The Best Time to Go on an African Safari: A Month-by-Month Guide

To see the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, go between July 15 and September 15

The Best Time to Go on an African Safari: A Month-by-Month Guide

An African safari is a bucket-list adventure, but when you go can make a huge difference in what you see and experience. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, catch big cats in action, or enjoy a more private, affordable trip, this guide breaks down the best safari months for wildlife, weather, and value.

January – March: Lush Green Season & Calving Time

📍 Best for: Baby animals, dramatic predator action, lush landscapes🌦️ Weather: Warm with occasional rains

Why Visit?

• The Great Migration calving season happens in Tanzania’s Southern Serengeti, with thousands of wildebeest giving birth. This attracts predators like lions and cheetahs.

• Green landscapes make for stunning photography, and birdwatching is at its best.

• Fewer tourists mean lower prices and a more private experience.

🔹 Best Destinations: Serengeti (Tanzania), Masai Mara (Kenya), Okavango Delta (Botswana)🔹 Ideal for: Wildlife photographers, budget travelers, and those who want to see newborn animals.

April – June: Shoulder Season & Transition to Dry Season

📍 Best for: Lower prices, fewer crowds, and great wildlife viewing🌦️ Weather: Drying landscapes with cooler temperatures

Why Visit?

• April is still part of the green season, but it can be quite rainy and muddy in the Maasa Mara in May.

• Fewer tourists mean better rates at luxury lodges in April and some locations in May and June.

• In Botswana and Zambia, floodwaters begin to rise in the Okavango Delta, creating one of Africa’s best safari spectacles. Note that rates increase significantly in the Delta in May.

🔹 Best Destinations: Kruger National Park (South Africa), Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe), Okavango Delta (Botswana)🔹 Ideal for: Travelers seeking great value and excellent wildlife sightings with fewer crowds.

July – September: Peak Safari Season & The Great Migration

📍 Best for: Iconic river crossings, predator action, top-tier wildlife viewing☀️ Weather: Dry season, cool mornings and warm days

Why Visit?

• This is when the Great Migration reaches the Mara River in Kenya and Tanzania, with thrilling river crossings where wildebeest risk their lives against crocodiles. But don't go to the Maasai Mara before in early July as you will miss the migration.

• The dry season makes wildlife highly visible, as animals gather around limited water sources. This is more true of southern African...not so much in east Africa.

• It’s also prime time for big cat sightings, as lions, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of concentrated prey.

🔹 Best Destinations: Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), Chobe National Park (Botswana), South Luangwa (Zambia)🔹 Ideal for: First-time safari travelers, photographers, and those seeking once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences.

🌟 Note: This is the busiest and most expensive time for safaris—book at least 6-12 months in advance!

October – December: Short Rains & Birdwatching Season

📍 Best for: Birdwatching, scenic beauty, and smaller crowds🌦️ Weather: Short rains in East Africa, dry season ending in Southern Africa

Why Visit?

• The Great Migration moves south again, with dramatic predator-prey encounters still happening in Tanzania.

• The short rainy season brings new green growth, attracting herbivores and setting up the next migration cycle.

• It’s a great time for birdwatchers, as migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.

🔹 Best Destinations: Serengeti (Tanzania), Okavango Delta (Botswana), Etosha (Namibia)🔹 Ideal for: Travelers looking for good deals, bird lovers, and those wanting a balance between wildlife and scenery. Note it can be very hot in southern Africa in November.

Final Thoughts: When Should You Go?

✅ For the Great Migration: July–September (river crossings) & January–March (calving season)✅ For predator action: January–March & July–October✅ For budget-friendly safaris: April–June & November–December✅ For lush landscapes & birdwatching: November–March

No matter when you go, an African safari is always an unforgettable adventure! 🚀🐘🌿