WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO ON SAFARI ?
Migration at Ndutu Plains, Tanzania
Deciding when to visit Africa is a great starting point for planning your safari, and depends entirely on what you want to see and experience. As a general rule, Africa is warm and sunny throughout the year. But certain countries, and even regions within those countries, experience a variety of climates.
The key point to remember about the weather is the difference between each region's dry and wet seasons (also known as high and low seasons).
When is the best time to go to Africa?
EASTERN AFRICA
DRY SEASON
January to March, June to October
WET SEASON
April to June, November to December
WILDLIFE SAFARI
Wildebeest herds at Ndutu Plains, Tanzania
Most safari areas in East Africa enjoy warm days, cool evenings and excellent game viewing year-round. It is, however, important to take note of the region's two distinct rainy seasons:
April to May (the ‘long rains')
November to December (the ‘short rains')
Generally, the main rainy season (the long rains) produces tropical downpours in the afternoons and many safari camps close. The short rains season sees the occasional brief shower, but safari camps stay open and game viewing is good.
Most Kenya safari destinations and the major Tanzania safari areas are at their best between January and the end of March as well as June to October, when the climate is mild and dry. However, a safari in the short rainy season (November to December) is well worth considering. Game viewing is still great, the peak season crowds are absent, and you can take advantage of lower rates.
GORILLA TREKKING
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a year-round activity. But if you’re hiking through the rainforests, you’ll certainly appreciate the drier and cooler months of January and February, and June to September.
TROPICAL BEACH HOLIDAY
If it's a tropical beach holiday that you're after, the best time to visit Tanzania’s coast, Zanzibar and other islands is between June and March.
Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is hot and humid all year round and rain can fall at any time. We recommend avoiding Mombasa from about March to May when temperatures and rainfall are at their highest.
The islands of the Seychelles generally have warm, beach-perfect weather all year round. The hottest months are December to April and the wettest are January and February, although showers are generally short, tropical downpours that are followed by more sunshine.
The best time to visit the gorgeous Mauritius is from April to December when the weather is dry and sunny. Avoid visiting Mauritius during the cyclone season from January to March.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
DRY SEASON
May to October
WET SEASON
November to April
EXPERIENCE BEST TIME
Safari in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia May to October
Cape Town beach holiday November to March
Victoria Falls in full flood February to July
Zebra migration in Botswana November to February
Whale watching in South Africa July to November
Mozambique beach holiday May to November
he dry season in Southern Africa runs from about May to October. This is when game viewing (apart from Namibia which is great all year round) is at its best in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia – especially in the hotter, drier months at the end of the season. Thirsty animals congregate at any remaining waterholes, trees are often bare and vegetation is sparse. These conditions make it much easier to see wildlife. It’s often cold at night during mid-winter, but daytime temperatures are mild and the risk of malaria is at its lowest.
The wet season is from about December to March. This is a hot and sometimes humid period, with short but intense bursts of rain. The Southern African landscape is beautifully green at this time of year, the birdwatching is exceptional and many animals give birth, which is a special game viewing experience – especially when predators move in for an easy kill.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Sunrise at Sossusvlei, Namibia
A Cape Town beach holiday is best during peak summer from December to February. Expect bustling beaches, a vibrant nightlife and gloriously sunny festive cheer. By March, most visitors head home, which means better rates and uncrowded beaches until April. It’s also considered the best time to go on honeymoon in Africa.
May to November is when to go to Mozambique for pleasant temperatures and the least chance of rain. January to February is cyclone season in southern Mozambique; we don't recommend travelling during this time.