The Complete Month-By-Month Guide On When To Travel To Africa
When To Travel To Africa According To Safari Experts
When To Travel To Africa: The Complete Month-By-Month Guide. Start planning when to travel to Africa with JimJam Safaris & Tours. Know When to Travel, Why, and Where.
Africa is a vast continent with diverse climates and attractions, making it a year-round destination. However, when to travel depends on your interests. For classic wildlife safaris in East Africa, like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the dry seasons from June to October and December to February are ideal, offering the best game viewing and clear skies. This period is also prime for witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Meanwhile, Southern Africa, including Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, also shines during the dry months of May to October, when animals gather around waterholes, making sightings more predictable.
For beach holidays in places like Zanzibar, Seychelles, and Mozambique, the warm, dry months of June to October are perfect, offering sunny days and calm waters. If you’re after lush landscapes, birdwatching, or fewer tourists, the green (wet) season from November to April may be appealing, particularly for photographers and nature lovers. Ultimately, Africa offers something magical every season, from desert dunes to rainforest canopies, so when to travel is whenever your adventure calls.
Tips on when to travel to Africa
Tips on when to travel to Africa depend on your destination, interests (wildlife, culture, beach, trekking), and weather preferences. Here’s a comprehensive guide by region and activity:
General Tips
Dry Season (Best Time Overall):
- June to October (most of sub-Saharan Africa) – ideal for safaris due to sparse vegetation and animals gathering around water sources.
- December to March – great for East Africa’s coastal regions and gorilla trekking.
Wet Season (Low Season/Green Season):
- March to May & November – lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices, but some roads and parks may be harder to access.
When To Travel To Africa By Activity
| Activity | Best Time | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Safaris | June – October | Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia |
| Gorilla Trekking | June – September & Dec – Feb | Uganda, Rwanda, Congo |
| Great Migration (River Crossing) | July – September | Serengeti (Tanzania), Maasai Mara (Kenya) |
| Beach Holidays | December – March / June – Oct | Seychelles, Zanzibar, Kenya Coast |
| Birdwatching | Nov – April (migratory birds) | Uganda, Botswana, South Africa |
| Trekking & Hiking | June – August | Rwenzori, Kilimanjaro, Ethiopia |
| Cultural Tours | Year-round (avoid heavy rain) | West & East Africa |
| Victoria Falls (Best Flow) | Feb – May | Zambia, Zimbabwe |
When To Travel To Africa By Region
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)
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When to travel: June to October (dry season)
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Avoid: March to May (heavy rains)
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Bonus: December – February is also great for wildlife and gorilla trekking.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
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When to travel: May to October (cool, dry)
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Wet Season: November – April (green landscapes, baby animals)
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Special: November is excellent for birdwatching.
West Africa (Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria)
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When to travel: November to March (dry season)
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Avoid: May to September (humid and wet)
North Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia)
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When to travel: October – April (cooler for desert travel)
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Avoid: June to August (extremely hot)
A Month-By-Month Guide On When To Travel To Africa
Travel To Africa In January
Warm and wet in East Africa; calving season in Serengeti. Lush landscapes are ideal for a honeymoon.
Travel To Africa In February
Excellent for primates trekking; wildlife is still active. The beaches are hot and sunny.
Travel To Africa In April
Peak of wet season; best for photography, discounts.
Travel To Africa In May
Rains ease; landscapes still lush. Good deals and fewer crowds.
Travel To Africa In June
Dry season begins; ideal for safaris, gorilla trekking, and game viewing.
Travel To Africa In July
Peak migration in Serengeti; excellent wildlife sightings. Warm, dry weather.
Travel To Africa In August
Prime safari time; wildebeest crossings in Mara River. Great beach weather.
Travel To Africa In September
Migration continues; great safari weather. Cultural festivals in some regions.
Travel To Africa In October
End of dry season; wildlife concentrated around water sources.
Travel To Africa In November
Short rains begin; beautiful green landscapes return. Good birding.
Travel To Africa In December
Festive season, warm weather, and safari-beach combinations are popular.
Travel Advice From JimJam Safaris
We cater to all ages, budgets, interests, and fitness levels. Our team can assist with queries about When To Travel To Africa, tours, Accommodations, bookings, and Affordable Luxury destinations. We will respond to your Inquiry as soon as possible. Our team of friendly and service-minded Safari Consultants is available to assist you in making a private, personalized, tailor-made Safari Itinerary and to answer all questions you might have. Are you dreaming of the Wildebeest Migration? Gorilla Trekking in Africa? Honeymoon In Africa or Africa’s Big 5 Experiences? Start Planning for Your Affordable Luxury African Tours with the Affordable Luxury African Safari Company (JimJam Safaris & Tours Africa). We tailor-make African Safaris for First Timers, 7-Day African Safari Tours, African Bush Safaris and Beach Vacations.