Best Time to Go on Safari in Africa: A Seasonal Guide to Top Parks

Planning an African safari? Timing is everything. From the Great Migration in the Serengeti to Botswana’s Okavango Delta floods, this guide reveals the best time to go on safari in Africa for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Best Safari Park in Africa

Why Timing Matters: Dry Season vs. Wet Season

Africa’s safari seasons split into two main windows. Knowing the best time to go on safari in Africa can make a huge difference:

Dry Season (May–October): Ideal for game viewing. Animals gather at waterholes, and sparse vegetation improves visibility. Peak season = higher prices.
Wet Season (November–April): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Birdwatching thrives, but some roads become impassable.

Best Time to Visit Africa’s Top Safari Parks

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Best Time: June–October (Dry season for the Great Migration river crossings). Serengeti National Park
Key Event: Witness 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Mara River (July–September). Best time to Visit the Serengeti

2. Maasai Mara, Kenya

Best Time: August–October (Great Migration peaks here). Clearly, understanding the best time to go is crucial. Kenya Safari Tips
Pro Tip: Avoid April–May’s heavy rains.

3. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Best Time: July–October (Floodwaters peak, ideal for mokoro canoe safaris)
Big Five: Year-round, but dry months concentrate wildlife. Luxury Botswana Safari

4. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Best Time: May–September (Dry winter for easy Big Five spotting), truly the best time to experience a safari here.

Best Time for the Great Migration

The migration cycles between Tanzania and Kenya:

December–March: Calving season in Serengeti’s southern plains. It’s the best time to go on safari in Africa for this event.
July–September: Dramatic river crossings in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Check out the Ultimate guide to great migration

When to See the Big Five

The best safari in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) aligns with the dry season (June–October). Key parks frequently offer the best time to go on safari in Africa:

South Africa’s Kruger
Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater – Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Cheapest Time for a Safari

Save money during the wet season (November–March), except in Botswana and Zambia, where green season rates apply. For budget travelers, this might be the best time to go on safari in Africa.

Worst Time to Visit Africa

Avoid April–May in East Africa (heavy rains), and January–February in Southern Africa (extreme heat + rain). Knowing the worst time can help you decide the best time to embark on a journey.

FAQs: Your Safari Timing Questions Answered

1. What is the best month for an African safari?

June–October for dry-season game viewing. This period is usually deemed the best time to go on safari in Africa.

2. Which African country is best for safaris?

Tanzania for the Great Migration.
Botswana for luxury + Okavango Delta.
South Africa for family-friendly safaris.

3. Is December a good time to go on safari?

Yes! Southern Africa (Kruger, Okavango) offers lush landscapes and newborn animals. December can be the best time to travel if these conditions appeal to you.

4. What month is best to visit Africa?

Varies by region: June–October for East Africa; May–September for Southern Africa, both typically considered the best time to visit for safaris.

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