Africa’s vast landscapes offer a diverse range of experiences throughout the year. Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, trekking to see mountain gorillas, or indulging in a luxurious beach retreat, timing is everything. Here’s our expert guide on the best times to visit Africa, including secret seasons and the unique advantages of each period.

South Africa:

Best time: May to September (Winter and early Spring) for most regions

Wildlife viewing: May to September – cooler temperatures and sparse vegetation make for excellent game viewing.

Cape Town & Garden Route: November to March is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor activities.

Secret Season: Visiting in April or October can mean fewer crowds, mild weather, and great safari opportunities.

Zimbabwe:

Best time: May to October (dry season)

Victoria Falls: May to August for the most spectacular water flow.

Hwange National Park: July to October is ideal for spotting large herds of elephants and big cats.

Zambia:

Best time: April to October (dry season)

Victoria Falls: May to August for peak water levels

South Luangwa National Park: June to October for top wildlife sightings.

Lower Zambezi National Park: June to September for luxury safari lodges and river-based safaris.

Rwanda & Uganda (Gorilla Trekking)

Best time: June to September & December to February

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry season offers easier trails.

Secret Season: The wet seasons (March to May & October to November) bring lush scenery, fewer tourists, and lower permit prices. Although trails can be muddy, this can be an incredible time to experience gorilla families in a quieter, more intimate setting.

Note:  Gorillas do not have a strict breeding season, and births can occur throughout the year.  However, there may be a slight increase in births during the dry season where food is more abundant.

Kenya & Tanzania

Best time: July to October (dry season) for wildlife viewing

Great Migration (Wildebeest River Crossings): July to September in the Maasai Mara & Northern Serengeti.

Calving Season: January to March—ideal for witnessing newborn wildebeest in the Southern Serengeti.

Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The best time to climb the highest peak in Africa, is during the dry seasons when the weather is more stable and visibility is better.  The main dry seasons are typically from late June to October and from late December to early March.  Avoid the two rainy seasons if possible – March to early June (long rainy season) and November to mid-December (short rainy season)

Zanzibar:

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is a popular tourist destination known for its gorgeous beaches, historic stone town, and vibrant culture.  Best time: June to October for idyllic beach weather.

Secret Season: April to May is the rainy season, but this means fewer tourists, vibrant green landscapes, and exclusive offers at luxury resorts.

December to February is also a great time to visit, with warm temperatures and excellent diving conditions.

Namibia

Best time: May to October (dry season)

Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert: Best visited year-round, but mornings are stunning during cooler months (April to September).

Etosha National Park: June to October for incredible wildlife viewing around waterholes.

Botswana

Best time: April to October (dry season)

Chobe National Park: August to October for enormous elephant herds along the riverbanks.

Okavango Delta: June to October when water levels are highest for exceptional mokoro (canoe) safaris.

Madagascar

Madagascar has a unique climate due to its size and geographical diversity.  The best time to visit depends on the specific activities and regions you plan to explore.  Overall, Madagascar has two main seasons: the rainy season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October)

June to September is peak season, offering cooler temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing.

Rainy Season (November to April): Lush landscapes and a great time for birdwatching and lemur spotting, though some areas become inaccessible.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and specific weather conditions can vary within each country, and specific activities, such as gorilla trekking, may have different optimal months.  Always check for any travel restrictions, visa requirements, and specific conditions for the areas you plan to visit.

Talk to one of our friendly travel experts to help you book your dream African holiday.