The Best Time To Go On An African Safari: A Month-by-Month Guide
Alright, let’s cut through the generic “dry season is best” chatter. Planning an African safari? You’re probably drowning in conflicting advice. The truth? There is no single “best” time for everyone. Africa is vast, wildly diverse, and what makes a trip perfect for you might be a deal-breaker for someone else. Want epic wildebeest river crossings? Obsessed with seeing newborn animals? Determined to trek mountain gorillas? On a tight budget? Hate crowds? Love lush landscapes for photography? Your priorities are the compass here.
Think of this guide as your friendly, slightly opinionated campfire chat. We’ll break down Africa’s safari seasons simply, then dive deep month-by-month, highlighting the unique vibes, wildlife spectacles (including those incredible gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda!), crowd levels, and value sweet spots. Let’s find your* golden window.
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips, destinations, and travel deals. If you are looking for a budget-friendly travel and hotel deals, I recommend Expedia Travel Group.
Safari Seasons 101: Beyond “Dry” vs “Wet”
Dry Season (Often “High Season” – Roughly May/June to October):
The Good: Wildlife clusters around shrinking waterholes. Easier viewing, thinner vegetation. Fewer mosquitoes (lower malaria risk). Generally sunny days. Peak time for iconic events like the Great Migration river crossings.
The Not-So-Good: “Peak” also means peak prices and peak people. Dusty landscapes. Can get surprisingly chilly on morning game drives, especially in the south (pack layers!).
Regional Twist: Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia) typically dries out earlier and more consistently than East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania). East Africa’s peak aligns tightly with the Migration.
Wet/Green Season (Often “Low Season” – Roughly November to April):
The Good (Call it the “Emerald Season”!): Explosion of green! Lush, photogenic landscapes. Dramatic skies. Fewer crowds = more intimate safari feels. Significantly lower prices. Awesome birdlife (migrants arrive). Baby animals galore! Victoria Falls is thunderous.
The Not-So-Good: Rain can disrupt drives (some roads become impassable). Wildlife spreads out, making sightings potentially trickier. Higher mosquito activity = higher malaria risk. Humidity can be intense. Some camps close. Go Gorilla trekking with Sokwe Adventure Safaris
Regional Twist: East Africa often has two wet periods: the “Long Rains” (approx. March-May) and “Short Rains” (approx. November-December). Southern Africa’s main wet season is usually November-March.
Shoulder Seasons (The Sweet Spot?): These are the transition months (e.g., April/May, October/November). You often get a fantastic mix: decent weather, fewer crowds than peak, lower prices than high season, and landscapes that aren’t at their driest or wettest extreme. Savvy travelers love these windows!
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips, destinations, and travel deals. If you are looking for a budget-friendly travel and hotel deals, I recommend Expedia Travel Group.
Here’s the real meat, blending classic safari action with the lowdown on trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). Remember, gorilla trekking is year-round, but conditions vary dramatically! Get a tailored Safari Itinerary with Sokwe Adventure Safaris
1. January: New Year, New Life!
East Africa: Head to Tanzania’s Serengeti (specifically the Ndutu area) for the heart-wrenching, action-packed **wildebeest calving season**. Thousands of babies born daily = non-stop predator action! Ngorongoro Crater is lush and stunning. Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW): One of the **driest, best windows! Trails in Bwindi (Uganda) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are relatively firm, skies clearer. Expect high demand for permits. Pack layers – it can be cool at altitude.
Southern Africa: Deep in the Green Season. It’s vibrant, wet, and wonderfully uncrowded. Birding is phenomenal. Victoria Falls is at its most powerful (prepare to get soaked at viewpoints!). Great value and photographic opportunities. Can be hot and humid.
Perfect For: Calving spectacle, gorilla trekking with easier conditions, photographers loving green, avoiding crowds, value seekers.
2. February: Love (and Predators) is in the Air
3. March: The Great Shift Begins.
4. April: Embrace the Mud (or Avoid It!)
5. May: The Sweet Spot Beckons**
East Africa: Rains ease off. The migration is moving through the Western Serengeti towards the Grumeti River. Gorilla parks are incredibly lush. Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW): Rains decrease, especially later in May. Trails are muddy but improving daily. The scenery is spectacularly green. A **great shoulder season option** – better prices and fewer people than peak dry months, with improving conditions.
