Best And Worst Time To Visit Africa For Wildlife From USA/UK

Time To Visit Africa

Visiting Africa for wildlife viewing can be a breathtaking experience, but the timing can greatly affect what you see and how comfortable your trip will be. Here’s a guide to the best and worst times to visit Africa for wildlife from the USA or UK.

Travel Considerations

Flights: Direct flights from the USA or UK to Africa can be more available during peak seasons, making it easier to find good travel deals.

Crowds: Visiting during the dry season means popular parks can be crowded, especially during peak migration. Booking accommodations well in advance is advisable.

Best Times to Visit

Dry Season (May to October):

East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania): This is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The Great Migration occurs between July and October in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Namibia): The dry season is also optimal here. National parks like Chobe and Kruger offer excellent game viewing as animals are easier to spot in the sparse vegetation.

Western Africa (Ghana, Senegal): The dry season (November to April) is best for birdwatching and visiting wildlife reserves.

Shoulder Seasons (April to May, October to November):

East Africa: April and May are the “long rains,” which can deter some travelers, but this is when the landscape is lush and green. October and November can also be great for viewing migrating wildlife as they return to the Serengeti.

Southern Africa: Late October to November is ideal for the start of the summer rains, leading to good wildlife activity.

Worst Times to Visit

Wet Season (November to April)

East Africa: Heavy rains can make wildlife viewing difficult as animals disperse. The roads can also become impassable, particularly in remote areas.

Southern Africa: The wet season can lead to thick bush and high grass, making it hard to spot animals. In Botswana, flooding can limit access to certain areas in the Okavango Delta.

Extreme Weather:

Southern Africa: December to February can be very hot in some areas, especially in countries like Namibia and Botswana, leading to uncomfortable conditions for safari-goers.

Conclusion

Overall, the best times to visit Africa for wildlife viewing from the USA or UK are during the dry season (May to October) and the shoulder seasons (April to May, October to November). Avoid the wet season for the best experience and visibility. Remember that Africa is a vast continent with diverse climates, so the best time can vary depending on the specific countries and parks you plan to visit.

Best Time To Visit Africa Destination By Destination

Best Time To Visit Tanzania

1. Wildlife Safaris – Dry Season (June to October)

2. Beach Bliss on Zanzibar – Dry & Short Rain Seasons (June to October and January to February)

3. Lush Landscapes – Green Season (November to May)

4. Climbing Kilimanjaro – Dry Seasons (January to mid-March and June to October)

Special Highlights

Festivals: Time your visit to coincide with cultural festivals, like the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July or the Mwaka Kogwa Festival in August.

Best Time To Visit Burundi

1. Dry Season: June to September

Ideal for Wildlife and Hiking: With fewer rain showers, these months offer optimal conditions for exploring Kibira National Park and spotting primates, including chimpanzees, in their natural habitat.

2. Short Wet Season: October to December

Lush Greenery and Unique Birdlife: Although there are occasional showers, this season brings vibrant landscapes and thriving birdlife in places like Rusizi National Park.

3. Long Wet Season: February to May

Spectacular Waterfalls and Verdant Forests: As the rains peak, Burundi’s landscapes transform into lush, green paradises, with waterfalls like Karera Falls reaching full flow.

4. Long Dry Season: June to August (Peak Tourist Season)

Highlights for Adventurers and Photographers: Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and the best lighting make it ideal for safari photography and scenic hikes in areas like the Ruvubu National Park.

Best Time To Visit Kenya

1. The Peak Season: June to October

Great Migration: The annual wildebeest migration occurs in the Maasai Mara between July and October. Witness thousands of wildebeests crossing the Mara River—a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle!

2. Shoulder Season: November and May

For those looking for fewer crowds and more budget-friendly options, these months are excellent.

3. Low Season: March to May

Kenya’s long rainy season, though quieter, has its unique charm favorite for bird watching.

4. Beach Bliss: December to March

For travelers seeking a perfect beach holiday, Kenya’s coast offers an ideal escape: