After planning thousands of safaris for first-time travelers, we know the question that causes the most anxiety: “When is the best time to go?” It’s the first step in a complex process, and the fear of getting it wrong—of spending a life-changing amount of money only to arrive in the pouring rain—is real. The internet offers a dizzying amount of climate charts and conflicting advice.
But here’s the honest truth from over 50 years of combined experience in the African bush: the single biggest mistake is searching for the best time instead of the best time for you. This guide will help you determine the best time to go on safari in Africa by region, not just based on weather, but on what you truly want to experience. We’ll help you cut through the noise and plan with confidence.
First, a Crucial Insight: The “Best Time” Depends Entirely on You
Before you look at a single weather chart, ask yourself a different set of questions:
- What is your absolute must-see? Is it the thundering herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration, or is it seeing newborn animals take their first steps?
- What is your tolerance for crowds? Are you willing to share a sighting with other vehicles for a prime-time view, or do you crave a feeling of wild isolation?
- What is your budget? Are you looking for the best possible value, or is this a no-expense-spared bucket-list trip?
- What is your ideal landscape? Do you dream of classic, golden savannahs, or are you intrigued by lush, green scenery with dramatic skies?
The answers to these questions are far more important than average rainfall. Your perfect safari hinges on matching your personal travel style to the right season and place.
Africa’s Safari Seasons Explained: Dry Season vs. Green Season
Africa’s vastness means seasons vary dramatically by region, but most safari destinations operate on a rhythm of a “Dry Season” and a “Wet” or “Green Season.” Understanding the difference is key to your planning.
The Dry Season: Prime Time for Wildlife Viewing
Typically falling between June and October in most of East and Southern Africa, the Dry Season is the most popular time for safari, and for good reason.
- Concentrated Wildlife: Water becomes scarce, so animals congregate in huge numbers around the few remaining rivers and waterholes, making them easier to find.
- Thinner Vegetation: The bush thins out, making it easier to spot elusive animals like leopards and rhinos.
- Pleasant Weather: You can expect clear blue skies, lots of sunshine, and very few mosquitos. Days are warm and nights are cool.
Expert Tip: The Dry Season is considered “peak season.” While the game viewing is phenomenal, it comes with higher prices and more visitors. It’s essential to book 9-12 months in advance, especially for popular parks like the Serengeti or Kruger.
The Green Season: A Time for Babies, Birds, and Bargains
The Green Season (often November to April) is when the rains arrive, transforming the landscape into a vibrant, emerald wonderland. Many travelers overlook this period, but they’re missing out on something special.
- New Life: This is the calving and birthing season for many species. The plains are filled with adorable young animals, which also means more predator action.
- Fewer Crowds & Lower Prices: With fewer visitors, you often feel like you have the wilderness to yourself. Many lodges and operators offer fantastic rates.
- Spectacular Scenery: The landscapes are lush and green, and the afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic, moody skies perfect for photography. It’s also the best time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive.
Your At-a-Glance Guide: The Best Safari Destinations by Month
Feeling overwhelmed? Use this table as a starting point to see which regions shine throughout the year.
| Month | Best Regions & Key Highlights |
| January | Tanzania (Southern Serengeti): Wildebeest calving season begins. Uganda/Rwanda: Excellent for gorilla trekking. |
| February | Tanzania (Ndutu): Peak calving season—incredible predator action. Kenya: Dry and warm, great general game viewing. |
| March | Tanzania/Kenya: Good general game viewing before the long rains. South Africa: Still warm and pleasant. |
| April | Botswana (Okavango Delta): The delta begins to flood, attracting wildlife. Namibia: Cooler temperatures, great for photography. |
| May | Botswana/Zambia: Start of the prime dry season. Victoria Falls: In full, spectacular flow. |
| June | Tanzania (Western Serengeti): Migration herds face the Grumeti River crossing. Botswana/Zimbabwe: Fantastic, comfortable game viewing. |
| July | Tanzania (Northern Serengeti): The Great Migration heads towards the Mara River. Kenya (Masai Mara): Herds begin to arrive. |
| August | Kenya/Tanzania: Peak Great Migration river crossings. Botswana/Namibia: Prime game viewing in the dry season. |
| September | Kenya (Masai Mara): Herds are spread across the plains. Zimbabwe/Zambia: Best time for walking safaris. |
| October | Botswana: Hot and dry, but wildlife concentrations are at their absolute peak. Tanzania: Migration herds head south again. |
| November | Zambia: The “emerald season” begins; great for birding. South Africa: Pleasant weather before the main summer heat. |
| December | Tanzania/Kenya: Start of the short rains, green landscapes, and newborn animals. A festive atmosphere. |
Caption: Use this month-by-month table to match your travel dates with the best safari regions in Africa.
