African Safaris in January
January represents a spectacular start to a new year and ranks as one of the best months for an African safari adventure. During this time, Africa offers an intriguing contrast between the arid, sun-kissed plains of East Africa and the vibrant, green season changes found in Southern Africa. These varying climatic conditions guarantee that if you are seeking dust-free photography, new animal life, or emerald green vistas, January offers world-class game viewing and pleasant conditions for traveling.
January, for instance, is a period of a short dry season, and the weather conditions are perfect for a visit to places like the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, as the vegetation is thin, and the Big Five game viewing is much easier. Besides, the absence of heavy rains means the animals congregate around the permanent water points, offering a guarantee of a thrilling game drive, unlike the peak season of July.
One of the most spectacular displays of nature takes place this month in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu regions of Tanzania. The Great Migration herds congregate in these regions to witness the peak calving season of the wildebeest. Every day in January, February, and March, around 8,000 calves are born in this region. This is a spectacular display of life, as high concentrations of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards are also attracted to this region.
While the East African region is dry, the Southern African safari destinations of Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe welcome the Emerald Season. The summer rains bring life and beauty to the parched bush, making it a photographer’s dream with the dramatic skies. Although it may be more difficult to traverse the land, it is an excellent time to visit for the bird enthusiast or those seeking exclusivity. From the roaring waters of Victoria Falls to the boat safaris in the rising rivers of Zambia, January is an experience not to be missed.
Weather Conditions in January For Safaris by Destinations
African Safaris in January Seasonal Guide
Best Weather Guide to plan your African Safari Holiday by country and weather conditions. We have listed them by month and by major destinations in Africa to help you plan your safaris more effectively. Our safari experts are available to help you plan accordingly and advise on the best places to go in January for your safari.
| Countries |
Weather in January |
| Botswana |
Min 6°C (43°F), Max 25°C (77°F)
|
| Kenya |
Max: 77.9°F(25.5°C) Min: 50.9°F(10.5°C) |
| Tanzania |
Max: 28°C (82.4°F) Min: 15°C (59°F) |
| Uganda |
Max: 29℃ (84℉) Min: 18℃ (64℉) |
| Rwanda |
Max: 27℃ (81℉) Min: 16℃ (61℉) |
| Zambia |
Max: 27℃ (81℉) Min: 18℃ (64℉) |
| Zimbabwe |
Max: 29℃ (86℉) Min: 18℃ (64℉) |
| Namibia |
Max: 30℃ (86℉) Min: 17℃ (63℉) |
| South Africa |
Max: 34℃ (93℉) Min: 18℃ (64℉) |
| Zanzibar |
Max: 32℃ (90℉) Min: 25℃ (77℉) |
How is the weather in January By Countries
January provides a great variety of safari experiences to suit your scenery and weather preferences. If you are visiting East Africa, countries such as Kenya and Tanzania have a dry and warm season with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 30°C. This is the most popular time to witness the great wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti. Thousands of young wildebeests during the calving season attract a high number of predators. This is the best time to have a great sunny day game drive or mountain trekking.
For those who want to have unique adventures, January is one of the best months for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The dry weather makes the trekking trails in the forests easier to walk on. It makes for a comfortable experience while in the company of these gentle giants. Whether one wants the dry plains in the north or the greenery in the south, January offers a wide range of opportunities for a very memorable trip to Africa.
On the other hand, January is the green season in Southern Africa. This season brings along thunderstorms and hot temperatures. However, the scenery is a paradise of emerald green. This is a bird enthusiast’s paradise since the wet season brings along a variety of migrant birds. This is a great time to capture the most dramatic skies. Despite the thick vegetation, animals are giving birth to their young. This provides a great opportunity to witness the most adorable scenes of young calves and cubs.
Kenya Safaris in January
January is the best time to visit Kenya for a safari experience during the short dry season. The weather is warm, with clear skies. This is the best time to spot big cats and various newborns. The environment is still nicely green from the rains that fell earlier. The presence of migratory birds is an added advantage for nature enthusiasts.
