What is the best time of the year to go on an African safari?
The best time of the year to go on an African safari, A safari to Africa can be done throughout the year based on your interests or priorities as well as the destination you have in mind. Generally, among African countries, the temperatures are pleasant and range between 10 to 20 in the wet season and 15 to 30 in the dry season. In East Africa, the best time for a safari is in the dry season, which is usually between July to September or January to March. Despite the convenience during these months, the number of tourists to East Africa is usually high hence the costs of both the activities and the accommodation become high. Therefore, if you would like to avoid crowds and enjoy this adventure at a cheaper cost, the wet season renowned as low season would be a great time for your safari.
A country-to-country summary of the best time of the year for an African safari will help you plan your dream African safari adventure that is both mind-blowing and pocket-friendly. It also determines the type of animals you see and the actions you will have the opportunity to witness in different countries.
Uganda
Uganda can be visited throughout the year based on your budget and preferences. If you would like to have the ultimate wildlife and primate adventure in Uganda at a cheaper cost, then the wet season is the right time for you since during this season the accommodation is cheaper, the crowds are less and some of the activities are discounted as well, though it comes with some difficulties such as muddy and slippery trails and thick vegetation cover.
The best time though for a Uganda primate and wildlife safari are the months from December to February and June to September. These are the dry seasons hence the trails are dry, and the vegetation is less thick therefore very good for a gorilla trekking safari. It is also favorable for game-spotting since during this time the vegetation is short, and the animals gather around the few water holes in the various national parks and game reserves.
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park which is among the first National parks to be conserved in 1952 and take 3 days wildlife Safari
Visit the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and Later Relax on the Bunyonyi Safari resorts and enjoy a boat cruise on lake bunyonyi
5 Days Gorilla & Wildlife Safari to Explore the Best of Queen Elizabeth National Park & view the mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.
5 Days Wildlife & Primate Safari offers the best view of the Wildlife Creatures during the Game drives in parks ,Watching the Primates.
Rwanda
Just like in Uganda, a safari to Rwanda can be done throughout the year. The best time though for a safari to Rwanda is during the dry seasons. This season runs from June to September and December to February. During the dry season, the hikes and treks are easier and take less time since there is always little or no mud along the steep paths and the forest floor is firmer making it a great time for a gorilla trekking safari.
Rwanda’s climate comprises a short dry season, a short rainy season, a long dry season, and a long rainy season. Birdlife in Rwanda is at its most active during the rains hence the months of March to May are a great time for a birding safari and the short rains are excellent for a photographic safari. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is easier during the wet season since the chimpanzees are easily sighted during this time of year, this is because there is plenty of food hence chimpanzees come out in search of food.
Despite having slippery and muddy trails during the wet season, gorilla permits can be obtained at a discounted price unlike in the high season and accommodation is also cheaper compared to the dry seasons. In the dry season, the weather is temperate and favors travel.
This 3 Days Budget Rwanda Wildlife Tour gives you remarkable Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park, Rwanda.
This 4 Days Budget Gorilla Trek & Dian Fossey gives you amazing Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Hike in Rwanda.
The 6 Days Budget Chimpanzee and Gorilla Tour takes you Gorilla Trekking on Volcanoes and Chimpanzee Tracking.
The 7 Days Budget Rwanda Mega Safari gives you a ultimate safari in Rwanda as you watch Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimpanzee.
Tanzania
(January to March)
Throughout the year, expect to come across an abundance of wildlife in the different National Parks in Tanzania such as Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro National Park among others.
After calving in February and March, the wildebeest herds as well as thousands of zebras and antelopes start their movement northwards towards the fresher grass in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Since at this time the calves are newly born, they are easily preyed on by the big cats such as lions and leopards as well as crocodiles hence more wildlife is witnessed during this migration. The great wildebeest migration is the prime safari activity that most tourists look forward to in Tanzania. These months are a great time to witness this activity since you can witness all the action without interference from the crowds that turn up during the peak seasons.
(July to September)
In these months, the great wildebeests cross the Mara River from Northern Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya hence it’s the best time to visit either the Northern Serengeti or Masai Mara. Here you will still encounter predators such as the giant crocodiles that will be preying on the animals, making the scene chaotic and worthwhile.
Kenya
(July to September)
The great wildebeest migration can also be witnessed in Kenya during these months as the great migration herds cross the Mara River. After they cross the Mara River, they start spreading across the Masai Mara, and when the short rains are about to start in the Serengeti, they will again cross the Mara River where the grass could have regrown and can provide the best feeding. This time of the year is the peak season so expect to encounter crowds of tourists and higher prices.
(January to March)
At this time, it is impossible to witness the great wildebeest migration since the migration would have ended. However, expect to see an abundance of wildlife in the various National Parks in Kenya such as Amboseli National Park. The experience will still be memorable and worthwhile and at a lower cost.
Botswana
Just like any other destination in Africa, wildlife viewing in Botswana takes place throughout the year though a guest should select their time for this safari depending on the specific place they have in mind. If you are planning a safari to the Okavango Delta, the best time to visit is between May to October since it is dry season as well as winter, so the temperatures are cooler. Also, the Okavango Delta floods from June to October due to the long rains that end in April to May hence not a good time for this safari.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, the months of July to October are dry seasons thus the peak season for this country. Wildlife viewing at this time of year is at its peak with numerous tourists moving in and out of the various game parks and game reserves in Zimbabwe. Since it’s a dry season, many of the water sources dry up, and therefore the animals will be witnessed congregating around the few remaining water sources in large numbers.
Namibia
Namibia experiences its dry season during the months from July to October hence the best time of the year to visit. This is also a peak season so expect to meet many tourists in the different parks and game reserves during this time. The animals will be seen gathering around the few water holes that haven’t dried up yet.
South Africa
In South Africa, the dry season is from May to October. Here the temperatures are pleasant and it’s the peak season hence there are many travelers in the country. As a result of the drying up of the water sources during the dry season, wildlife can be seen gathering around the few waterholes for water, and since the grass is shorter during this time as well, wildlife viewing is much easier.
