African Safaris in July
July is without question the king of the African safari Holidays.
This dry season sees Africa become a theater where nature performs at its grandest.
As the bush thins, the big cats have a more difficult time hiding from your camera.
Huge herds gather around drying watering holes for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
The famous Great Migration comes into focus as wildebeests get ready for their treacherous river crossings.
Why July is the best time for Safari
- Ultimate Visibility: With sparse plant life, every sound in the bushes uncovers some secret treasure.
- The Start of the Migration Crossings: Experience firsthand the frenzied and mind-blowing activity during the Great Migration in Kenya.
- Ideal Weather Conditions: Warm sunny days and cool evenings make for an excellent climate.
- Optimal Gorilla Tracking: Clear pathways provide optimal conditions to spot gorillas in their natural habitat.
Iconic Destinations To Visit & Safari Activities in July
The Masai Mara in Kenya provides you with front-row views of the most iconic river crossings.
Northern Serengeti in Tanzania continues to be the best place for seeing big cats and endless plains.
The Okavango Delta in Botswana comes alive when flood waters transform the desert landscape into an aquatic paradise.
Experience the beauty of navigating through these transparent channels with the traditional Mokoro.
Zambia presents the ideal destination for adventure travelers who love exploring Africa’s wilds on foot.
Visit Rwanda and Uganda during their dry season with cool climate for tracking mountain gorillas in lush forests.
Conclude your journey at the magnificent Sossusvlei Dunes in Namibia, lit up by the July sun.
July not only marks travel but also the ultimate chance to see the real Africa.
How are Weather Conditions in July For Safaris by Destinations?
July is part of the dry season, making it an excellent time for safaris as animals gather around water sources and vegetation remains sparse, improving visibility.
Temperature Features of a July Safari
- Kenya & Botswana: Enjoy pleasant sunshine during the day and cool nights with starry skies.
- Tanzania & Rwanda: Discover the best possible weather with consistently comfortable temperatures throughout your safari.
- Uganda & Zambia: Warm tropical days and cool nights await you in this tropical destination.
- Zimbabwe & Namibia: Bright, warm, and sunny skies during the day, followed by a sudden dip in temperature once night falls.
- South Africa: The biggest fluctuations between morning frosts and scorching afternoons can be experienced here.
- Zanzibar: The best tropical getaway with moderate temperatures and the soothing effect of sea breezes.
| Countries | Weather in July |
| Botswana | Max 24°C (75°F), Min 6°C (43°F) |
| Kenya | Max: 25°C (77°F) Min: 12°C (54°F) |
| Tanzania | Max: 28°C (82°F) Min: 10°C (50°F) |
| Uganda | Max: 23°C (73°F) Min: 11°C (52°F) |
| Rwanda | Max: 27℃ (81℉) Min: 16℃ (61℉) |
| Zambia | Max: 25°C (77°F) Min: 11°C (52°F) |
| Zimbabwe | Max: 25°C (77°F) Min: 7°C (45°F) |
| Namibia | Max: 21°C (70°F) Min: 7°C (45°F) |
| South Africa | Max: 25°C (77°F) Min: 8°C (46°F) |
| Zanzibar | Max: 29°C (84°F) Min: 21°C (70°F) |
How is the weather in July By Countries?
August is known as the “Golden Month,” being the peak of the dry season throughout the continent.
With the shrinking of the bush and disappearance of water holes, watching animals becomes an easy task and highly predictable.
East Africa still enjoys clear skies during this time, which makes for perfect conditions for viewing the highlights of the Great Migration.
South Africa is entering one of the finest winters when the big five tend to gather close to rivers and watering holes.
Although daytime is characterized by warm sunshine, nighttime game drives could get extremely cold.
Highlights for Destinations in August
Kenya: Great Migration
August is undoubtedly one of the best times for a safari in Kenya because it becomes a stage where drama unfolds on every front.
The famous Mara River crossing is at its peak, with huge herds being chased by the Nile crocodiles and apex predators.
Even though the highlands will still have cool weather, the arid land becomes perfect for game walks.
Tanzania: Game Drives
Game drives in Tanzania in August become theatrical performances, as temperatures are moderate at 20°C to 28°C.
If you want to see the migration, then the Northern Serengeti is your destination, while Tarangire has huge herds of elephants coming down to the river.
Ruaha and Katavi southern circuit destinations are simply outstanding in August.
Uganda & Rwanda: Gorilla Tracking Tours
This is a fantastic month for tracking gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga because the dry conditions make the forest floors easily navigable.
The lack of thick vegetation increases your chances of seeing gorillas, although you should book permits several months in advance.
Elephants and tree-climbing lions gather around the Kazinga Channel and the River Nile in the savannah parks.
South Africa: Contrasting Seasons
The dry season persists in the northern regions and makes Kruger National Park one of the best places for consistent wildlife sightings.