January is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and other parks. The parks are less crowded during the month. This is the best time to visit the parks for a serene experience without the crowds. The experience is still top-notch on the plains. The weather is perfect for a visit.
Tanzania Safaris in January
January is an excellent time for a Tanzania safari, offering pleasant weather and a stunning, green landscape. This is the peak of the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas, resulting in increased predator concentrations.
January is part of the Green Season, offering a very intimate wildlife experience with far fewer tourists. While you may experience some rain in the afternoons, the clear skies offer excellent photographic opportunities in the stunning scenery.
Uganda Safaris in January
January is a good month for a safari in Uganda, especially during the dry season. The warm and pleasant climate, as well as good weather, are perfect for trekking in the country.
During this time, it is easy to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, as the dry trails are not as difficult as they are during the wet season. In addition, the vegetation in savanna parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park makes for great game viewing, especially for predators like lions and elephants.
South Africa Safaris in January
January brings a wonderful opportunity to experience a green season in South Africa. The hot and humid conditions make for a wonderful setting. While the dense foliage makes viewing wildlife a bit more difficult, this is a wonderful time to view baby animals and beautiful migratory birds in a crowd-free environment.
Popular destinations such as Kruger National Park and the Eastern Cape offer their picture-perfect scenery during this time. Many tourists choose to add a trip to sunny Cape Town to their green season safari.
Botswana Safaris in January
January is the peak of the Emerald Season, which has hot weather along with refreshing rains that turn the desert into a lush paradise. This is a great time for those seeking a luxurious yet cost-effective trip since the prices are lower.
The weather is great for photographers and those interested in seeing birds since it is a great time for them. Even though the north is lush, the Central Kalahari and Nxai Pan are great for game viewing.
Namibia Safaris in January
January is a hot and lush green season in Namibia. Although the rain scatters the animals, making it difficult to spot them, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and the absence of tourists makes it a very peaceful time to visit.
It is the peak calving season, making it a great time to see young animals against the vibrant green scenery. This is also a great time to see birds as the skies are filled with the migrating species.
Zambia Safaris in January
The month of January in Zambia is referred to as the Emerald Season. During this time, Zambia is full of greenery and is hot and humid. Some camps are closed because of the rains, but it is a great time for high-end travel for those who want a lower-cost alternative that is also peaceful.
It is an excellent time for birdwatching and exclusive boat safaris for those who want to have a private experience with few tourists around. The rivers are full of water during this time.
Zimbabwe Safaris in January
January is a peak month in Zimbabwe during the lush, green season with dramatic skies and landscapes. Although it may be difficult to game view with thick bush and wildlife, it is a great time for birdwatching and photography with fewer people around.
It is a low-cost time for travel, and you will see Victoria Falls in its most powerful state. It is a high-value time for those who want dramatic landscapes.
Zanzibar Island Beach Holidays in January
January is a prime month for a Zanzibar beach vacation, with hot, dry, and sunny weather. The sea temperature is at its warmest in January, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving in crystal-clear waters.
Nungwi and Kendwa beaches are popular for their lively atmosphere and good swimming spots, regardless of the tides. For those who are into water sports, such as kite surfing, Paje beaches are perfect for their breeze and beautiful views along the coast.
Best Places to Visit this January
Under the best places you can visit in January, and if you would probably enjoy the best safari in Africa. We prefer luxury and guided safaris in Africa for an optimum experience. With this January guide, you will be able to understand if it suits your interests and preferences. For further assistance, kindly get in touch.
January is a special month for African travel, with a fascinating contrast between the dry plains of East Africa and the lush green season changes of the south. Selecting the right destination for January travel allows you to experience the iconic African scenes without the crowds that the peak season of mid-year brings.
East African Safaris Highlights
In Tanzania, the spotlight is on the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains. This is the time for the Great Migration Calving Season. Thousands of wildebeest give birth each day, providing a massive display that naturally draws large concentrations of predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The short grass is one of the best conditions for photography.
In a similar vein, Kenya has a short dry season in January. The weather is usually sunny and warm. This makes for easier viewing of the Big Five against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The thinning of the herds makes viewing easier. It is also easier since it is not in the main migration window in July. One can get world-class game viewing with much more privacy and at a lower rate.
