A guide to wildlife seasons in Africa
Timing is everything when planning an African safari, as each region’s seasons dramatically shape the wildlife experience. From witnessing the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration in East Africa to exploring the lush waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the best time to go depends on your destination and priorities.
Whether you’re chasing iconic game sightings, seeking quieter camps, or exploring off-season gems for birdwatching and photography, this guide will help you navigate the prime safari seasons across Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
It is important to underline that weather and wildlife movements are unpredictable, especially with the changing climate. These recommendations are based on usual patterns.
Kenya and Tanzania (East Africa)
Prime Time: July to October and January-February
- Why Go: July to October marks the long dry season, ideal for game viewing as animals congregate around dwindling water sources and vegetation thins out maximising visibility. January to February is the short dry season with characteristic afternoon showers. Rain triggers a flush of fresh green shoots on the southern plains of the Serengeti and perfect conditions for the wildebeest to calve. The southern plains host the highest concentration of predators in Africa at this time of year.
- Highlights: Both seasons offer the chance to see dramatic moments in the Great Migration. From July, millions of wildebeest and zebras gather in the Northern Serengeti ready to cross the croc-infested Mara River to reach fresh grazing in the Masai Mara. In January and February if you want to see the herds you should be on the southern plains for the spectacle of wildebeest calving.
Shoulder Seasons: June, November to December
- Travelling in June ahead of ‘migration madness’ and school holidays can offer lower rates and quiter camps. The long rains usually end in May leaving a lush green landscape and many animals with young. Both the Mara and Serengeti host fantastic resident wildlife year-round.
- The ‘short rains’ usually arrive in November, transforming the landscape. While rain can be sporadic, camps are quieter, offering lower rates. Migratory birds begin to arrive, delighting birdwatchers.
Off-Season: March to May
- Why Consider It: The ‘long rains’ bring lush greenery and dramatic skies, making it a photographer’s paradise. Birding enthusiasts will revel in the abundance of species. However, roads can be muddy, and some lodges close during this time
Tip
While seeing the migration at key moments is spectacular – you will not be alone. At these times of the year visitor numbers peak. We recommend combining migration experiences with other areas to enjoy a rounded safari experience – for example, combine the southern plains of the Serengeti with the private Maswa Game Reserve, or add on a few nights in the northern Serengeti, away from the migration.
South Africa (Mpululanga/Limpopo)
Prime Time: May to September
- Why Go: This is South Africa’s dry winter season in the Kruger National Park and surrounding conservancies. Sparse vegetation and reduced water sources in these regiosn make wildlife easier to spot.
Shoulder Season: April and October
- Rates can be lower in April and October as the region transitions between the seasons. April marks the end of the rainy season, with lush vegetation and plenty of game. October heralds the beginning of warmer weather, making it ideal for combining a safari with the Cape, further south.
Off-Season: November to February
- Why Consider It: In the Cape the weather is glorious but in Kruger and key wildlife areas in the north this is the rainy season when the bush thickens and greens up and migratory birds arrive. Although some camps stay open, offering lower rates, access may be challenging during the long rains with many people opting to safari further south, for example in the Eastern Cape.
Botswana
Prime Time: May to October
- Why Go: Botswana’s dry season offers exceptional game viewing, especially in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Floodwaters arrive in June, creating stunning waterways ideal for mokoro (canoe) safaris.
Shoulder Season: April and November
- Benefits: April sees the end of the rainy season, with vibrant green landscapes and abundant game. April and May are good times to combine the Kalahari with other regions of Botswana. November marks the start of the rainy season, with fewer visitors and excellent predator sightings as animals prepare for calving. It can be hot and dusty and some water activities are not possible due to low water levels.
Off-Season: December to March
- Why Consider It: The Green Season is perfect for birding and witnessing newborn animals. Lower rates and quieter camps are a bonus, though some areas may be challenging to access due to flooding. In the Kalahari, the summer rains bring the arid desert to life, transforming it into a lush landscape of green grasses and blooming vegetation.
Zambia
Prime Time: June to October
- Why Go: Many camps in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi only open between May and November time. The long dry winter months from June to October is the optimum time to visit – perfect for walking safaris as well as game drives and boating (Lower Zambezi).
Shoulder Season: May and November
- Benefits: May offers lush scenery as the rains subside, while November sees the onset of the Emerald Season with its dramatic skies and birding opportunities. Camps are less crowded during these months and rates may be lower.
Off-Season: December to April
- Why Consider It: Many camps close during the height of the rains but a handful do remain open. The Emerald Season transforms the landscape into a green haven, ideal for birdwatchers and photographers. Some camps offer exclusive wet-season experiences, including boat safaris in flooded areas.
Zimbabwe
Prime Time: July to October
- Why Go: Zimbabwe’s dry season is excellent for game viewing in Hwange National Park, around waterholes, and in Mana Pools along the Zambezi River. This is also the best time to combine a safari with a visit to Victoria Falls, as the water flow is lower, and there is less spray, revealing more of the gorge.
Shoulder Season: May to June and November
- Benefits: May to June offers lush landscapes and cooler temperatures after the rains, while November marks the beginning of the wet season, with the promise of newborn animals and migratory birds arriving. Rates are lower, and visitor numbers are fewer. Be aware that the water level may be very high in May, with spray obstructing the view, and very low in November at Victoria Falls.
Off-Season: December to April
- Why Consider It: The wet season brings vibrant greenery, excellent birding opportunities, and baby animals, making it a favorite for photographers. While some remote camps may close, others offer discounts and unique rainy-season safaris. Victoria Falls is in full flood in April – it’s spectacular to see the plumes of spray and rainbows.
