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.

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