Southern African Safaris “Green Season”
In the southern part of the region, Botswana experiences a dramatic change. The rains that fall during the summer season transform the usually barren Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans into a lush green paradise. This is known as the Emerald Season. The rains bring large herds of zebra and springbok to the Nxai Pan and Kalahari Desert. This is a rare opportunity to visit the desert in all its glory. This is an exceptional time for bird enthusiasts as well as photographers who love stormy weather.
South Africa is also in full bloom during the summer season. The Eastern Cape is an excellent choice for travelers who want a malaria-free experience in a green environment. This is usually paired with a visit to Cape Town, which has its best weather in January. Cape Town is hot, dry, and lively. This is the perfect time to visit Table Mountain or the Cape Winelands.
Primate Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
If interested in trekking to see some of these amazing animals, January is a great time to visit Uganda or Rwanda. It is during the dry season for this region of Africa, which is a major consideration for trekking through these dense mountain forests.
The forest floor is less muddy and the trails less slippery during this time, which makes the trek to see these mountain gorillas and chimpanzees much easier. It also helps that the skies are clearer for that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity for a silverback gorilla.
What to Pack in January For an African Safari In
Understand the best things and items to pack during a safari in January. The guide below will help you know what to pack this month so you can have an easy, stress-free time on your safari.
Packing Lists are very important for ensuring you have the right items for certain seasons, and our detailed African Safari Packing List will be helpful to you.
What to Pack for a January Safari
| What to Wear in January |
Medication to Pack for Safari |
- Comfortable sneakers/sandals/walking shoes for game walks
- Flip-flops or similar for pool or in-room use, or even in safari vehicle
- Baseball cap or hat to keep dust/sun from the head
- Windbreaker/fleece jacket for layering during game drives and evening
- Jeans (one or two pairs)
- Khaki or cotton pants/slacks, for dinnertime
- Four T-shirts for daytime wear
- Button-down long-sleeve sports shirts (optional at dinner for men)
- Long-sleeve and mid-sleeve women’s cotton shirts for layering
- Shorts/cut-offs—two or three pairs for mid-day wear
- Sleeveless shirts for warmer days—very necessary for summer
- Bathing suit
- Underwear (sports bras are recommended for game drives)
- Socks
|
Pack enough daily vitamins and prescribed medicine to last your entire trip. Keep your prescriptions in their original bottles and store them in your carry-on bag.
- Allergy remedy
- Rehydration salts like Liquid I.V.
- Pain reliever
- Antiseptic cream
- Motion sickness tablets
- Dramamine
- Dramamine Natural Non-Drowsy
- Heartburn remedy
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Cold/flu tablets
Anders |
For more clothing ideas, check out our guide to what to pack for an African safari.
Our Tailor Made Safari Packages to Book in January
Looking for a perfect African Safari to book in January? We’ve got some of the best safari ideas for you here. Browse and choose the best that suits your holiday safari interest. In case there is none, please get in touch with our Safari Experts, and we will ensure you get exactly what you are looking for.
Other Months to Explore For Safaris in Africa
Looking for the perfect Time for an African Safari? We have listed below more guides that will help you determine the best time and place to visit Africa for your safari Adventure.
Book Your African Safari Holiday with us
Are you in search of a luxury safari adventure where you can view interesting wildlife? Well, you are in the right place. At Cheetah Safaris, we offer customized luxury safaris that are aimed at catering to your demand to explore and have an adventure.
In addition to its plains, Kenya also holds Africa’s second-highest mountain, Mt. Kenya. Do not forget to witness and experience one of the Wonders of the World, made possible not elsewhere but only in Kenya: The Great Wildebeest Migration. Indeed, the Maasai Mara provides an awe-inspiring view and is not just an experience but a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
January Safaris in Africa – FAQs
The best time to visit Africa to see the beautiful savannah grasslands, wildlife, and culture is from January to April and from June to November, during the drier, hotter months. The vegetation thins out and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, and these seasons offer beautiful sightings due to the short grass.