The Best Time to Go on Safari in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)
East Africa is the land of sweeping savannahs and the single greatest wildlife spectacle on earth: the Great Wildebeest Migration. Timing here is everything.
June to October: Tracking the Great Migration in the Serengeti & Masai Mara
This is the classic “peak season.” Over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra march north from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing. The dramatic river crossings of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers are the headline act, typically occurring between July and September. This is the best time to see sheer numbers of animals, but be prepared for higher prices and more vehicles.
January to March: The Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti
For many safari experts, this is the hidden gem of the migration cycle. The herds gather on the nutrient-rich plains of the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu to give birth to over 500,000 calves in a matter of weeks. This explosion of life creates a magnet for predators, making it one of the best times and places to witness lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in action.
When to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, but the best time is during the two dry seasons: December to February and June to September. The trails are less muddy and slippery, making the trek more manageable and enjoyable.
The Best Time to Go on Safari in Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia)
Southern Africa offers incredible diversity, from the wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the deserts of Namibia and the classic bushveld of Kruger National Park.
Caption: Southern Africa’s top safari destinations, including Botswana’s Okavango Delta and South Africa’s Kruger, offer prime game viewing during the dry months from May to October.
May to October: Peak Game Viewing in Botswana & a Malaria-Free South Africa
This is the dry winter period for the region. Much like in East Africa, animals are drawn to water sources, making for superb and predictable game viewing. This is the absolute best time for a safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, and Zambia’s South Luangwa. In South Africa, this is also the ideal time to visit Kruger and the country’s eastern reserves, which are low-risk for malaria during these cooler, drier months.
November to April: Dramatic Skies and Victoria Falls in Full Flow
This is the summer “green season.” While some areas in Botswana can become challenging to access due to flooding, it’s a phenomenal time for birding and seeing newborn animals. In South Africa, it’s a fantastic time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route. Crucially, this period is when the Zambezi River is at its highest, meaning Victoria Falls is at its most powerful and spectacular (peak flow is usually March to May).
When Should You NOT Go on a Safari?
Honest advice is the best advice. While you can have a great safari any month, there are a few periods to be cautious of if you have a specific vision in mind:
- April and May in Kenya/Tanzania: This is the period of the “long rains.” It can be wet, continuous, and some remote camps may close. If you don’t mind the rain, you can get incredible deals, but you need to be flexible.
- October/November in Zambia & Zimbabwe: This is the end of the dry season, and it can get incredibly hot and humid. While game viewing is off the charts, the heat can be oppressive for some travelers.
- January/February in South Africa (Kruger): This is the peak of summer. It can be very hot and humid with heavy thunderstorms, and the thick vegetation can make wildlife harder to spot.
Feeling clearer, but still not sure which option is right for you? Planning a safari shouldn’t be stressful. To get personalized recommendations based on your budget, interests, and travel style, take our 3-minute AI Safari Quiz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute best month for a classic African safari?
If we had to pick one, September is phenomenal in many key destinations. The Great Migration is in full swing in the Masai Mara, and it’s the peak of the dry season in Southern Africa, offering incredible wildlife viewing in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It offers the best of both worlds.
What is the most affordable time to go on safari?
Generally, the green season (often November to April) offers the best value. This is considered the “low” or “shoulder” season, and many camps and lodges reduce their rates significantly. You’ll also benefit from fewer crowds while enjoying beautiful, lush scenery and lots of baby animals.
How far in advance should I book a safari?
For peak season travel (June-October and Christmas), you should book at least 9 to 12 months in advance. The best-located, small, and authentic camps fill up very quickly. For travel during the shoulder or green seasons, booking 6 to 9 months ahead is usually sufficient.
Does the “best time” change if I’m a photographer?
Absolutely. Many professional photographers love the “green season.” The light is softer, the skies are full of dramatic clouds, and there is less atmospheric dust. The vibrant green backgrounds make wildlife portraits pop, and it’s the best time for capturing images of newborn animals.
Is a green season safari good for a first-timer?
Yes, provided your expectations are set correctly. You may have to search a bit harder for wildlife in the thicker vegetation, and you should be prepared for some rain showers. However, the trade-offs are significant: lower costs, far fewer vehicles, and the magical experience of seeing the bush bursting with new life.
The “best time to go on safari” is not a date on a calendar; it’s the moment when the African wilderness delivers the exact experience you’ve been dreaming of. By focusing on your personal goals first, you can find the perfect window to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The key takeaway is this: Match the season to your priorities. For the highest quantity of animals, choose the dry season. For baby animals, dramatic landscapes, and fewer crowds, choose the green season.