The definitive month-by-month safari calendar. When to see the migration, best months for Big Five, green season savings, and weather patterns across Africa.
The Complete Safari Calendar: When to Go Where in Africa
Timing is everything on safari. The difference between visiting the Masai Mara in August versus April is the difference between watching 2 million wildebeest cross a crocodile-infested river and watching… grass grow.
Month-by-Month Safari Calendar
January — Southern Africa's Summer Paradise
Best for: South Africa, Tanzania (calving), Zambia
- •South Africa: Green season, baby animals, dramatic thunderstorms, 30% lower prices
- •Tanzania: Wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti — 8,000 calves born daily!
- •Botswana: Okavango Delta at peak flood, lush and green
February — Baby Season & Predator Bonanza
Best for: Tanzania (calving), South Africa, Mozambique
- •Tanzania: Calving continues — lion, cheetah, and wild dog activity peaks as predators feast
- •South Africa: Excellent birding, lush landscapes, budget-friendly
- •Mozambique: Whale sharks off Tofo Beach
March — Shoulder Season Deals
Best for: South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda
- •Shoulder season across Southern Africa — fantastic deals
- •Tanzania: Migration herds begin moving north
- •Uganda: Lower crowds at gorilla trekking sites
April — Rains & Value
Best for: South Africa, Rwanda
- •East Africa's long rains begin — not ideal for Kenya/Tanzania
- •South Africa: Autumn colours, excellent wildlife, great prices
- •Rwanda: Gorilla trekking with fewer tourists
May — Dry Season Begins
Best for: South Africa (Kruger), Zimbabwe, Botswana
- •South Africa: Dry season starts, vegetation thins, animals concentrate at water
- •Botswana: Okavango Delta begins to flood — magical water-based safaris
- •Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls at peak flow (April–May rains upstream)
June — Peak Season Opens
Best for: South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania (northern migration)
- •The golden months begin across Southern and East Africa
- •Kruger: Exceptional Big Five viewing as bush dries out
- •Tanzania: Migration reaches the central Serengeti
- •Botswana: Peak Okavango, dry Chobe
July — Migration Madness
Best for: Kenya (migration), Tanzania (northern Serengeti), South Africa
- •Kenya: Wildebeest arrive in the Masai Mara
- •River crossings begin — the most dramatic wildlife event on Earth
- •South Africa: Peak dry season, best leopard sightings in Sabi Sands
August — Africa at Its Best
Best for: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana — everywhere!
- •The single best month for safari across the continent
- •Migration river crossings at their peak
- •Southern Africa: dry, cool mornings, exceptional visibility
- •Book 12–18 months ahead for top lodges
September — The Sweet Spot
Best for: Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia
- •Our #1 recommended month — dry season, warm days, incredible wildlife
- •Kenya: Migration crossings continue
- •Zambia: Walking safari season at its finest
- •South Africa: Spring wildflowers begin
October — Shoulder Season Magic
Best for: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania
- •Southern Africa heats up — predators more active
- •Kenya: Migration herds start moving south
- •Botswana: Dry season peaks — massive elephant herds at water
- •Shoulder-season pricing begins at many lodges
November — Green Season Starts
Best for: South Africa (green deals), Tanzania (short rains)
- •First rains in Southern Africa — landscape transforms overnight
- •Migratory birds arrive — birding at its best
- •Rates drop 30–50% at many lodges
- •Tanzania: Short rains, fewer tourists, good wildlife
December — Summer Holiday Season
Best for: South Africa, Tanzania (migration south)
- •South Africa: School holidays, festive season at lodges
- •Tanzania: Migration returns to southern Serengeti
- •Peak pricing for South Africa (holiday demand)
- •Excellent for families
Plan your perfectly-timed safari → — Our experts will match your dates to the ideal destination.
