What is the best month to visit Africa for a safari? The question matters when planning an African safari. The time of the year or month matters in enhancing your African safari expedition!
Are you thinking of the best month to visit Africa for safaris? It depends on various factors- the type of safari, the specific destination, and your budget. The best time for a safari in Africa is during the dry season (June to October).
Africa is known for its magnificent and diverse wildlife, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for wildlife safaris. Factors- like weather patterns, migration patterns, and peak tourist seasons matter when planning an African safari.
Let us discuss the best time for Africa safaris, month-wise.
January:
January is an excellent time to visit East Africa, particularly Tanzania, and Kenya. The Great Migration herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles are in the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In Southern Africa, January marks the peak of the rainy season. It is an ideal time to see lush vegetation and newborn animals.
February:
February is another ideal time to witness the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya- as the herds continue to calve in the southern Serengeti. In Southern Africa, the rainy season continues making some regions challenging to access. However, it is a great time to see birdlife and some animals giving birth.
March:
In March, the Great Migration herds move towards the western Serengeti and Grumeti Reserves. March month also marks the end of the rainy season in Southern Africa. It is an excellent time for wildlife viewing as animals graze on the newly green vegetation.
April:
April is a shoulder season in East Africa, as the herds start to cross the Grumeti River, and fewer tourists visit the region. In Southern Africa, the weather is cooling down, and the grass is still green, making it an ideal time to see predators on the hunt.
May:
May marks the beginning of the dry season in East Africa, and the Great Migration herds start moving northwards towards the Masai Mara. The weather is still cool in Southern Africa, and the vegetation is thinning out. It is the best time for wildlife viewing in Southern Africa.
June:
June is an ideal time to visit East Africa, particularly the Masai Mara, as the Great Migration herds start arriving. In Southern Africa, the weather is still pleasant, and wildlife is easy to spot as they gather around water sources.
July:
July is peak tourist season in East Africa, as the Great Migration herds are in the Masai Mara, and the weather is dry and sunny. Southern Africa's climate is also dry, making it an ideal time to visit the parks in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
August:
August is another peak tourist season month in East Africa, and the Great Migration herds continue to graze in the Masai Mara. In Southern Africa, the weather is still dry, and wildlife is easy to spot around water sources.
September:
In September, the Great Migration herds move to Tanzania from the Masai Mara, crossing the Mara River. The weather in Southern Africa starts to warm up, and it's a great time to see animals gathering around water sources.
October:
October marks the start of the rainy season in East Africa. You can visit the parks in Tanzania and Kenya as the crowds start thinning out. In Southern Africa, the weather is hot, and it's an excellent time to see newborn animals.
November:
November is a shoulder season in East Africa, and the weather is unpredictable. However, it is perfect to see migratory birds in Tanzania and Kenya. In Southern Africa, the weather is hot, and wildlife is easy to spot around water sources.
December:
December marks the start of the short dry season in East Africa. It is an ideal time to visit the parks in Tanzania and Kenya as the vegetation is still green, and there are fewer tourists. In Southern Africa, December is an ideal time to visit the parks in Botswana, as the Okavango Delta starts to flood, creating a unique wildlife viewing experience.
Conclusion:
An African safari can happen at any time of year.
Regardless of the season, going on an African safari is a memorable experience. It does not matter what time of year you go. On safari, luck is always a factor, whether in the dry or wet season.
You will have the best time on your African safari if you are prepared and bring a healthy dose of adventure!
About the Author
KIBOKO SAFARIS can help you plan and book the best African safari packages from USA. Contact their experts to know- what is the best month to visit Africa for safaris according to your preferences!