On the other hand, in the Western Cape, the rainy season ends and gives way to the blooming of flowers in Namaqualand.
The arrival of migratory whales in the bays creates unique marine photographic opportunities on the country’s coastline.
Botswana: Delta’s Maximum Floods
Botswana is a fascinating combination of the arid Kalahari Desert and the floods of the Okavango Delta that reach their peak during August.
The deep channels are navigable by mokoro boat tours, while the area around the Chobe is home to some of the largest elephant herds in the world.
Experience golden savannah plains, high levels of predation, and extremely cold nights under the vast desert skies.
Namibia: Desert Photography
Namibia offers photographers stunning blue skies and contrast-filled landscapes to capture during the month of August.
Waterholes at Etosha National Park become popular destinations for black rhinos and lions, while the cool temperatures make it ideal to climb the dunes at Sossusvlei.
Coastal cities like Swakopmund create a foggy haven from the arid conditions further inland.
Zambia & Zimbabwe: Hiking and River Safaris
August marks the time when Zambia’s famous walking safaris take place; the stiff grass makes it safe to explore the environment on foot.
Mana Pools in Zimbabwe provides world-renowned canoe safaris down the Zambezi River under the large mahogany trees that provide shade.
Victoria Falls becomes less turbulent, allowing tourists to view the beautiful rock formations without any haze caused by spray from the Devil’s Pool.
The Tropical Paradise of Zanzibar
The month of August marks the “cool” dry season in Zanzibar, characterized by low humidity and cooling trade winds.
At a diving depth of up to 25 meters, August is the best time to explore the reefs surrounding the Mnemba Atoll.
From visiting the spice plantations to kiteboarding at Paje, the climate is sunny throughout the month.
Best Places to Visit this July?
Under the best places you can visit in July, 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 July guide, you will be able to understand if it suits your interests and preferences. For further assistance, kindly get in touch.
Indeed, August is the best “Golden Month” to have the best African safari experience.
The middle of the dry season in the two parts of the continent makes it harder for the dense vegetation to flourish, thus making the temporary water bodies dry up.
The above-mentioned changes lead to the large gatherings of animals along the last few perennial rivers and watering holes in the region.
It is only natural that such a situation creates the perfect conditions for game viewing.
East Africa experiences the peak of the Great Migration when millions of wildebeests and zebras move north to the Serengeti and the Masai Mara.
It is an unforgettable experience watching the aforementioned herds pass through the waters of the Mara River filled with deadly crocodiles.
As far as the tropical rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda go, the dry weather is a perfect time for trekking gorillas.
Southern Africa is another destination with a similar yet unique rhythm in this part of the year.
Botswana and South Luangwa in Zambia can be highlighted as places where visitors will be treated to the finest wildlife action in the African bush.
South Africa, on the other hand, sees its coastal regions come alive in August as whales make their way into the Western Cape for mating and calving purposes.
Those who wish to explore “Bush and Beach” destinations will enjoy their vacation on the Zanzibar Islands and at Lake Malawi.
August marks the season when the warm Kusi winds reduce humidity and bring sunny weather.
These conditions allow visitors to explore the coast as well as engage in water sports, including swimming and snorkeling, due to excellent visibility in clear waters.
Unfortunately, due to its incredible popularity, one needs to plan for the trip of their dreams.
Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, among others, are extremely popular and crowded at this time of the year as everyone wishes to observe the Great Migration.
As such, making arrangements with your favorite campsite months, if not a year in advance, is highly recommended.
What to Pack in July For an African Safari?
Understand the best things and items to pack during a safari in July. 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.
Ensure that you pack lightweight and breathable cotton or linen clothes in khaki, beige, and olive colors to blend into the landscape.
Layering is important in August when you will have chilly mornings and blazing hot afternoon sun on the savannahs.
Pack a warm windbreaker and fleece jacket alongside a beanie, scarf, and gloves for morning game drives.
Packing comfortable and covered walking shoes for walking in the bushland and sandals for leisure at the lodge or pool area is important.
A hat and a pair of polarized sunglasses are important to protect yourself from the glaring midday sun in Africa.
It is important to pack a bathing suit for afternoon relaxation in swimming pools at some luxury lodges.
Packing sports bras for ladies to wear during bumpy rides in off-road vehicles is important.
Packing all essential medication and vitamins in their packaging inside the carry-on bag is important.
Your first aid kit must include oral rehydration salts, painkillers, antiseptic cream, and anti-diarrhea tablets.
Make sure you have enough insect repellent and malaria prophylactic tablets for your travel region.
| What to Wear in August | 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.
Which are the best Tailor Made Safari Packages to Book in July?
Looking for a perfect African Safari to book in July? 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.
Which 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.
Why 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!
July Safaris in Africa – FAQs
