Best Time to Visit East Africa

Around 400 000 calves are born each year in the Serengeti during the month of February when millions of wildebeest flock to graze.

This indicates the existence of large predators, such as big cats, and that a predatory encounter is inevitable. European migratory birds arrive in February as well, adorning the landscape with their brilliant colors.

Kenya’s climate in February is characterized by being relatively dry and clear. It’s much easier to see the predatory action between the animals on a Kenya Safari when the weather is like this. 

This time of year is a popular time of year for tourists to go on safari in Rwanda because the weather is warm and sunny. In most cases, it is also dry. Going gorilla trekking right now is a no-brainer because of the perfect weather.

A March safari in East Africa is often overlooked by travellers, as this month doesn’t fall into the long dry season. However, it presents a unique window for exploration across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

This month marks a fascinating transition from the short dry spell during January and February to the onset of the wet season, offering a distinct set of advantages if you’re seeking a less crowded, more serene experience.

The changing weather patterns breathe new life into the landscapes, transforming them into lush, verdant environments that are the temporary homes of a wealth of migrant bird species. March is a fantastic time of the month for an exciting birdwatching safari in East Africa!

March also forms part of the calving season when the Great Migration wildebeest herds give birth to their young in the Serengeti. The new arrivals attract predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Weather in March

The weather in East Africa during March tends to be wet, as it’s the beginning of the rainy season. While this may seem daunting, rainfall during this month occurs as intense, brief showers, often only lasting 30 minutes to an hour, after which the skies typically clear, and the sun reappears.

The shift from parched landscapes into lush green expanses is particularly appealing for travellers on photographic safaris in East Africa.

Destinations to Visit in East Africa During March

Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Akagera National Park is the only Big Five reserve in the country – it’s the perfect add-on to a gorilla trekking safari. With 480 bird species in the park, including breeding migratory species, it’s also a fantastic destination for birdwatching safaris.

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls is an incredible waterfall in East Africa, and the area of the country it’s in receives very little rainfall during Uganda’s wet season. Visit this park to see four of the Big Five (rhinos are absent) and go chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo Forest.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural amphitheatre home to abundant wildlife. It’s a fantastic year-round safari destination, with March being a bit quieter as it’s part of the low season.

Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

The wet season is the best time for birding excursions in Kenya, especially in Tsavo East National Park with its more than 500 bird species. Migratory birds can be seen during this time of the year, which makes safaris even more exciting for twitchers.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Safari goers will be mesmerised by the views of Mount Kilimanjaro that can be enjoyed during an Amboseli National Park adventure. Four of the Big Five call this park home, including large herds of elephants and impressive populations of lions and hyenas.

Activities to Do in East Africa in March

• Game drives
• Birdwatching safaris
• Cultural safaris
• Mountain climbing
• Photographic safaris

The rainy season is in full swing in the East African countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, making classic safari adventures across the savannah as well as gorilla trekking excursions challenging.

However, as this is low season, an East Africa safari in April can mean lower rates and fewer crowds. Due to the rain, the landscapes are thriving, and you quickly understand why it’s called the “green” season. So, your views during game drives and walking safaris will be of gorgeous verdant environments.

This is a time of replenishment and growth, when the refreshed environment creates stunning photographic safari opportunities and allows for observation of unique wildlife spectacles, such as calving and heightened predator activity.

Weather in April

April’s weather in East Africa is defined by the long rains, which typically extend from late March through May.

While consistent rainfall is the norm, regional variations – influenced by factors such as altitude and proximity to large water bodies – create diverse microclimates across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective safari planning.

Destinations to Visit in East Africa During April

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Despite being within the rainy season, the Southern Serengeti is noted for receiving less precipitation than other areas. This is where the Great Migration herds begin their northern movement with their calves. Fewer tourists translate to an uncrowded experience.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

April is the tail end of the prime birding season at the Ngorongoro Crater; avid birders can still catch migratory species in the region. Wildlife populations remain very high, and the lush, green landscape dotted with wildflowers provides a stunning backdrop, even if game drives are partly affected by rain.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

During April in Masai Mara National Reserve, the lush landscapes create a photographer’s paradise. This time of the year is calving season for many herbivores, which attracts big cats – a Masai Mara safari can include witnessing dramatic predator-prey dynamics.

