The time of year (wet or dry season) can make a significant difference when on an African safari in terms of game viewing and birdwatching, as well as other factors. Understanding the seasonal patterns and the impact they may have, can help you choose the best time to visit Africa. Here are some of the ways how the time of year can affect your safari experience: 1. Wildlife Viewing Wildlife sightings vary depending on the time of year. During the dry season, the grass is dry and shorter and the animals tend to congregate more around waterholes, making them easier to spot. In contrast, the wet season results in lush vegetation, making it more difficult to see wildlife through the tall grass. |
2. Migration Patterns
The timing of the Great Migration in East Africa, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores move between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve, is a significant drawcard for many safari-goers. This spectacular annual migration is influenced by rainfall patterns, so visiting during the dry season (typically from July to October) increases the chances of witnessing this extraordinary natural spectacle.
The timing of the Great Migration in East Africa, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores move between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve, is a significant drawcard for many safari-goers. This spectacular annual migration is influenced by rainfall patterns, so visiting during the dry season (typically from July to October) increases the chances of witnessing this extraordinary natural spectacle.
Wildebeest Migration
3. Weather Conditions
The weather can vary widely across different regions of Africa and throughout the year. Dry seasons generally offer sunny days, cooler temperatures, and clear skies, making for excellent wildlife viewing conditions. In contrast, the wet season can bring a great deal of rainfall, humidity, and muddy conditions - which can also be problematic when driving along dirt trails in the African bush. Your tour guide’s vehicle (even if it’s a rugged 4x4) may get bogged down in the quagmire, and crossing fast-flowing rivers over low concrete fords can be challenging (and a little scary).
Heavy rains during the wet season can also make certain areas inaccessible due to flooded roads or washed-out fords. This can limit your ability to explore remote off-the-beaten-track areas in the bush. Conversely, dry seasons typically offer better road conditions, comfortable river crossings, and easier access to most remote areas.
The weather can vary widely across different regions of Africa and throughout the year. Dry seasons generally offer sunny days, cooler temperatures, and clear skies, making for excellent wildlife viewing conditions. In contrast, the wet season can bring a great deal of rainfall, humidity, and muddy conditions - which can also be problematic when driving along dirt trails in the African bush. Your tour guide’s vehicle (even if it’s a rugged 4x4) may get bogged down in the quagmire, and crossing fast-flowing rivers over low concrete fords can be challenging (and a little scary).
Heavy rains during the wet season can also make certain areas inaccessible due to flooded roads or washed-out fords. This can limit your ability to explore remote off-the-beaten-track areas in the bush. Conversely, dry seasons typically offer better road conditions, comfortable river crossings, and easier access to most remote areas.
4. Crowds and Prices
Another factor to consider is that the timing of your safari can also have an impact on crowds - and prices. Peak seasons, such as the dry season, tend to attract more safari-goers, resulting in busier parks, busier campsites, and higher accommodation and safari rates. However, visiting during low seasons can mean lower prices and fewer crowds, providing a more exclusive safari experience.
5. Birdwatching
Birdwatching enthusiasts may prefer visiting during the wet season when migratory bird species are abundant and breeding activity is at its peak. Wetlands and waterways attract a diverse array of birdlife during this time, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching as well as photography.
Another factor to consider is that the timing of your safari can also have an impact on crowds - and prices. Peak seasons, such as the dry season, tend to attract more safari-goers, resulting in busier parks, busier campsites, and higher accommodation and safari rates. However, visiting during low seasons can mean lower prices and fewer crowds, providing a more exclusive safari experience.
5. Birdwatching
Birdwatching enthusiasts may prefer visiting during the wet season when migratory bird species are abundant and breeding activity is at its peak. Wetlands and waterways attract a diverse array of birdlife during this time, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching as well as photography.
The Best Safari Times
The best time for an African safari in the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia) is during the winter months. These are the months of June, July, and August, leading into September, which is spring. During these months it’s cooler and drier and an abundance of wildlife can be seen, especially gathering around waterholes. Perfect for game drives.
However, for dedicated birdwatchers, the late summer months of January and February are the best time to get those binoculars and cameras out to see a huge variety of birds in Africa’s wetlands, grasslands, and wooded areas.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia)
May | June | July | August | September
The winter season begins in May through August, and into springtime in September. This is the best time for a wildlife safari in Southern Africa. The days are mild, the evenings cool, with open skies and plenty of sunshine.
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)
June | July | August | September | October
This is the heart of the dry season. The weather is sunny and warm and mostly rain-free. It’s the best time for game-viewing in the Serengeti (Kenya) and Maasai Mara (Tanzania. Additionally, the months of June to late September and early October are the perfect times for bush walks and hot-air balloon flights.
The best time for an African safari in the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia) is during the winter months. These are the months of June, July, and August, leading into September, which is spring. During these months it’s cooler and drier and an abundance of wildlife can be seen, especially gathering around waterholes. Perfect for game drives.
However, for dedicated birdwatchers, the late summer months of January and February are the best time to get those binoculars and cameras out to see a huge variety of birds in Africa’s wetlands, grasslands, and wooded areas.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia)
May | June | July | August | September
The winter season begins in May through August, and into springtime in September. This is the best time for a wildlife safari in Southern Africa. The days are mild, the evenings cool, with open skies and plenty of sunshine.
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)
June | July | August | September | October
This is the heart of the dry season. The weather is sunny and warm and mostly rain-free. It’s the best time for game-viewing in the Serengeti (Kenya) and Maasai Mara (Tanzania. Additionally, the months of June to late September and early October are the perfect times for bush walks and hot-air balloon flights.