The When and Where of Africa Travel: Your Month-by-Month Guide
When should I visit? This is one of the most common questions we get asked. Africa is a beautiful, wildly vast and varied continent. Head out on a classic safari in Kenya, learn about the Maasai culture, explore the desert in Namibia or wine and dine at some of the world’s most notable vineyards in South Africa. The possibilities here are endless!
With such a range of different experiences on offer, it can be challenging to know where and when to travel. Travelling throughout Africa is generally considered a year-round destination, but here are our suggestions based on the experiences to be had across the seasons. This is a guide only and we are here to assist with planning your ideal Africa journey.
January
Considered one of the best times to travel in South Africa, January brings warm sunny weather, excellent for exploring the Garden Route with the perfect mix of wineries and rugged coastline. This is also the prime time to enjoy all that Cape Town has to offer, from climbing Table Mountain, exploring Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, touring the Cape of Good Hope, witnessing the Boulders Penguin Colony or even enjoying the vibrant colours of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, there’s something for everyone.
Travelling in Kenya during January is a perfect time of year. Although the country will be warm with some short rains in the Mara region and the migration will be in Tanzania, the safari activity is always outstanding. As well as embarking on a safari in the Mara region, you can also take advantage of this time of year in the Samburu National Reserve for wildlife viewing and activities.
February
The drier months in Rwanda bring superb Gorilla Trekking conditions and, similar to January, is a popular month of travel.
February in Tanzania marks the beginning of the short dry season. Days will be warm with the highest average hours of sunshine and the flora will be lush and green from the recent rainy season. It is also a special time of the year in the Southern Serengeti with the wildebeest birthing season in full swing, and you’ll experience plains dotted with herds of wildlife. Plus, February is an ideal month to trek Mt Kilimanjaro.
This is also a great month to soak up the warmth and crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar, where you’ll enjoy less crowds and more tranquility before the high season later in the year. It’s an excellent time to enjoy some peaceful island moments before or after your safari adventure!
March
By this time of the year, the rain in Botswana is beginning to slow. The landscape will be green, almost in full bloom, and wildlife, particularly the elephants, will be enjoying the flowing rivers, perfect for observing these majestic animals in all their glory.
After the summer rains, Victoria Falls is flowing almost at its magnificent fullest during March. This also marks the Green Season in Zimbabwe which brings vibrant colours throughout the landscape along with many feeding animals, resulting in breathtaking photography, without the crowds!
April
April in Namibia is beginning to cool down and is considered a very pleasant time of the year. The change in season brings clear skies day and night, perfect for photographers, especially given the vibrancy of this time of the year after the rain. The clarity in the weather makes it much easier for you to spot wildlife, and April being shoulder season allows you to enjoy the beauty of this country with significantly less travellers, making it more special.
Autumn in South Africa is beautiful; the days are warm, and the evenings are cool. It’s an excellent time to explore the Winelands region, where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a nice glass of cabernet sauvignon from Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. It’s a great time to safari in Kruger National Park where mating season is in full swing and the grass a bit shorter to witness wildlife navigating the savanna.
May
Teeming wildlife (including many newborns), lush rainforests, and unique flora are just a few of the reasons that make visiting Madagascar in May an excellent travel opportunity. You may experience short downpours, which will be closely followed by wildlife coming back out to play as the sun reappears. Lemurs, reptiles and large birds love this time of the year, so keep your eyes peeled!
June
June in Zambia sees vegetation beginning to thin due to the start of the dry season. This means days will be warm, and you’re likely to have a higher chance of game viewing due to the landscape being less dense when compared to wetter months.
Botswana’s peak season begins in June, and there’s no question as to why – prime wildlife viewing takes place during this time of the year. Herds congregate seeking water in flood plains, new wild dog litters are born, and you can expect many elephant, buffalo and zebra sightings. This time of the year can be cool in the evenings and overnight, so be sure to pack some warmer clothes.
July
In July, the Great Migration will have reached the Northern Serengeti and will begin preparing to cross the mighty Mara River in Tanzania. With extensive game viewing opportunities, you’ll want to maximise your time and see a range of national parks. If you’re seeking elephant herds, Tarangire will be a fantastic option for you. The Ngorongoro Crater is known for having one of the highest density of animals, here you’ll find the Big 5, along with hyena, zebra and many more. In the Serengeti, you’ll search for wildebeest ‘mega’ herds, and the predators which follow. This is the ultimate African wildlife experience and a truly privileged time of year to witness.
Marking the end of the dry season, Uganda in July is a beautiful month to visit for Gorilla Trekking and safaris as the wildlife seek water sources, creating excellent viewing opportunities.
August
The Great Migration herds will crossing the grueling Mara River and taking up residence in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Predators will be extremely active during August due to the migration, including crocodiles, lions and many larger predators.
Expect warm sunshine, clear skies and soft sea breezes in Zanzibar during August. This is a great opportunity to combine a safari in Kenya or Tanzania with a beachside break in Zanzibar, the perfect mix of wildlife, adventure and relaxation.
September
If warmth and sunshine is what you’re seeking, South Africa in September may be the place for you. It’s a superb time of year for safari in the private game reserves in Greater Kruger National Park and you will not be disappointed with the wildlife activity. The wildflowers and greenery along the Northern Cape are also a sight to behold this time of year. Another option is exploring the coast in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, where you might be lucky enough to spot Southern Right Whales returning from their migration.
One of the best months for snorkelling, diving and viewing marine life in Mozambique is September, where you can expect clear and calm waters, complete with tropical warm weather. The humpback whale migration begins this month allowing for spectacular whale watching. A Mozambique beach escape is an easy combination with direct flights to/from a South African safari.
October
With around 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the world, trekking into the forest to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a profound privilege. Rwanda and Uganda are renowned for Gorilla Trekking, and travelling in the dry season (June-early October) is likely to provide you with the best experience, due to the terrain being less muddy. It’s also easier to track and monitor the Gorillas during calmer weather which means you’re likely to find them sooner and can maximise your opportunity of observing.
November
November in the Seychelles is warm and humid, but perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving as the water visibility is at its peak due to the lack of wind and calm ocean. Hawksbill turtles will be laying their eggs during this time of the year which is a special moment to observe. It’s also a great time to soak it in before the crowds arrive in December.
Travelling to South Africa in November you’ll experience the best of both worlds – bush and beach. Safari in South Africa is year-round and November is generally warm and dry, officially the start of the green season where game viewing is still excellent, with young summer-born animals adapting to the wild environments of the game reserves. Plus enjoy the coastal lifestyle in and around Cape Town and the peninsula.
December
A great time of year to enjoy safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. This shoulder season can experience short rains, but overall the weather is pleasant. Game viewing in Kenya and Tanzania is great year-round, but December is superb for birdwatching and in Tanzania it’s calving season for antelopes and wildebeest, where the prey activity is high, making for an action-packed safari experience.
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