Activities to Do in East Africa in April

• Photographic safaris
• Birdwatching safaris
• Cultural safaris

The start of the dry season, as well as the northern leg of the migration, occurs in May. Due to the high temperatures of Tanzania, the occasional afternoon or evening thundershower is extremely welcome.

In contrast, wildlife viewing in the Serengeti can be spectacular in May, with large herds of elephants and zebras traversing the park’s central and western regions.

If you can handle the rain and don’t mind getting muddy then May is also an excellent month to visit Rwanda. The rains provide an abundance of food, so the gorillas descend down the mountain slopes for warmth and vegetation.

May is one of the warmest months in the Seychelles, making it ideal for a beach vacation. May brings more spectacular diving possibilities around the islands on a Seychelles island holiday.

Kenya‘s climate is cooler and less humid in June, making it an ideal time to travel with children in the country’s capital.

In Tanzania, on the other hand, the parks and woodlands begin to dry out, making it an excellent time for game viewing in the Serengeti, particularly in the northernmost regions.

June marks the start of Rwanda’s long dry season, which is ideal for a gorilla trekking safari. Dry, strong trails facilitate trekking and tracking. As the month continues, the jungle becomes less dense, making the gorillas easier to photograph.

This is the start of the dry season in Zanzibar, and the weather is excellent for days on the beach or swimming on a Zanzibar holiday. 

July is the heart of the dry season across East Africa, transforming the landscape into a prime stage for unparalleled wildlife encounters. This makes it the best time to visit East Africa. Across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, the dry weather thins vegetation, making animals far easier to spot compared to the green season.

From game drives across the savannah to gorilla trekking in the rainforest and Mount Kilimanjaro hiking adventures, this month brings with it sublime weather for a range of activities. This time of the year is considered to be the peak season for East African safaris, so planning ahead is key to ensure you acquire your top picks for activities and accommodations.

Weather in July

During an East African safari in July, you’ll enjoy predominantly clear skies, abundant sunshine, and significantly reduced rainfall. This climate is highly conducive to outdoor activities, particularly wildlife safaris, as animals tend to congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot.

Mornings and nights can be quite chilly, especially during game drives in open vehicles, so pack warm layers.

Destinations to Visit in East Africa During July

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

July is one of the most exciting months to witness the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. The vast herds of wildebeest and zebra are typically concentrated in the Western Corridor in early July, undertaking dramatic crossings of the crocodile-filled Grumeti River. As the month progresses, they push northward towards the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti, where iconic crossings usually commence.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

By late July, the front-runners of the Great Migration begin to arrive in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Daily river crossings can be witnessed at both the Mara and Talek rivers. The reserve’s rolling grasslands are abundant with resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which actively stalk the migrating herds.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

July in Ngorongoro Crater offers clear skies and minimal vegetation, which significantly improves wildlife spotting. It’s an ideal location for observing the Big Five. While generally dry, higher elevations like the crater rim can experience cooler temperatures, requiring warmer clothing.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

July is widely regarded as one of the best times for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park due to very low levels of rainfall and optimal trekking conditions. The drier, firmer trails make hikes more comfortable, and less dense vegetation improves visibility for spotting gorillas. Permits are limited and highly sought after, so booking well in advance is essential.

Activities to Do in East Africa in July

• Great migration safaris
• Gorilla trekking safaris
• Chimpanzee trekking safaris
• Snorkeling, diving, and watersports
• Cultural safaris
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Walking safaris

August is one of the best months to go on an East Africa safari. Whether you dream of seeing the wildebeest herds of the Great Migration, going on primate treks to witness gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats, or simply having a classic savannah safari experience, this is your month.

