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Plan Your African Safari By Month: Where To Go When

It’s the start of a new year, and for those with an itch for untamed places and unique experiences, it’s time to begin plotting where your travels will take you in 2023. 

Let us guide you through the best destinations to visit in Africa each month, based on over 20 years of exploring this wild and wonderful continent. Keep in mind, though, that Africa has a reputation for being a year-round destination for good reason. Most regions boast wildlife, birds, and magnificent scenery regardless of the season. Reach out to us if you have a specific destination and time frame in mind, and our expert team will advise you on how best to embark on your safari adventure in Africa.

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Image: Uganda, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Kickstart Your Year With The African Summer

January
The first month of the year is a great time to explore Uganda. The dry season creates ideal conditions for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.

February
Head to the Southern Serengeti in Tanzania to feast your eyes on the calving season of the Great Migration. During this time, pregnant wildebeest give birth and by February some 8,000 wildebeest are being born every day which leads to an abundance of predator action!

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Image: Ellerman House, Cape Town captured by Etched Space

Autumn in Africa: From City to Natural Wonder

March & April
South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town, welcomes the autumn months with clear skies and temperate weather. Stay in the heart of the city to enjoy all the activities, world-class cuisines, and cultural events on offer in this cosmopolitan hub.

May
To see Victoria Falls at the height of its power, visit in April or May. Expect to come away in awe of this natural wonder of the world that divides two countries and is home to several unique species of plants and animals.

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Image: Samburu, Kenya

A Warm Winter in Africa

June
The ‘shoulder season’ in travel refers to the time between peak and off-season when travellers can get the best of both worlds: lower rates and fewer crowds without compromising on weather, sightings or experiences. June is a great time to visit both Kenya and Tanzania before the rates — and crowds — increase in July.

July & August
This is peak season in Africa and arguably one of the very best times to visit South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania for great weather and bucket-list experiences. Expect safaris to be the busiest, and likely the most expensive, during this time.

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Image: Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Spring blooms in Africa

September
Welcome the change of seasons in Zambia or Namibia. This is a superb time to be on safari in Zambia as temperatures in the high 20°Cs make the days pleasant, perfect for spotting animals congregating by nearby rivers and waterholes. In Namibia, too, September is considered the best time to travel as it isn’t yet too hot and the humidity is still low.

October
Visit Mozambique in October when weather on the stunning coast — a drawcard for most visitors — is sunny, dry and hot.

November
Pack your bags for Tanzania to see the iconic species of Mafia Island: the local whale sharks. During November and December, whale sharks can easily be sighted near shore. Lucky travellers may also spot sea turtles exploring the island’s vibrant coral reefs.

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Image: King Lewanika Camp, Zambia

December
Escape the northern hemisphere chill and enjoy an African summer with a visit to King Lewanika Camp on the Liuwa Plain in Zambia. Where better to salute the year gone by and dream up adventures for the coming year than in the heart of a vast grassland where the skies are endless and wildlife roams free?

Inspired? 

Reach out to our expert team to plan your 2023 African adventure now.

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