The safari year at a glance
This heat map compares the strongest broad windows across East and Southern Africa. Higher intensity means a stronger overall opportunity, but the right destination can still deliver an excellent safari in every month.
The broadest all-round window is July to October; January and February are exceptional for Serengeti calving season.
Safari month by month
Conditions vary between East and Southern Africa, but this overview shows the main seasonal patterns and wildlife highlights across our destinations.
Calving season begins
January
A strong dry-season window in Kenya and Tanzania. The wildebeest gather on the southern Serengeti plains, while Southern Africa is green, warm and excellent for birding.
Newborn wildlife
February
The Serengeti calving season reaches its peak, bringing intense predator activity. Kenya remains warm and dry, while green-season rates can make Southern Africa especially rewarding.
Quieter shoulder season
March
East Africa remains rewarding early in the month before the longer rains build. Visitor numbers are lower, landscapes are green and gorilla trekking remains possible year-round.
Long rains in East Africa
April
Heavy rain can disrupt travel in Kenya and Tanzania, and some camps close. It is a specialist choice rather than the easiest first safari, though prices and visitor numbers are low.
Seasonal transition
May
The East African rains continue but begin easing later in the month. Botswana and Zimbabwe move towards their dry season, with cooling temperatures and improving game viewing.
Dry season starts
June
A beautiful transition month. East Africa is green after the rains, the migration moves north through the Serengeti and Okavango floodwaters begin filling the Delta's channels.
Peak safari season
July
Dry conditions bring excellent wildlife viewing across East and Southern Africa. The migration approaches the northern Serengeti and Botswana's Delta is in full flood.
Best all-round conditions
August
One of the strongest months across the region. River crossings may occur in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, while Botswana and Zimbabwe offer superb dry-season game viewing.
Wildlife concentrates
September
Dry weather, thinner vegetation and shrinking water sources make wildlife easier to find. The migration is often in the Maasai Mara and Southern Africa remains excellent.
Late dry season
October
Still a very strong safari month, especially early on. Wildlife gathers around permanent water, though temperatures rise in Botswana and Zimbabwe and short rains may begin in East Africa.
Green season returns
November
Short rains refresh Kenya and Tanzania, while Southern Africa moves into its green season. Expect fewer visitors, migratory birds and strong value between peak travel periods.
Festive season safaris
December
Short rains usually ease across East Africa and wildlife remains plentiful. The migration moves back towards the southern Serengeti, while holiday dates require early planning.
When to go, by destination
Use our detailed country and regional guides to narrow the timing around the places and experiences you want most.
Compare Kenya month by month, including the dry seasons, the Maasai Mara migration period and the short rains.
Explore Kenya →
Plan around the Serengeti migration, calving season, northern and southern circuits, and the best beach weather on Zanzibar.
Explore Tanzania →
Gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year, with the drier periods generally making forest trails easier underfoot.
Explore Uganda →
Time the Okavango flood, dry-season wildlife concentrations or the greener months around the Makgadikgadi migration.
Explore Botswana →
Visit during the dry months for concentrated wildlife in Hwange, or choose the greener season for dramatic landscapes and fewer visitors.
Explore Zimbabwe →
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