When planning a safari, the question we hear most often is: When is the best time to go? The answer depends on your priorities—whether you’re drawn to the drama of the Great Migration, the serenity of Botswana’s waterways, or the intimacy of gorilla trekking in the rainforest.
Africa’s safari seasons vary by region, but each offers something unique. By understanding African wildlife seasons, you can align your journey with the natural rhythms that make every safari extraordinary.
Safari Seasons in Africa
The Dry Season (May – October)
Image: Grumeti
The most popular—and often considered the best time for safari. Animals congregate around scarce water sources, vegetation thins out, and predator-prey interactions intensify. Expect consistently clear skies and cooler nights.
The Green/Wet Season (November – April)
Sometimes called the “emerald season,” this is a time of rebirth. Afternoon showers transform landscapes into lush green expanses, migrant birds arrive, and many animals give birth. It’s also a quieter period in terms of visitor numbers, offering exclusivity and value.
African Wildlife Seasons by Region
East Africa – Kenya & Tanzania
East Africa is safari at its most theatrical. The Serengeti and Maasai Mara set the stage for epic wildlife encounters, from wildebeest herds plunging into crocodile-filled rivers to lions and cheetahs drawn by the sheer abundance of prey. The region’s seasonal shifts mean that each month offers a different lens on the wilderness—whether you’re seeking tender calving moments or the adrenaline of a migration crossing.
- January – March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti, with thousands of wildebeest calves born daily—a magnet for predators.
- June – October: Classic dry season game viewing. The Great Migration river crossings peak between July and October in the Maasai Mara.
- November – December: Short rains bring fresh grass and vibrant skies, perfect for photography.
Southern Africa – Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Image: Zambezi Grande
Southern Africa is defined by its waterways. When the Okavango Delta swells with floodwaters, the landscape becomes a labyrinth of channels, islands, and lagoons teeming with life. Walking safaris in Zambia provide a more intimate perspective, while Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is famous for its vast elephant herds. Even in the green season, these countries reveal a softer, more atmospheric side that rewards those who seek immersion over spectacle.
- May – October: Peak safari season. Botswana’s Okavango Delta floods from June to August, offering iconic mokoro excursions. Zambia and Zimbabwe are exceptional for walking safaris and predator action.
- November – April: The Green Season. Lush scenery, abundant birdlife, and fewer visitors. November is particularly good for dramatic predator sightings as the first rains arrive.
South Africa – Kruger & Private Reserves
South Africa is a year-round destination with the flexibility to match different travel styles. In winter, game viewing in Kruger and private reserves like Sabi Sands is exceptional, with predators more easily spotted in the sparse bush. Summer brings new energy: antelope calves dot the plains, migrant birds arrive, and the skies fill with rolling thunderstorms. Many travellers choose to pair safari with Cape Town or the Winelands, creating a journey that blends wilderness with culture and coast.
- May – September: Prime game-viewing months with excellent visibility and concentrated wildlife.
- October – April: Warmer months bring dramatic thunderstorms, newborn animals, and colourful birdlife. The Cape region is also at its best from November to March—perfect for combining safari and sea.
Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe & Zambia
The changing moods of Victoria Falls are tied to the Zambezi River. At its peak, the spray is so intense it feels like walking through a thunderstorm, while in drier months, hidden rock formations emerge and thrill-seekers can swim at the edge in Devil’s Pool. Combining a visit here with nearby safari areas in Hwange or Chobe makes for an unforgettable blend of natural wonder and wildlife adventure.
- March – May: Peak water flow, when the Falls are most powerful and dramatic.
- June – August: Slightly lower water levels, offering clearer views and better opportunities for adventure activities like white-water rafting.
- September – December: Lower flows reveal the rock formations and Devil’s Pool.
Uganda & Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking
Image: Kwitonda, Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most transformative experiences. Deep in the misty rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda, the encounter is shaped less by safari seasons and more by your willingness to trek through dense jungle. The drier months provide easier access, but even in wetter times, the reward is the same: sitting quietly, face-to-face with a gorilla family, and experiencing a connection few other places on earth can offer.
- June – September / December – February: Drier months are the best time for safari here, with more manageable trekking conditions.
- March – May / October – November: Wet seasons make trails slippery, but lush forests and fewer visitors enhance the sense of adventure.
Month-by-Month Safari Calendar
- January – March: Serengeti calving season, birding across Southern Africa, excellent gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda.
- April – May: Peak Victoria Falls, lush landscapes, great photography opportunities, shoulder-season value.
- June – July: Prime time for Southern Africa safaris, Okavango Delta at its fullest, start of Mara river crossings.
- August – September: Optimal game viewing across Africa, dramatic migration crossings, dry season wildlife concentrations.
- October: Still excellent in most regions, with fewer crowds as high season winds down.
- November – December: Green season begins—ideal for birding, newborn animals, and lower rates without sacrificing quality.
Choosing the Best Time for Your Safari
Image: Chase Wells
There is no single “perfect” time—only the best time for your safari goals. Whether that’s predator action, seasonal migrations, or peaceful green landscapes, the options can feel overwhelming when you start planning.
That’s where SafariScapes comes in. By connecting with us and sharing what excites you most, we’ll take the guesswork out of it. Our team will align your travel dreams with Africa’s natural rhythms, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right season for the experiences that matter most to you.
Your journey is more than a holiday—it’s about being guided with expertise, care, and insider knowledge so that every day feels like a privilege. Enquire now to start planning your dream safari.
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