Best Time to Go on Safari: Expert Guide & Personal Safari Tales
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Hello fellow safari travelers. If you are reading this blog, you are most likely looking at going on safari and wondering “when is the best time to go on safari”? If you have ever whether this is your first safari of fifth, depending on what you want to see and do will dictate the best time to go. In this guide I will be walking you through all of the seasons, the surprises, and some safari planning tips that will make your safari dreams a reality.
Introduction: Safari Planning
When planning your African safari, timing is everything and can honestly make or break your trip. Whether you are interested in chasing the thrill of river crossings, hoping to spot lion lounging in the shade, or eager to witness baby wildebeests, every safari season promises to be an unforgettable experience. In this post I will review all of the seasons for safari, insider tips, and what you can see and do for each season. Now, let’s dive into the best time to go on safari!
1. Dry Season: June-October and January-March
In my opinion, the best time to see wildlife is during the dry season. Going on safari during the June-October timeframe is considered to be the classic peak season for going on safari across most of the eastern and southern regions of Africa. This time of year, has the east about of rain, which means the animals will be near the watering holes and rivers in masses. Because of the lack of rain, the grass thins out, and with the animals near the water sources, it makes viewing the animals optimal during this time of year, and you are MUCH more likely to see the “Big 5”, compared to any other season.
Africa’s second dry season, January-March is especially peak season in Tanzania’s southern region. This time of year, is also calving season for the Great Migration and over a half a million wildebeest calves are born in a matter of just a few weeks. The plains will come alive with newborns and because of that, the predators also stay very close by. This is a great opportunity to see lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, making it a very dramatic time of your to be on safari
2. Great Migration: July-September
If you are looking for the greatest show in the bush, then the Great Migration season may be the season for your safari. During this season you will see massive amounts of wildebeest and zebras crossing crocodile-infested rivers like the Mara and the Grumeti. This can be one of the most exciting, dramatic, and traumatizing experiences you’ve ever witnessed.
Literally as I watched the animals cross the river, my heart was pounding as I waited for the bloodbath to occur. You could literally see animals fly across the river without incident, while others unfortunately didn’t make it.
3. Shoulder Season: April-May and October-November)
One of the most underrated times of year to go on safari is during the shoulder seasons. Some of the best aspects of going on safari during this time of year is there are less safari vehicles in the bush and it’s a much more immersive safari experience.
This time of year, is very green and lush, with fresh vegetation, moody skies, and lots of grass, which the scenery makes it feel like a much more personal and scenic experience. One of the best things about less tourists is that you have exclusive wildlife viewing encounters and you can enjoy the lush beauty of the bush without the crowds.
This time of year, does bring frequent rains, so expect sunny mornings and rainfall in the afternoons. Come prepared with rain gear and know that the roads can get quite tricky and bump, especially in the rain. I visited Kruger National Park during this time of year, and I was not prepared for a few afternoon downpours.
Conclusion: Best Time to go on Safari
In conclusion, while I am very frequently asked “when is the best time to go on safari”, my answer always remains the same: year-round! Trying to decide the best time to go on safari really depends on several things: budget, what you want to see, personal preferences. There is honestly no bad time to go on safari, and regardless of the time of year that you do go, you will have the most amazing experience and an incredible memorable adventure. Ready to pack your bags and go on safari? If so, send me an email and I would love to help you plan your next amazing adventure!