Southern Africa: Dry Season Kicks Off! Game viewing ramps up significantly as waterholes become magnets. Landscapes start to dry but aren’t brown yet. Crowds are still moderate (except maybe towards end of month). Excellent time for Botswana (Okavango water levels rising), Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Top pick for starting Southern Africa explorations. CLICK HERE FOR All Zambia Tours & Excursions in 2025
Perfect For: Gorilla trekking with shoulder perks, the start of prime game viewing in the south, avoiding peak season prices/crowds, Botswana water-based safaris.
6. June: Peak Season Gates Open
East Africa:** Dry season settles in. The migration masses in the Western Serengeti (Grumeti River crossings possible!). Kenya’s Masai Mara eagerly awaits the herds’ arrival. **Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW): Hello dry trails! Excellent trekking conditions return. Less mud, more sun. Demand for permits skyrockets. Book *now* if you haven’t!
Southern Africa:Peak Season Begins! Fantastic game viewing across the board – Kruger, Chobe, Okavango, Kalahari. Cool, dry weather (cold mornings!). Crowds and prices noticeably increase. Ideal for Kalahari desert-adapted wildlife.
Perfect For: Prime gorilla trekking conditions, start of Migration river drama (Grumeti), excellent Southern Africa game viewing, desert safaris.
East Africa: PEAK SEASON! The Great Migration river crossings are in full swing – first at the Grumeti, then kicking into high gear at the Mara River. Expect incredible drama, massive crowds, and premium prices. General game viewing is superb. Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW): Prime time continues. Perfect dry weather. This is
permitting crunch time – book many months (like, 9-12!) in advance. Highest costs.
Southern Africa: Peak Season in full effect. Kruger and others offer stellar sightings. Bring warm gear for freezing morning drives! Victoria Falls flow is lower but still impressive. Chobe’s elephant concentrations are legendary.
Perfect For: Witnessing the legendary Mara River crossings, optimal gorilla trekking (if you booked early!), classic Southern Africa game drives, elephant lovers (Chobe).
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips, destinations, and travel deals. If you are looking for a budget-friendly travel and hotel deals, I recommend Expedia Travel Group.
8. August: Peak Perfection (and Prices)
East Africa: Migration crossings in the Mara typically hit their peak. Busy, expensive, and utterly spectacular. Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW): Dry season bliss persists. Ideal conditions, maximum demand. You get what you pay for – perfection comes at a price (and requires extreme advance planning).
Southern Africa: Arguably the absolute pinnacle for game viewing in many areas. Very dry, wildlife glued to water sources. Huge elephant herds in Chobe and Mana Pools (Zimbabwe). Namibia’s desert wildlife is easily spotted. Crowded and costly.
Perfect For: Peak Migration action, flawless gorilla trekking, ultimate Southern Africa game concentrations, desert wildlife viewing.
9. September: The Dry Season Grand Finale
East Africa: Still peak season. The migration spreads out across the vast Masai Mara. Excellent viewing continues. Crowds might ease slightly towards month’s end.
Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW):Still stellar dry season conditions. Demand remains very high, but perhaps a tiny bit less frantic than July/August. Arguably one of the best overall months.
Southern Africa: Often hailed as the “best” overall month.Extremely dry, forcing incredible wildlife gatherings at water. Hotter days. **Prime time for unique experiences:** Canoe safaris in Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) are magical as animals come right to the river’s edge. Dry = high predator action. BOOK HERE All Kruger National Park Tours & Excursions in 2025
Perfect For: Superb all-around game viewing (South), unique water-based safaris (Mana Pools), continued great gorilla trekking, predator action.
October: Heat, Dust & Last-Chance Drama
East Africa: End of peak season. Migration herds start their journey back south out of the Mara. Still very dry and good for general sightings, but getting hot. Prices might dip late month. Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW): The dry spell ends. **”Short Rains” can start late Oct (especially in Bwindi).** Early-mid month usually offers good conditions; late month brings increasing mud and rain. A potential value sweet spot compared to peak summer.
