Safari Through the Seasons - When's the Best Time to Go?

📸: Buffalo grazing in Linyanti Marsh, Botswana

I really believe there is no bad time for a safari, however some seasons are definitely better than others, it all depends on what you want to see and your budget. Africa’s huge range of diverse ecosystems offer year-round wildlife viewing opportunities, but each season brings its own unique magic to the safari experience.

Here’s my ‘big picture’ view of Africa’s safari year:

November - December

During these months, Central & Southern Africa come alive as afternoon thunderstorms transform the landscape into fifty shades of green overnight. This is a great time to visit places like Zambia and Botswana. Mopane trees spring into leaf, the baby animals start appearing and the bird watching is superb!

Plus, here's my top tip: you'll often find amazing deals at some really luxurious camps during this time.

January - March

During these months there’s no getting away from the fact that you might get a bit wet! But watching a pride of lions against a backdrop of wildflowers, or photographing elephants with moody storm clouds rolling in is pretty special. The landscapes are at their most dramatic and you're more than likely to have them practically to yourself.

April - May

This is when East Africa gets its main rains, and some camps do close. BUT if you're willing to work around some rain showers, this is another good time to get lower rates - you can get incredible value for money. The end of May is also a good time to get shoulder season rates in Botswana.

June to October

This is Peak Season for a good reason! As the African bush dries and transforms into hues of gold and brown, this time presents premier game-viewing opportunities. With vegetation thinning out and water sources becoming scarce, wildlife congregates around remaining waterholes, creating nature's own theatre.

During these months, the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem stages one of Earth's most dramatic spectacles - the river crossings of the Great Migration. Over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles brave crocodile-infested rivers in their relentless search for fresh grazing. For predator sightings, this period is unmatched; lions, leopards and cheetahs are easier to spot against the sparse landscape.

Here's my (not exhaustive!) month-by-month suggestions for where to find the best safari experiences:

January - South Serengeti, Tanzania

The wildebeest herds gather in the nutrient-rich plains around Lake Ndutu, with thousands of calves being born. It's magical watching these wobbly little ones take their first steps!

February - Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The crater floor is lush and green, teeming with wildlife. You'll find black rhinos emerging to enjoy the fresh foliage, and the flamingos on the lake create the most incredible pink spectacle.

March - Sabi Sands, South Africa

The end of the summer rains means everything is gloriously green, and the predator viewing is exceptional. The leopards seem to be particularly active at this time of year, and look great photographed against the fresh green leaves & grass.

April - Samburu, Kenya

While many areas of East Africa experience rains at this time of year, Samburu and Northern Laikipia remain relatively dry and offer incredible sightings of unique species like Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe. Plus, the camps offer great low-season rates.

May - Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

This malaria-free reserve is perfect for families, and the mild winter days make for comfortable game viewing. The thinning vegetation means better chances of spotting the reserve's predators including the famous wild dog packs.

June - Okavango Delta, Botswana

The annual flood waters start to arrive in June, filling the channels and transforming the delta into a wildlife paradise. Taking a mokoro (traditional canoe) through the clear water while elephants splash nearby is simply unforgettable. Travel in the early part of the month to grab shoulder season rates!

July - Masai Mara, Kenya

This is prime time for the Great Migration, with wildebeest herds crossing into Kenya from the Serengeti. The grass is short, making big cat spotting particularly rewarding.

August - Etosha National Park, Namibia

The dry season concentrates wildlife around the park's famous waterholes, creating natural arenas for wildlife viewing. If you’re self driving you can literally set up at one spot and watch the drama unfold as zebras, giraffes, and elephants come to drink - sometimes even black rhinos if you're lucky! The stark white salt pan creates an otherworldly backdrop that makes for incredible photos.

September - South Luangwa, Zambia

The walking safaris here are justifiably legendary, and September offers the perfect combination of comfortable temperatures and concentrated wildlife. Tracking a leopard on foot is the most exhilarating way of taking a stroll!

October - Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

One of Africa's best-kept secrets, Ruaha offers incredible predator viewing at this time, with large prides of lions and plenty of wild dogs. Plus, you'll hardly see another vehicle!

November - Chobe National Park, Botswana

The first rains bring baby impala by the hundreds, and the elephants are in their element. Taking a sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River as thousands of animals come to drink is spectacular.

December - Lower Zambezi, Zambia

The start of the green season brings dramatic skies perfect for photography, and you can combine game drives with tiger fishing.

Migration Timing 

The wildebeest don't exactly follow a calendar, but roughly speaking:

- January-March: They're in the Southern Serengeti having their babies

- April-May: They start heading north

- July-September: This is when you might catch those dramatic river crossings as the herds cross into Kenya from the Serengeti

- October-December: They head south again back into Tanzania

Top Tips for Any Season

- Book early for peak season - I cannot stress this enough! - the best camps fill up over a year in advance

- Consider combining regions for different experiences

- Ask about special offers in shoulder seasons - some camps offer amazing deals like stay 4, pay 3

- Remember your anti-malarials whatever the season except in malaria-free reserves like South Africa’s Madikwe and Eastern Cape.

The Verdict?

If you're flexible with your dates, I'd honestly look at the shoulder seasons. You'll get better value, fewer vehicles at sightings, and some really special experiences. But if you're set on seeing those river crossings or have specific dates in mind, we can absolutely make it work - that's what safari planning is all about!

Want to know more about a specific region or time of year? Just ask - I could talk about this stuff for hours! 🙄