Best Time to Visit Africa for Safari – UK Traveller Guide

Discover the optimal times to visit Africa for safari holidays from the UK. Learn about weather patterns, dry seasons, the Great Migration, and when to book for the best wildlife viewing experiences.

When to Visit Africa for Safari

The best time to visit Africa for safari depends on your destination, what you want to see, and your preferences. Generally, dry seasons offer optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is sparse, improving visibility.

However, wet seasons have their advantages too - lush green landscapes, calving season for many animals, fewer crowds, and often lower prices. Each season offers unique experiences, and Africa can be visited year-round.

UK school holidays (summer and Christmas) are popular times but require early booking and command premium prices. These periods often coincide with excellent wildlife viewing, making them ideal times to visit if you can book in advance.

Best Times by Destination

Kenya & Tanzania

Dry Season:

July-October, December-March

Wet Season:

April-June, November

Highlights:

Great Migration (July-October), calving season (January-February)

Best For:

Optimal wildlife viewing, Great Migration, clear skies

South Africa

Dry Season:

May-September

Wet Season:

October-April

Highlights:

Excellent Big Five viewing, cooler temperatures

Best For:

Wildlife viewing, comfortable temperatures, clear skies

Botswana

Dry Season:

May-October

Wet Season:

November-April

Highlights:

Okavango Delta at peak (June-October), high water levels

Best For:

Water-based safaris, exclusive experience, peak wildlife

Great Migration Calendar

The Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon with over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving in a continuous cycle. Peak viewing varies by location:

  • • January-February: Calving season in southern Serengeti - thousands of births daily
  • • March-May: Migration moves north through central Serengeti
  • • June-July: Dramatic river crossings in northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
  • • August-October: Migration in Masai Mara - excellent wildlife viewing
  • • November-December: Migration returns south to Serengeti

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for UK travellers to visit Africa on safari?

The best time varies by destination, but generally the dry seasons offer optimal wildlife viewing. For Kenya and Tanzania, July-October and December-March are ideal. For South Africa, May-September (dry season) is best. Botswana's Okavango Delta peaks from June-October. UK school holidays (summer and Christmas) are popular but require early booking.

What is the difference between dry season and wet season?

Dry season (typically May-October in East Africa, May-September in Southern Africa) offers optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, vegetation is sparse (improving visibility), and roads are accessible. Wet season brings lush landscapes, calving season for many animals, fewer crowds, and lower prices, but can make some areas inaccessible.

When is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a year-round phenomenon, but peak viewing varies by location: January-February (calving in southern Serengeti), March-May (migration moves north), June-July (river crossings in northern Serengeti/Masai Mara), August-October (migration in Masai Mara), November-December (migration returns south). July-August sees the dramatic river crossings.

Are UK school holidays good times to visit?

UK school holidays (summer: July-August, Christmas: December-January) are popular times but require early booking and command premium prices. These periods often coincide with peak wildlife viewing, making them excellent times to visit, but book 6-12 months in advance for best availability and prices.

What about the weather during different seasons?

Dry seasons are typically cooler and drier, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Wet seasons are warmer and more humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common. Early mornings and evenings can be cool year-round, so pack layers regardless of season.

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