Southern Africa: End of peak. Extremely dry and hot. Wildlife is desperate for water, leading to **intense predator action** around scarce resources. Crowds lessen, and good value emerges, especially late month. Not for the heat-averse!
Perfect For: Late Migration views, gorilla trekking before the heavy rains (aim early), budget-conscious travellers finding late peak value, intense predator encounters (South), Mana Pools canoe safaris.
November: Emerald Season Welcomes You Back
East Africa: “Short Rains” begin. The landscape transforms almost overnight. Migration is moving south through the Serengeti. Shoulder season perks: lower prices, fewer crowds, returning birdlife. Can be unpredictable.
Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW): Green season proper. Regular rain means muddy trails are back. Lush forests, fewer tourists on the paths, easier permit booking, lower lodge rates. Requires good gear and fitness for slippery hikes.
Southern Africa: Green Season begins! First rains bring instant relief and color. Migrant birds return in force. Low prices and minimal crowds. Some remote areas become inaccessible due to mud. Fantastic value if you embrace the rain potential.
Perfect For: Gorilla trekking with green season perks (value, fewer people, lushness), budget safaris, birders, photographers capturing the transformation, avoiding crowds.
December: Festive Season & New Growth
East Africa: Solidly Green Season. Lush scenery, amazing birdlife. Wildebeest reach the Southern Serengeti plains. Holiday Period (mid-Dec to Jan 1st) Peak demand and prices – book a year+ ahead! Outside holidays, shoulder/green season benefits apply. Gorilla Trekking (UG/RW) Similar to November – rainy season conditions. Book impossibly early for Christmas/New Year treks! Otherwise, enjoy the green season advantages (value, scenery, easier permits mid-month).
Southern Africa: Green Season. Festive Season = Peak Demand! Book lodges and flights WAY in advance. Lush landscapes, newborn animals, superb birding. Coastal combos (e.g., South Africa + Cape Town) are popular. Rain disruptions possible.
Perfect For: Festive season celebrations (book early!), gorilla trekking outside peak holiday dates (value!), green landscapes, newborn animal sightings, beach & bush combos (South Africa coast).
Beyond the Calendar: What REALLY Defines Your Best Time?
Choosing isn’t just about the month. Ask yourself:
1. What’s Your #1 Wildlife Dream?
2. What’s Your Budget?
High Season (Jun-Oct) Premium prices. Gorilla permits are fixed cost (Rwanda $1500, Uganda $800 Foreign Non-Resident) but flights/lodges peak.
Green/Low Season (Nov-Apr): Significant savings on camps/lodges (20-40%+). Gorilla permits are same price, but lodging/flights cheaper.
Shoulder Seasons (Apr/May, Oct/Nov): Often the best balance of price and conditions. Gorilla trekking in May/Oct can be great value.
3. Can You Handle Crowds?
4. What Kind of Photos Do You Want?
5. Which Region/Calls to You?** This is HUGE! East vs South have different seasonal rhythms. Gorilla trekking adds Uganda/Rwanda into the mix. Choose your parks first, then fine-tune the timing.
6. What Activities Excite You? Walking safaris? Best in dry season. Canoe safaris (Mana Pools)? Prime Aug-Oct. Hot air balloons? Dry season visibility. Gorilla trekking? Requires fitness year-round, more so when muddy.
Safari Timing FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (Honestly!)
Q: Okay, seriously, just give me ONE best month overall!
A: I won’t lie – it’s tempting! For classic, all-around Southern Africa game viewing, September is hard to beat. For the Great Migration river crossings, July-August in the Mara is iconic. But if gorilla trekking is your priority, June or September offer great weather *and* slightly less insane demand than July/August. See? It depends!
Q: When can I get the CHEAPEST safari deal?
A: Hands down, Green Season (Low Season). Think November to March/April in the south, and April-May & November in the east. Gorilla permits cost the same year-round, but lodge rates and flights drop significantly. Shoulder seasons (April, May, October, November) also offer sweet value spots. Be prepared for rain potential!
