East Africa in August

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