Africa is a year-round destination where seasons, climate and experiences vary a great deal and there is always something exciting to see and do, no matter when you decide to travel. To give you some inspiration and ideas, we have put together several of the top trips month-by-month. To ensure availability on some of the more popular experiences like the Great Migration in East Africa or prime game viewing season in Southern Africa we recommend booking well in advance. Our consultants specialise in tailoring itineraries around your individual or group needs and interests, so let us know if you have a specific destination or particular time of year in mind and we can take care of the perfect African journey for you.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
Late summers are for the Serengeti and East African islands
The Great Wildebeest Migration takes a full year to complete a single cycle, spanning Kenya and Tanzania but certain highlights happen in specific months with the mass birthing of baby animals taking place between January and March in the Southern Serengeti. The herds of millions of zebra and wildebeest and their young attract an array of predators and the plains are full of action over this period. We suggest combining a Migration trip with a few days relaxation on an exquisite East African tropical island. A less known but equally exciting seasonal attraction is the Mnemba Island Turtle Run in February, when countless tiny endangered Green Turtle hatchlings make a life-or-death dash across the sands towards the ocean creating a spectacular sight.
MARCH, APRIL & MAY
Balmy Autumns are best spent on Africa’s waterways
As the weather is less hot or rainy in the in-between seasons, this is the perfect time to visit Botswana’s Okavango Delta. April is also wild dog season and the busy packs of the patchworked predators are often seen making a dramatic kill. Experience it on foot, in a 4×4 safari vehicle, or something more unusual like a hot air balloon or glass-bottomed traditional canoe. The month of May is the best time to visit the Zambian side of Vic Falls. The range of sights and activities make it a unique destination for families, romance, groups, or adventure. Sunset river cruises, sumptuous fine dining, white-water-rafting, game viewing and helicopter flips centred around a 1700m World Heritage Site, one of the 7 Natural Wonders and the biggest curtain of falling water in the world.
JUNE, JULY & AUGUST
Winter is for ultimate safaris and spotting the Big 5
The Big 5 remains an iconic African experience and travellers from around the world come to sight the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros in their natural environment. Winters in the famous Kruger Park Sabi Sands area are cool and dry, which means that wildlife congregates at points where water is available. By this time, the vegetation has thinned. All combining to make it the best time to see animals on safari. In the Masaai Mara and East Africa, the Great Wildebeest Migration has reached its crescendo with dramatic river crossings happening in the far west. Crocodiles and lion simply line the banks and wait for the vast herds to reach them, making for moments of high drama. A migration of a different sort is happening off the Wild Coast, as the sardine run makes its way up the warm East shores of Southern Africa.
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Visit in Spring for marine mammals and birds on the wing
For marine enthusiasts looking to spot whales, this is the best time to see Southern Right and Humpback whales off the shores of the Cape with the prime destination being Hermanus, roughly two hours from Cape Town. Why not combine a coastal trip with a meander through the world-renowned wine country, sampling some of South Africa’s fine vintages and several of the top restaurants in the country. Birding is at its best in October when the intra-African migrants can be seen and the palaeoarctic migrants are starting to arrive. By boat you have the opportunity to witness both of these remarkable visitors to our shores.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
High summer is beach time in beautiful Cape Town
Cape Town is an all-year destination with a moderate winter including many sunny and clear days. Still summer is undoubtedly peak season when visitors flock to the white sandy beaches, award-winning restaurants, majestic Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, platinum shopping, iconic Robben island, and the rich culture comes to the fore with a seasonal celebratory atmosphere. Cape Town serves as the perfect base for a trip up the winelands or to access superb safari destinations, all just a short flight away.
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