Many people believe that the dry season is the best time to visit Africa, but the truth is that every season has its own unique magic. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience! While a quick Google search might tell you that the dry season (from May to October) is the ideal time for safaris, the reality is much more nuanced. Every time of year offers incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unique opportunities.
At Hills of Africa, we craft customized itineraries based on your personal preferences—whether you want prime wildlife viewing, a relaxing beach, fewer crowds, or a lush green landscape. Let’s break down the different regions and seasons to help you determine the best time for your adventure.
Southern Africa
Southern Africa experiences one long rainy season from November to April, followed by a dry season that lasts from May to October. Because the dry season is so long, wildlife viewing toward the end, particularly from August to October, is often spectacular as animals congregate around shrinking water sources. However, October can be extremely hot, making early morning and late afternoon game drives more comfortable.
The rainy season, also called the green season, is not to be understated though. The green season from November to April is magical, especially for birders. It is also calving season, which leads to incredible predator encounters. Since this time of year is often considered “off-season,” you may find yourself experiencing the wilderness in solitude. When you do spot wildlife, it feels even more special because you’re often the only one there.
South Africa
South Africa has diverse climates depending on the region. If you’re heading to Cape Town, the seasons are reversed compared to the rest of Southern Africa. The summer months, November to March, are the driest, making it a great time for beach visits, wine tours, and hiking. If marine life interests you, whale watching season begins in July along the Western Cape coast, particularly in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, where southern right whales migrate to give birth. For nature lovers, South Africa’s West Coast transforms into a breathtaking display of wildflowers during spring, from August to October, making it a fantastic time to visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
For those planning a safari in Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves, the best wildlife viewing is from May to October when the vegetation is sparse, and animals gather around water sources.
Namibia
Namibia’s dry season, from May to October, is perfect for wildlife viewing in places like Etosha National Park, where waterholes attract large concentrations of animals. The desert landscapes of Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast are spectacular year-round, though temperatures can be extreme. In winter, daytime temperatures are mild, but nights can drop below freezing, while summer temperatures can soar up to 50°C (122°F).
Botswana
Starting mid-may, the Okavango Delta begins to flood with rain water from the Angola River, turning the dry Kalahari into a lush inland delta which attracts lots of game. From June to August, the delta is un full flood and birds and animals congregate in the lush grasslands and waters. This is the perfect time for a mokoro safari, a unique experience that allows you to glide silently through the waterways while seeing lots of game.
Elsewhere in Botswana, the dry season from May to October is excellent for safaris, as wildlife becomes more visible around the limited water sources.
Zimbabwe & Zambia
Both Zimbabwe and Zambia offer breathtaking views of Victoria Falls, which is at its fullest from April to June, right after the rainy season. Even when the water levels drop later in the year, the falls remain impressive, earning their local name, “The Smoke That Thunders.” If you’re looking to experience the famous Devil’s Pool, the best time to visit is between August and January when water levels are lower.
Both countries boast exceptional safari experiences, especially in Hwange, Mana Pools, and South Luangwa National Parks, where wildlife viewing is at its best during the dry season from May to October. However, the rainy season offers its own beauty, with short afternoon rains, fewer tourists, and an abundance of migratory birds and lush vegetation.
Eastern Africa
Unlike Southern Africa, Eastern Africa experiences two rainy seasons: a short one in November and a longer one from March to May. The dry seasons, from January to March and June to October, are generally considered the best times for wildlife viewing.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is arguably one of Eastern Africa’s biggest claims to fame spanning the whole year and many countries in the region, meaning you can witness it at different times of the year depending on where you go. The most famous moments—when wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara and Grumeti Rivers, facing crocodiles and big cats—occur from July to October in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti.
For a quieter but equally thrilling experience, visit during the calving season in January and February in Tanzania’s southern Serengeti, where thousands of baby wildebeest are born, attracting plenty of predators.
Tanzania
Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, with the dry seasons, January to March and June to October, being the most popular. For those seeking fewer crowds, the green season, March to May, offers lush landscapes, fantastic birdwatching, and great predator action during calving season.
Technically it is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro year round, but there are definitely certain times of year which are better. It is most ideal to climb during the drier and warmer parts of the year December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. Because these are the best conditions, they are also the busiest times, especially when it coincides with school breaks. Of course, this also depends on the summit route you decide to take, so make sure you work with someone knowledgeable while planning your summit.
If you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, we cannot recommend Zanzibar enough, it is the perfect location to slow down a bit at the end of your safari. The dry seasons for Zanzibar coincide with the rest of Tanzania, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. There is also fantastic snorkeling in Zanzibar, the best times being in February and March on the Southern coast and between July and August on the Northern coast.
Uganda & Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in Uganda and Rwanda, but the best hiking conditions are during the drier months of January to February and the cooler June to September. That said, since gorillas live in rainforests, you should be prepared for some rain at any time of the year. Regardless of the season, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings you face-to-face with these incredible primates, so we highly recommend any time of year.
Kenya
Kenya is a fantastic destinations year round with fantastic game, even during the heavy rains because they coincide with calving season. The short rains in November to December can be a great time to visit Kenya especially if you are wanting to escape the crowds.
In July, the great migration enters Kenya as large herds of wildebeest cross into the Masai Mara from the Tanzanian Serengeti. With the high concentrations of prey and low vegetation levels, the predator prey interactions become more frequent. The herds leave the mara again in October before the rains come. Kenya is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with migratory birds staying in the area from September to April, only leaving for the long rainy season.
Madagascar
Madagascar’s cyclone season lasts from January to March, so we typically do not recommend visiting during this time. The rest of the year is good weather, however, from October to December, baby lemurs are born, making it an ideal time for primate lovers to witness these creatures in their natural habitat.
So, when’s the best time to visit Africa
The best time to visit Africa truly depends on what you want to experience. Whether you’re after the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, a quiet and lush safari during the green season, or the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls, there’s no wrong time to go.
At Hills of Africa, we specialize in crafting personalized itineraries to ensure you visit at the perfect time based on your interests and preferences. No matter where or when you go, Africa promises an unforgettable adventure!
Ready to start planning your dream safari? Contact us today!