Q: When exactly is the Great Migration happening? I’m confused!
A: It’s a constant, year-round cycle! Don’t get hung up on just crossings:
Dec-Mar: Calving in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
Apr-May: Moving West/North through Serengeti
May-Jul: Grumeti River area (crossings possible)
Jul-Oct: Masai Mara, Kenya (Mara River crossings peak)
Q: Isn’t the rainy season just awful for a safari?
A: Absolutely not! The “Green Season” or “Emerald Season” has major perks: stunning scenery, lower prices, fewer crowds, amazing birdlife, baby animals. Yes, rain can disrupt things, wildlife is more spread out, and malaria risk is higher. But for photographers and value seekers who embrace adventure, it’s magical. For **gorillas**, wet season means tougher hikes but lush forests and fewer people sharing your moment.
Q: How bad is the malaria risk, really? When’s it worst?
A: It’s a real concern, especially in lowland areas. Risk is generally highest during/just after rainy seasons (more mosquitoes). Always consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip for the best prophylaxis for your specific destinations and timing. **For gorilla trekking:** The high altitude of Bwindi and Volcanoes NP makes malaria transmission *in the parks themselves* very rare, but precautions are still essential. Risk is higher in surrounding lowland areas. Create a 15-foot no-bite zone at sundowners during malaria season
Q: Best time for a safari with kids?
A: Dry season (May-Oct South, Jul-Oct East) is generally easier: predictable weather, fewer bugs, easier travel. Malaria risk is lower. Choose family-friendly lodges! Gorilla Trekking Note: Minimum age is usually 15 years old. For families with teens, dry season offers easier physical conditions.
Q: Any malaria-FREE safari options? (Please say yes!)
A: Yes! Great news for families or those concerned:
South Africa: Madikwe GR, Pilanesberg NP, Waterberg Region, Eastern Cape Reserves (e.g., Shamwari, private reserves near Addo Elephant NP – Addo itself has low risk but isn’t zero).
Gorilla Parks (Bonus!): While not officially malaria-free, the high altitude of Bwindi Forest (Uganda) and Volcanoes NP (Rwanda) makes transmission incredibly rare within the parks. You still MUST take prophylaxis as recommended, but the risk *there* is minimal. The drive to Bwindi from lower altitudes carries more risk. Secure your $800 Uganda gorilla permit 6-12 months early
Q: How INSANELY early do I need to book, especially for gorillas?
A: GORILLA PERMITS ARE YOUR #1 PRIORITY TO BOOK!
Dry Season (Jun-Sep & Dec-Feb): Book permits 6-12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE.** Rwanda and popular Uganda sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga) sell out fastest. Seriously, book these *before* flights or lodges!
Wet Season (Mar-May, Oct-Nov): 3-6 months is often okay for permits, but book popular lodges early, especially near holidays.
Peak Safari Season (Jul-Oct): Book lodges/flights 12+ months outfor top camps in popular parks (Serengeti, Mara, Okavango, Sabi Sands).
Festive Season (Dec-Jan): Book everything 12+ months ahead.
Green Season/Shoulder:Can often book 6-9 months ahead comfortably, but earlier is always better for choice.
The Bottom Line: Your Dream Safari Awaits
Forget the pressure to pick the “official” best time. Your perfect African safari moment is as unique as you are. **Define what matters most:** Is it locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in the mist (and are you cool with muddy trails for a cheaper, quieter experience)? Witnessing a thousand wildebeest plunge into a crocodile-infested river? Having a waterhole all to yourself at sunset? Stretching your budget further?
Use this month-by-month guide as your starting point. Cross-reference your top priorities (wildlife! budget! crowds! experiences!) with the regions and parks calling your name. Then, talk to a reputable safari specialist. They live and breathe this stuff, know current conditions, lodge quirks, and hidden gems, and can tailor a trip that hits your sweet spot. Africa’s magic is waiting – now go find your perfect time to experience it!
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services I genuinely trust and believe in
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips, destinations, and travel deals. If you are looking for a budget-friendly travel and hotel deals, I recommend Expedia Travel Group.
