What is the best month for an African safari?
Deciding when to take an African safari is just as important as choosing where to go. The continent’s weather changes greatly throughout the year, meaning that the ‘’best’’ month depends entirely on what you want to see and experience. A month that is perfect for watching millions of wildebeest can be terrible for birdwatching, a month of bright sun can mean higher prices and then crowded viewing spots.
Understanding the two season, the dry season and wet season is the first step to planning your dream adventure. For most travelers looking the classic, easy safari experience the middle of the dry season usually is the best, but the secret is knowing why.
Dry season (High season) best for easy wildlife viewing.
For most people, Dry season offers the best conditions for a safari. This period generally take place from June to October, and it is considered the high season for a reason. The lack of rain causes the vegetation (grass and bushes) to become very thin and low, making it much easier to spot animals in the distance. Furthermore, the limited water sources mean that animals must gather in large number around the remaining rivers and waterholes. This creates spectacular viewing opportunities, often right near the safari lodges and camps. These months are also best for watching the world-famous Great Migration in Tanzania and then Kenya, as the wildebeest cross the Mara River, that is from July and September. However, be a ware that this is the most popular time to travel, so prices are higher, and then best camps book up far in advance. The temperatures are generally comfortable, though it can get vey hot and dusty in the afternoons, especially in October.
Shoulder months.
Theses months include Mat, June and then November are usually often called the ‘’shoulder season,’’ and they offer a wonderful experience. June is particularly excellent because it marks the start of the dry weather, meaning the roads are good and the wildlife viewing is already improving, but peak season crowds have not fully arrived, offering better experience.
As well November is the start of rains, which clear the dust, bring a stunning green tinge to the landscape and trigger excellent predator hunting activity. During these months, you can often find slightly power prices and then fewer vehicles competing for a view of the animals. While the Great Migration’s movements can be slightly less predictable in these in between times, these months offer a quieter, more relaxed and more affordable high quality safari experience.
Wet season (green season); best for beauty and budget.
Wet season of the ‘’green season,’’ usually from December to March and is often overlooked, but is a magical time for the tourists looking for the different kind of safari. The heavy rains change the dry, brown landscape into the lush, green plains then filled with the colorful flowers- a paradise for the photographers. This is the best time when the baby animals are born, creating touching and then exciting scenes of new life and intense predator action. It’s the absolute best time for birdwatching, as thousands of migratory bird species arrive Europe and Asia.
Because this is the low season, prices are much lower and you can enjoy the parks almost to yourself, However, you must be prepared for rain, which can sometimes make the dirt roads very muddy and hard to travel on. The exception is January and February which are fantastic months in the southern Serengeti for watching the wildebeest calving season an incredible, unforgettable natural event.
Choosing your personal best month.
To choose your best month you must prioritize what you want most from your safari. If your only goal is to see the Great wildebeest migration river crossings (the most dramatic part) aim for July to August. If you want to the easiest, most reliable animal sightings with minimal vegetation to hide the animals, August and September are the best choices.
If you are serious photographer or birdwatcher who prefer lower prices and a beautiful, green landscape, choose February or March. For the perfect balance of good weather, great animal viewing and slightly fewer crowds and lower prices, the sweet spot often falls in June or the early part of November. By matching your personal interests to the season, you can ensure that your African safari is perfectly timed and exactly the adventure you dreamed of.
