganda is home to mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees in a lush green mountain environment.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park birdwatching in Africa
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Although the country is landlocked, meaning it does not border a sea or ocean, it sits along the great Lake Victoria.

Safaris in Uganda are ideal from late June to September, which is the drier season of the year.

Best locations for Safari in Uganda

You can visit various locations in Uganda for the best Safari experience, which includes:

  • Bwindi Forest National Park
  • Semuliki National Park
  • Lake Mburo National Park
  • Kibale National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Rwenzori Mountains National Park
  • Murchison Falls National Park

Safari in South African countries

The Southern part of Africa is famous due to South Africa, the country with a rich history of apartheid and the current cultural diversity.

Visiting Pilanesberg National park (South Africa)
Pilanesberg National park (South Africa)

However, besides South Africa, the entire region has other countries with naturally beautiful topography and wildlife. 

South Africa from May to October

South Africa has vast national parks and reserves to see various wildlife species.

Although May to October is the high season with many tourists, it is the ideal time for an African Safari.

What to Expect? You will enjoy sunny yet cool days and slightly cold mornings and nights without rainfall.

Best locations for Safari in South Africa

You can plan a safari to see the Big Five wild animals at the Kruger National Park or other exciting locations such as:

  • Madikwe Game Reserve
  • Pilanesberg National Park
  • Eastern Cape
  • KwaZulu-Natal Game Reserve

Botswana from June to September

Although Botswana is sparsely populated due to the vast Kalahari Desert that occupies more than 50% of the entire country, it has plenty of wildlife.

Safari to Botswana is scenic during the dry months of June to September.

Best locations for Safari in Botswana

One of the top Safari destinations to see the largest herd of Kalahari Desert elephants is the Chobe National Park.

Other safari locations in Botswana are:

  • Okavango Delta
  • Moremi Game Reserve

Namibia from July to October

Namibia has a mix of Safari opportunities as part of the desert landscape.

African safari Etosha National Park Namibia
Etosha National Park in Namibia

You can visit the inhabited sandy dunes or trek deep into the numerous public and private wildlife reserves.

Enjoy the cooler nights from July to October when the day is hot, and the wildlife roams freely in search of water.

Best locations for Safari in Namibia

  • Etosha National Park
  • Namib-Naukluft National Park
  • Mahango National Park

Safari in North African countries

The North of Africa is famous for its rich culture, traditions, and numerous historical buildings and monuments.

Due to this, visitors mainly come to experience the ancient wonders and attractions.

Egypt drive
Egypt safari guides

However, this desert region also has fantastic parks with wildlife worthy of a Safari experience.

Morocco from March to May

Morocco is renowned for its rich architectural history and mouth-watering cuisine.

However, besides walking its narrow streets, you can plan a Safari to see wildlife in the contrasting sandy and green landscape.

Keep In Mind – March to May is the best time for a Safari to Morocco as the temperatures are cool just before the short rains.

Best locations for Safari in Morocco

Visit the Al Hoceima National Park for exciting scenery as you spot the wild animals that call the place home.

You can also take a Camel Safari across the dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Egypt from October to April

The pyramids of Giza are what bring visitors to Egypt.

As one of the first wonders of the world, the opportunity to visit these unique monuments is a beautiful experience.

Best months for safari in north Africa
Best months for safari in north African countries

Make it a Safari by visiting the desert on camelback and seeing the wildlife in the oldest National Park in the country.

The perfect month to go on a safari in Egypt is October to April, as the desert sun is cooler, with light showers at nightfall.

Best locations for Safari in Egypt

Relax in the hot springs and see the various marine species at Ras Mohammed National Park.

Other locations to sight wildlife include:

  • Wadi El-Rayan National Park
  • Wadi El-Gemel National Park

Rainy season Safari

Although an African Safari is ideal during the dry months, one can also visit during the short rainy season.

The animals are still searching for water and will stay out until the natural resources are abundant. 

African Safari on Rainy season
Rainy season safari Africa

Some parts of Africa also receive low amounts of rainfall, meaning one can still travel most of the day.

Unfortunately – During the rainy season, mosquitoes multiply, posing the risk of contracting Malaria.

All the same, most Safari organizers will offer safe solutions to protect you from the little bugs.

Conclusion

The best time to go on Africa Safari is summer and autumn in most parts of Africa.

By African summers, we mean the dry and hot months with little to no rainfall.

As a result of the climate, wild animals seek water and food, so spotting them will be pretty straightforward. 

Additionally, these months are usually referred to as high peak season for visitors and tourists; hence a safari will cost a pretty penny.

However, here’s an expert tip: Plan your African Safari just before the end of the high season, at the start of the short rains.

You may be lucky to enjoy the lower off-season all-inclusive package prices.

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