The conditions at this time of the year are perfect for all of these activities and more. This month you can expect optimal visibility for game drives, drier and more comfortable trails for gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, and clear skies for mountain climbing. August is also prime time for a beach vacation in East Africa – relaxing on an island paradise like Zanzibar is an incredible way to end a safari.

Weather in August

August is part of East Africa’s long dry season, which generally runs from June to October. This period sees minimal rainfall, notably lower humidity, and abundant sunshine. The weather in East Africa dries out vegetation and watering holes, making wildlife far easier to spot in national parks and reserves.

Destinations to Visit in East Africa During August

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

August is a perfect month for a Great Migration safari, with wildebeest herds concentrated in the Northern Serengeti and actively crossing the Mara River into Kenya. River crossings are often the most dramatic parts of the migration calendar. The concentrated prey also makes it an excellent location for observing predator action.

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

As an off-the-beaten-track destination, Ruaha offers prime game viewing in August due to sparse vegetation and predictable wildlife movements around limited water sources. It is also an ideal month for walking safaris. This is one of the best places in East Africa to see African wild dogs.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

August falls within the archipelago’s dry season, offering consistently warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities. The sea is also comfortably warm, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and other water sports. This pleasant weather creates excellent conditions for exploring Zanzibar’s attractions, from the historic Stone Town to trekking through Jozani Forest to spot red colobus monkeys.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

A top destination in August, hosting the Great Migration as herds move in from the Serengeti. It offers dramatic river crossings and abundant resident wildlife, including the Big Five (although rhinos are challenging to spot) and high densities of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

Samburu National Reserve is best experienced during the dry season; less dense vegetation in the region vastly improves the safari experience here. Leopard sightings at Samburu are some of the best in East Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

Home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers excellent gorilla trekking safari conditions in August due to drier and cooler forest trails.

Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park excels in August for chimpanzee trekking tours, as it’s home to one of Africa’s largest chimpanzee populations. Drier conditions increase the probability of successful tracking.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

August is an ideal month to go on a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, as the dry conditions open up a range of activities. Explore the savannah to find four of the Big Five, including the tree-climbing lions this region is so famous for. Chimpanzees can also be seen in the forested areas of this national park.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This park is prime for gorilla trekking in August, with clear trails and less foliage making it easier to spot mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Activities to Do in East Africa in August

• Game drives
• Walking safaris
• Great Migration safaris
• Gorilla trekking safaris
• Chimpanzee trekking safaris
• Beach vacations and snorkelling
• Mount Kilimanjaro mountain trekking

As the wildebeest make their way over the Mara River at this time of year, the crocodiles are usually well stocked with food and have enough to sustain them till next year. 

We therefore suggest the more remote Ruaha and Selous areas during this period for a safari in Tanzania. Safaris in this part of the world are far more tranquil because of the abundance of wildlife and the low number of vehicles.

A Zanzibar holiday is also a fantastic experience to have in September. With mild temperatures and oceans that are still clear and tranquil. 

Rain is forecast for a safari in the Serengeti and migrating herds are returning to the region’s revitalized grasslands in October. 

The best places to see the herds in October are in Kenya’s southeastern Masai Mara and Tanzania’s northeastern Serengeti. 

The optimum time to go chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is during the rainy season, even though gorilla trekking may be done at any time of year. It is during the month of November when witnessing the chimps is the most rewarding experience. Because of the abundance of foliage, chimpanzees do not have to travel far in order to forage, making them easy to track down.

In November, Uganda experiences a brief rainy season, and although the gorillas’ pathways may be muddy and difficult, they tend to descend down the mountain toward the plentiful food sources. This may shorten the journey to locate gorillas, as well as reducing the length of time spent in the rain.

Since the rains commenced in December, thousands of wildebeest have moved into the Serengeti’s southernmost portion, where they are now approaching the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The calving season is barely a month away, so everyone can expect big bellies on their safari adventure.

Going gorilla trekking in Uganda during the short dry December season is great. Because the long rains have yet to arrive, the foliage is still quite thin. This means that photographing and discovering the primates of East Africa is much easier at this time of year, making it the perfect Christmas activity.