When Is the Best Time to Go on a Safari in Africa?

Published on 08 December 2020, Last updated on 19 August 2025.

By Ingrid Van Wyk in Overland Africa & Budget Safaris.

One of the most important questions when planning an African safari: "When is the best time to go on safari in Africa?" Understanding the seasons in different regions of Africa is essential before making any plans.

So, is there a best time for a safari in Africa? The answer is both yes and no. Safaris in Africa can be incredible all year round, but the experience changes with the seasons.

Watch our video, When to Go on Safari, for a quick overview.

Why Timing Matters for African Safaris

Africa’s wildlife is present throughout the year, aside from a few migratory species. However, the ease of spotting animals, climate conditions, and overall travel logistics vary widely depending on the season and location.

Here’s why it’s important to choose the right time for your African Safari:

Visibility: Some seasons offer better chances for wildlife viewing.
Comfort: Temperature, humidity, and insects fluctuate dramatically.
Cost: Safari prices and flight fares vary between high, low, and shoulder seasons.
Crowds: Tourist numbers increase during peak travel months.

Knowing what to expect—and staying flexible—will help you get the most out of your African safari trip.

Understanding African Safari Seasons

Africa experiences three main safari seasons:

Dry Season (Winter)
Rainy Season (Green/Wet Season)
Shoulder Season (Transitional months between the dry and wet seasons)

Each season offers unique advantages and challenges depending on your preferences and travel goals.

Dry Season: Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Dry Season Months:

East Africa: January to early March and June to October
Southern Africa: June to September

✅ Pros of Dry Season Safaris:
1. Easier Wildlife Spotting: Sparse vegetation and limited water make animals easier to spot in the bush. Also, they are often seen gathering at waterholes.
2. Comfortable Weather: Cooler temperatures and low humidity. Expect warm days and cold nights.
3. Fewer Mosquitoes: Lower malaria risk in endemic areas.

❌ Cons of Dry Season Safaris:
1. Peak Tourist Season: Lodges and parks can be crowded, especially in July and August.
2. Higher Costs: Increased demand leads to elevated prices for flights and accommodations.
3. Dusty Conditions: Open safari vehicles can kick up dust, especially on gravel roads.

Tip: Choose private reserves or less-travelled destinations to avoid crowds during high season.

Rainy Season: Lush Landscapes & Fewer Tourists

Rainy Season Months:

East Africa: March to May and November to December
Southern Africa: December to mid-April

✅ Pros of Rainy Season Safaris:
1. Beautiful Scenery: Lush green landscapes, blooming flora, and dramatic skies—perfect for photography.
2. Calving Season: Births of antelope and other herbivores mean lots of cute babies. They also attract predators, leading to exciting wildlife interactions.
3. Great Birdwatching: Migratory birds return. Birding is at its best.
4. Fewer Tourists: Enjoy more privacy and fewer vehicles at sightings.
5. Better Prices: Lodges and airlines often offer low-season discounts, giving you better value for money.

❌ Cons of Rainy Season Safaris:
1. Challenging Logistics: Rain can flood roads and make remote areas difficult to access.
2. Thicker Vegetation: Makes spotting animals more difficult.
3. Hot & Humid: Temperatures rise significantly.
4. More Insects: Especially mosquitoes, increasing malaria risk in certain regions.
5. Seasonal Closures: Some camps and lodges may close due to impassable conditions.

Shoulder Season: A Balanced Safari Experience

Shoulder Season Months:

East Africa: June and October
Southern Africa: April to June and October to November

Why Choose the Shoulder Season?
The shoulder season is often overlooked but provides a balanced experience:

Milder temperatures
Fewer crowds
Lower prices than peak season
Improved wildlife sightings as the bush begins to change

It’s a great time to enjoy the best of both worlds without sacrificing too much in either direction.

When is the Best Time for Safari - by Destination

The best time for your safari also depends on where in Africa you plan to go. Here’s a quick guide:

East Africa:

Kenya: Best during the Great Migration (July to October) in the Masai Mara.
Tanzania: Ideal for Serengeti safaris in June to October, or calving season in January–March.

Southern Africa:

South Africa: Best in May–September (dry season for Kruger), but November–March is great for Cape Town (wet winters there).
Botswana: Best from June to October for wildlife; rainy season offers value.

? Need more destination-specific tips?

Explore our detailed 'Best Time' Safari guides:

The Best Time for an African Safari depends on what you are looking for

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best time for a safari in Africa.

The best time for your safari depends on:

Your travel goals (e.g., photography, birdwatching, big game, special animals)
Your budget
Your preferred level of comfort and crowd tolerance
Flexibility with travel dates

See our 12-Step Guide to Planning an African Safari for a decision-making guide that breaks down everything you need to consider to make your safari unforgettable.

Rest assured: Every safari season in Africa has something unique to offer. Africa is magical all year round - whether it’s the thrilling game drives of the dry season or the lush beauty and lower prices of the green season, there's always something to love.

“When you have caught the rhythm of Africa, you find out that it is the same in all her music.”
—Karen Blixen, Out of Africa

Need Help Planning Your Safari in Africa?

Our expert safari consultants are here to help you decide the best time for your dream African safari based on your needs.

Our consultants aren’t just knowledgeable - they are truly captivated by Africa. From Claire’s encounters with Great Whites off the Cape to Daniel’s awe at a floodlit waterhole in Etosha, every team member brings unique insights and genuine enthusiasm to the table. Harriet has rafted the Zambezi’s wildest rapids, while Chris has spent years guiding through Southern Africa’s most iconic regions. These lived experiences fuel our understanding of what makes a safari unforgettable, allowing us to offer practical, insider advice that transforms a trip into a life-changing journey.

Chat with us today, and let’s start planning your unforgettable journey into the wild. Or check out our video series The Complete African Safari Guide (2025), starting with the Safari Guide for Beginners: Everything You NEED to Know!

Ingrid Van Wyk Travel Consultant

Many moons ago, Ingrid started her ongoing love affair with Africa working as a cook on overland tours, then a river adventure guide. She loves seeing the shifting seasons and how Africa's landscapes change every time she revisits them.