When to Visit Africa – Best Time for Safaris, Wildlife & Weather

The best time to visit Africa to see the beautiful savannah grasslands, wildlife, and culture is from January to April and June to November, during the drier hot months. The vegetation thins out and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, and these seasons offer beautiful sightings due to the short grass.

Our Kenya Safaris are scheduled all through the year, but we can best customize and tailor-make it for you. You will be lucky to visit Kenya during these seasons and indulge in wildlife sightings, cultural experiences, and city tours. 

The best time to visit Africa for the wildebeest migration is from June to October of every year, and the best time to see the wildebeest calving is from January to April. Where more than 8000 calves are born daily, and also marks the start of the Wildebeest Migration. Stay in Ndutu Conservation Area, or the Southern part of the Serengeti National Park. You will be welcomed with an abundance of big cats and scavengers that hunt and scavenge for the rich food available in the region.

Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible sightings of the Silverback Gorillas and chimpanzees. The best time to visit Africa for gorilla trekking safaris is from January to April and August to October, during the dry seasons. 

Overall, Africa is a year-round destination. Its varying climates provide good conditions for a visit to one region or another at every time of year. 

To spot mountain gorillas in Africa, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, which fall between June and September and again from December to February. During these months, the hiking trails are firmer and less slippery, making the trek through the dense forest much easier and more comfortable. This time of year also provides the best visibility for photography, as there is minimal precipitation and less mist to block your view. While the weather is clearest between June and August, keep in mind that this is also the busiest season with the highest number of tourists.

The most suitable months for a visit to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are between June and September. If you plan your visit for August, you may have the chance to witness the Kwita Izina ceremony, an annual event where baby gorillas born during the past year are named. In Uganda, the same dry months are ideal for visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. Traveling during the dry season is particularly important in Uganda due to the steep terrain; you will want to visit when the trails are firm rather than deep, wet, and filled with challenging mud.

Because gorilla trekking is so popular, yet only a few spots are available, some planning is crucial. A gorilla permit will be required to visit these animals, and these should be booked in advance at least six months before your trip, especially during the peak summer months. Whether you choose the lush hills of Rwanda or the thick forests of Uganda, visiting during the drier parts of the year ensures that your focus remains on the incredible encounter with the gorillas rather than the difficult weather.