Best Time For An African Safari

Why Safari Timing Makes a Difference

Africa is vast and climatically diverse, meaning safari seasons vary by region. Your ideal time to travel depends on where you’re going and what you want to see. While safaris are available year-round, understanding Africa’s wet and dry seasons helps you plan around the wildlife highlights and weather patterns that shape the experience.

The Main Dry Season: Ideal for Game Viewing

Across much of sub-Saharan Africa, the long dry season—typically from June to October—is considered the best time for safaris. This period offers cooler temperatures, little rainfall, and sparse vegetation, which means wildlife congregates near remaining water sources and is easier to spot. Countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa all offer outstanding game viewing during these months.

Dry weather also means better road access for game drives and a lower presence of mosquitoes, which is especially important in malaria-prone regions.

The Short Dry Season in East Africa

Unlike much of Southern Africa, Kenya and Tanzania experience two distinct dry seasons. In addition to the long dry season from June to October, there’s a short dry season from late December through February. This lesser-known window can also offer excellent game-viewing conditions, especially in places like the Serengeti.

The short dry season follows the short rains of November and precedes the longer rainy period starting in March. During this time, the landscape is still relatively green from recent rain, yet the skies are clear and the wildlife is active, making it a superb time to visit East Africa without the higher prices and crowds of the peak season.

The Great Migration: Timing is Everything

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, and its timing is critical for those who want to witness it. This natural spectacle involves over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles making a circular journey across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

From July to October, the herds cross the Mara River—often the most dramatic part of the migration—drawing predators and offering incredible photo opportunities. If this is a priority, booking well in advance is recommended, as this period is among the busiest for safaris.

Green Season: Lush Landscapes and Lower Prices

The wet or green season, running from November to April in most regions, has its own set of attractions. Although the rains bring thicker vegetation and can make wildlife harder to spot, the scenery becomes vibrant and lush—ideal for landscape photography.

Birdwatching is at its best during this time, as migratory species arrive in large numbers. Additionally, the green season sees fewer tourists and more competitive pricing from safari lodges, making it a compelling option for those seeking a more peaceful, budget-friendly experience.

Best Safari Months in Southern Africa

In Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the May to October dry season is perfect for spotting game as animals gather around permanent water sources. Botswana’s Okavango Delta is especially rich in wildlife from June to September, when the floodwaters attract wildlife.

South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers reliable game viewing all year, but it’s at its very best during the cool, dry months of June to August.

Shoulder Seasons: The Best of Both Worlds

If you’re looking for a balance between decent wildlife sightings and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons—particularly May and November—can offer an ideal middle ground. These months mark the transition between dry and wet seasons and often provide good game viewing with the added benefit of more moderate prices.

Choosing the Right Time for Your Safari

Deciding when to go on an African safari comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. The long dry season is unmatched for sheer wildlife visibility, the short dry season in East Africa offers another excellent window with fewer crowds, and the green season reveals a lush, quiet beauty that some travellers find more rewarding.

No matter the season, Africa promises remarkable landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and a deep connection with the natural world that lingers long after your journey ends.