When to Travel for the Best Wildlife, Weather, and Luxury Safari Experience
One of the most common questions I get from clients who are planning a safari is:
“When is the best time to go?”
The truth is, there’s no single answer, because the best time depends on what you want in your experience. Whether you’re dreaming of predator action on the Serengeti, quiet mornings in the Okavango Delta, or lush green landscapes filled with newborn animals, there’s a perfect safari season for you.
In this post, I’ll break it down month-by-month so you can decide when to go, where to go — and what to expect.
First, A Quick Note on Safari Seasons
Africa’s safari destinations generally follow two main seasons:
- Dry Season (May to October):
Cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitos, and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around shrinking water sources.
- Green/Wet Season (November to April):
Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, great birding, and a chance to see newborn animals — but more rain and dense foliage can make animals harder to spot.
📆 Month-by-Month Safari Guide
January – Calving Season in East Africa
- Best for: Tanzania’s Serengeti, Kenya’s Maasai Mara (Southern)
- Why go: The Great Migration’s calving season begins. Thousands of wildebeest are born on the southern plains — and predators aren’t far behind. Expect dramatic scenes and green, photogenic landscapes.
- Good to know: Afternoon showers possible; fewer crowds.
February – Baby Animals & Big Cats
- Best for: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (Both in Tanzania)
- Why go: Calving continues, and big cats like lions and cheetahs are especially active. Photographers love the dramatic skies and soft green backdrops.
- Good to know: Great for shoulder-season luxury pricing.
March – Lush and Quiet
- Best for: Tanzania, Rwanda (gorilla trekking)
- Why go: A peaceful time with fewer travelers. The bush is at its greenest, and the birdlife is spectacular!
- Good to know: Rain increases; some lodges begin to close for low season.
April – Green Season Solitude
- Best for: Southern Tanzania, Uganda
- Why go: Still lush and very quiet — ideal for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a bit of rain. (Prices are usually a bit lower as well!)
- Good to know: Some camps close temporarily; be sure to check availability with your planner.
May – Dry Season Begins in Southern Africa
- Best for: South Africa (Kruger), Botswana, Namibia
- Why go: The bush begins to thin, wildlife viewing improves, and temperatures are pleasant. This is a sweet spot before high-season pricing kicks in.
- Good to know: Fewer bugs, better visibility.
June – Classic Safari Weather
- Best for: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia
- Why go: Cool mornings, clear skies, and animals begin gathering near rivers and watering holes.
- Good to know: A top choice for first-time safari-goers seeking iconic experiences.
July – Peak Season in East & Southern Africa
- Best for: Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia
- Why go: The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti, and game viewing is phenomenal everywhere. Dry, clear, and crisp — a classic safari month.
- Good to know: Peak season pricing; book early for top lodges.
August – Wildlife Galore
- Best for: Maasai Mara (Kenya), South Luangwa (Zambia), Okavango Delta (Botswana)
- Why go: Massive wildlife concentrations, especially in Kenya. Excellent predator sightings, river crossings, and immersive drives.
- Good to know: High demand; ideal for multi-generational family safaris.
September – Still Spectacular, Fewer Crowds
- Best for: Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana
- Why go: Perfect balance of top-tier game viewing and a slight drop in tourist numbers. Dry and excellent for walking safaris.
- Good to know: Many muti-safari goers say this is their favorite time to go!
October – Intense Wildlife Viewing
- Best for: Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
- Why go: It’s hot and dry, but the wildlife is incredible. Animals are concentrated around water sources, and predator activity is high.
- Good to know: Great time to combine safari with Victoria Falls or a beach extension.
November – Green Season Begins
- Best for: Kenya, Northern Tanzania, Namibia
- Why go: First rains bring new life to the bush. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and dramatic scenery make it a hidden gem for adventurous travelers.
- Good to know: Still good game viewing in many areas, especially private conservancies.
December – Quiet, Magical, and Wild
- Best for: Serengeti (southern), Rwanda
- Why go: Holidays in the bush are magical. You’ll see lush landscapes, dramatic storms, and begin to catch the early stages of the calving season again.
- Good to know: Book early for festive season travel — top lodges fill fast.
💼 When Should You Go?
There’s no wrong time, only the right time for you. That’s where I come in.
Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, go on a honeymoon in the green season, or build a multi-country, private-guided luxury safari — I’ll help you choose the perfect time, place, and experience based on your goals.
Some clients love dry season predictability. Others want the magic of green landscapes and fewer people. With careful planning, every safari can be unforgettable!
Let’s Work Together!
I would love to meet you and get to know all about your dream vacation! So, if you’re ready, schedule your first travel consultation with me now! Not quite ready to start planning yet? Get inspired HERE, and check out my Planning Process to see how I work.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this article, and I do hope you’ve found the information in it valuable. Please remember to like and subscribe so that you never miss out on my travel tips and updates! And don’t forget to share this article with everyone you believe might benefit from the information.
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