when to safari in

Botswana

June – September: Okavango Delta Waters Rise The Okavango Delta in Botswana floods during the dry season (peaking from June to August), attracting dense wildlife to it’s islands. Enjoy exceptional game viewing by mokoro, boat, or vehicle in a beautiful landscape teeming with animals.

July – October: Big Herds in Mababe Botswana’s Mababe wilderness sees mega herds of buffalo and elephant seeking water, followed by predators. Witness migrations of tsessebe, wildebeest, and zebra. Stay at Mokete Camp for an unparalleled safari!

July – October: Elephants in the Linyanti The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve in Botswana hosts large elephant herds. Visit Wilderness DumaTau and Wilderness King’s Pool to see these majestic animals in a private, crowd-free setting.
November – March: Green Season Summer in the southern hemisphere brings lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife. In Botswana, the receding Okavango Delta waters attract plains game and predators. Enjoy great rates at key camps during this abundant season.
Specific Considerations by Region:

Okavango Delta: From June to August, the Okavango Delta is in full flood, creating a lush oasis that attracts diverse wildlife. This is the best time for water-based activities like mokoro excursions and boat safaris.
Linyanti: Known for its large elephant population, Linyanti is best visited from May to October when elephants gather in large numbers. This is also a good time for water activities (boat, mokoro, fishing) on the river.
Moremi Game Reserve: The dry season offers excellent game viewing as animals are easier to spot in the thinner vegetation. Predator sightings are more frequent, and birdwatching is superb.

Tip: Consider combining your Botswana Safari with a Namibia trip

when to safari in

Tanzania

January – March: Serengeti Calving Season Experience the Great Migration in Tanzania's Serengeti. Witness the calving season when animals give birth, attracting predators like cheetahs, lions, and hyenas for exceptional wildlife sightings.
June – October: Great Migration Tanzania's dry season offers clear skies, minimal rainfall, and cooler temperatures, making it comfortable for safari activities like game drives and bush walks. This period is ideal for witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti. From June to August, the herds typically gather in the Western Corridor, preparing to cross the Grumeti River. From September to October, they move north towards the Mara River, where dramatic river crossings occur. The dry season offers clearer visibility and better lighting conditions for photography, especially in the morning and late afternoon. With water sources becoming scarce, wildlife tends to gather around rivers and waterholes, providing excellent opportunities for game viewing. This is when you're likely to witness predator-prey interactions and see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Specific Considerations by Region:

Serengeti National Park: June to October is the prime time for game viewing, particularly during the Great Migration. The wildebeest herds are on the move, providing incredible wildlife spectacles.
Ngorongoro Crater: Year-round, the Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife viewing due to its unique ecosystem. However, the dry season (June to October) is ideal for clearer views and higher concentrations of animals.
Tarangire National Park: July to October is the best time to visit Tarangire for large elephant herds and other wildlife congregating around the Tarangire River.

November - May: Green Season The wet season can offer its own unique experiences, such as lush landscapes and birdwatching opportunities. Prices may be lower, especially in the months of April and May. Many migratory bird species arrive in Tanzania during the wet season, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate safari experience.
Tip: Consider combining your Tanzania safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

when to safari in

Kenya

January – February: Short Dry Season Favorable weather, migratory bird watching and calving season in the Maasai Mara. Many herbivores give birth during this time, attracting predators and providing excellent opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions.
March - June: Green Season. Lots of rain, which can make some roads impassable and game viewing more challenging due to the dense vegetation. However, it's the best time for photography, with vibrant landscapes and dramatic skies. It's also the low season, so there are fewer tourists and lower prices!

July – October: Peak Safari Conditions and Great Migration: Witness one of nature's most spectacular events as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores migrate from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Maasai Mara. The river crossings at the Mara River are particularly dramatic. Wildlife is more concentrated, and game viewing is at its best. The chances of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) are high.
November - December: The short rainy season, but still be a good time for a safari as the landscape is lush and green, and fewer tourists. Wildlife is still abundant, and the rains are usually short and sporadic.
Tip: Consider combining your Kenya safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

when to safari in

Rwanda

June – September | December – February: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Trek to see gorillas in Rwanda's pleasant tropical climate. Due to the elevation, it never really gets too warm. Visit Akagera National Park for predictable wildlife sightings around water sources and enjoy walking safaris.
Tip: Consider combining your Rwanda trip with a Tanzania/Kenya Safari

when to safari in

Namibia

April – June: Namibia Transformed by Rains Rainfall transforms Namibia's desert into lush grasslands, attracting wildlife to the temporary rivers. Ideal for boating trips in the northern regions, where you can observe outstanding birdlife.

July – October: Namibia’s Desert-Adapted Wildlife Spot desert-adapted animals in Namibia during the dry season. Enjoy clear skies and cool temperatures while exploring dunes and taking night-time photographs.
Tip: Consider combining your Namibia trip with a Botswana Safari

when to safari in

South Africa

May - October: Dry Season South Africa’s dry season offers mild temperatures during the day and cooler nights, creating comfortable conditions for game drives and other safari activities. With vegetation sparse and water sources reduced, wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, making it easier to spot animals. This period is ideal for seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other iconic species.
Specific Considerations by Region:

Sabi Sands & Kruger National Park: May to September is particularly good for game viewing as animals gather around water sources. August and September are excellent months for wildlife photography.
Eastern Cape Reserves: May to September offers cooler weather and excellent game viewing opportunities.
Madikwe Game Reserve: Located in a malaria-free area, Madikwe is good to visit year-round, but the dry season (May to September) is optimal for wildlife sightings.

November to April: Green Season While the wet season can be less predictable for game viewing due to dense vegetation and sporadic rains, there are still reasons to consider visiting during this time:
The landscape is lush and green, offering beautiful scenery for photography. This period is excellent for birdwatching, as many species are breeding and nesting. Lower Tourist Numbers! Except for the peak holiday season around Christmas and New Year, there are generally fewer tourists, allowing for a more exclusive safari experience.
Tip: Consider combining your South Africa trip with a Botswana Safari

when to safari in

Zambia

June – October: Zambia’s Kafue National Park Explore Kafue National Park’s rivers and wetlands during the dry season. Witness lions, sable and roan antelope, and large herds of lechwe from Wilderness Shumba and Busanga Bush Camp.

July – September: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Activities Visit Zambia's Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for thrilling Devil’s Pool swims, bungee jumps, and helicopter flips. Enjoy boating on the Zambezi River, surrounded by hippos and elephants.

when to safari in

Zimbabwe

March – June: Victoria Falls at Its Best Marvel at the spectacular flow of Victoria Falls after the summer rains. The immense curtain of water is at its peak, best viewed from a helicopter. Enjoy the pleasant sub-tropical climate with cooling spray from the Falls.

April – October: Mana Pools Safari Season Mana Pools in northern Zimbabwe opens for safaris, offering canoeing, walking, and boating amidst stunning landscapes. See elephants, lions, and more along the Zambezi River.

November – December: Zimbabwe’s Summer Season The rainy season begins in Zimbabwe, bringing dramatic thunderstorms and cooling the land. Visit Hwange National Park for spectacular photography and uninterrupted game viewing.

November – March: Green Season in Zimbabwe Summer in the southern hemisphere brings lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife. In Hwange, thick woodlands push animals onto roads for excellent game viewing. Enjoy great rates at key camps during this abundant season.