Best Time to Go on Safari
When is the best time to go on safari in Africa?
The short answer: any time. The long answer? Let us show you why.
Best Time To Go
Botswana
Botswana Safari Seasons: Okavango Delta and Beyond
In Botswana, the dry season (June–October) is ideal for dramatic wildlife sightings. Animals gather at shrinking waterholes, and the Okavango Delta’s floodwaters attract big cats, elephants, and antelope in abundance.
But do not overlook the green season (November–March). It transforms the landscape into a photographer’s dream, with lush scenery, migrating birds, and fewer travellers.
No two days are the same — and that is the magic!
Enjoy our Safari Sightings playlist on our YouTube channel for more on what guests and guides regularly see when on safari at our camps.
January to March
Temperatures are hot but afternoon rain showers cool the terrain. Evenings are warm.
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- Excellent birding with carmine bee-eaters everywhere.
- Early morning mists make for great photography!
- There are plenty of herbivore grazers and their young to be seen, including warthog, lechwe and kudu.
- Elephants and buffalo can also be seen, as can the predators.
- Boating and fishing activities are suspended at many camps during this time due to the natural drop in the Okavango Delta waters.
- Wildlife disperses a lot due to the abundance of rainwater. Grasses tend to be higher in many parts of Botswana.
- Wild dog sightings are good during this season.
April to June
Herbivores begin to return to the floodplains and main channels of the Okavango in anticipation of the floods which begin in mid to late April.
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- Temperatures are milder during the day and nights begin to cool.
- Waterlillies begin to flower in the Okavango.
- The scorpio constellation dominates the clear night skies.
- Birding activity decreases as migratory species depart.
- Hippos begin to emerge during the day.
- Leopard sightings begin to increase.
- Wilddogs begin to search for dens
July to September
The flood is at its zenith in the Okavango. Water activities are at their prime.
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- Hot water bottles on game drives.
- The skies are clear.
- Big herds of elephants become more frequent around the camps.
- The Selinda Spillway starts to get water in peak flood years.
- Apple leaves start sprouting.
- Game viewing is exceptional over this period.
- The denning period for wild dogs and hunts are more regular.
- Daytime temperatures are mild with crisp evenings.
October to December
The floods in the Okavango recede but the rainy season begins.
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- Water activities continue at most camps.
- Daytime temperatures soar. Afternoon showers in November and December cool temperatures slightly but nights are typically warm to hot.
- Grasses begin to sprout on the floodplains leading to great game concentrations.
- Birding begins to get really good as northern Migrants return.
- Baby season in much of Botswana!
- Butterfly season!
Kenya
Best Time to Go on Safari in Kenya
Kenya offers something special in every season. From July to October, the legendary Great Migration takes centre stage, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra moving across the Mara River under watchful lion eyes.
The green season (December–May) delivers open landscapes, golden light, and new life — ideal for photographers and those who prefer solitude and softness.
All year, Kenya offers unforgettable encounters with big cats, elephants, giraffes, and the vibrant culture of the Maasai people.
But don’t just take our word for it
See recent guest sightings by visiting our Safari Sightings playlist on YouTube. You will get a glimpse into what each season has to offer at our camps.
January to March
Skies begin to clear with remarkable views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya.
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- Daytime temperatures are hot and warm in the evenings.
- Perfect game-drive weather.
- Rivers in Kenya tend to run lower during this season and waterholes become more active.
- Lots of baby animals are around and continued predator/prey interactions.
- The secret quiet time in the Mara.
April to June
The long rains arrive in April and continue through May.
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- Beautiful emerald scenery.
- The Loita resident migration in OMC and Mara N Conservancies is in full swing.
- The Time of Plenty in Kenya
- Widowbirds begin their stunning breeding displays.
- Pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings.
- Elephant time in the Mara with peak breeding season.
- Elephants in the Chyulu Hills are harder to find as they move away from permanent water sources.
- Dark, cloudy skies make for stunning landscape photography.
July to September
July marks the beginning of the famed wildebeest migration.
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- River crossings peak in August and early September.
- Low grass makes for exceptional game-viewing and enhanced visibility.
- Cool temperatures in the mornings and evenings and cold at night.
- The hides at Ol Donyo become a hive of activity and this is the best time to see the fames big tusker elephants of the area.
- Winds can increase over this period.
October to December
The migration winds down into early October with only occasional river crossings.
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- Day and nighttime temperatures begin to elevate.
- The short rains begin in November and peak in December.
- By December expect occasional stunning lightning displays and thunderstorms providing exceptional scenery photography.
- Flowers are in abundance.
- The short rains mark the beginning of the antelope breeding season with lots of babies and predator/prey interactions.
- October is arguably the best time to see Ol Donyo’s big tuskers before the onset of the short rains.
- The best birding time in Kenya!
Zimbabwe
From winter wildlife sightings to lush landscapes and birdwatching in the summer rains, each season offers unique experiences that immerse you in Zimbabwe’s wild beauty. Therefore, it could be argued that the best time to go on safari is any time during the year!
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It
See real-time wildlife footage and recent guest sightings by visiting our Safari Sightings playlist on YouTube. You will get a glimpse into what each season has to offer at our camps.
January to March
Mana Pools remains inaccessible.
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- This is the rainy season in Zimbabwe.
- From March the viewing of Victoria Falls becomes awe-inspiring.
- Best Birding season in Zimbabwe.
April to June
Tembo Plains in Mana Pools opens for guests April 1.
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- As the bush dries up, general game begins to head down to the Zambezi floodplain.
- Elephants begin to shift their dietary requirements and spend more time on the floodplain.
- Days are still hot in April but gradually begin to cool down in the evenings into May and June.
- Eland become more abundant and visible during May and June.
- May sees the beginning of the impala rut.
- Swimming elephants are a highlight from late May into June.
- Victoria Falls experiences the highest volume of water through May.
July to September
Game concentrations are at their peak on the Zambezi floodplain
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- Buffalo sightings peak in Mana Pools.
- Mild days and cold nights are a signature of this period.
- Hippopotamus in Mana Pools emerge from the water more frequently during the day and crocodile activity increases.
- It’s baby boom time for hippos in Mana Pools.
- Dry foliage means increased visibility for wildlife sightings.
- Predator sightings are at their zenith during this time.
- Carmine bee-eaters arrive towards the end of this period.
- Tigerfishing is excellent across the country.
- The water volume at Vic Falls subsides and visibility at the Falls increases but less dramatic.
October to December
Daytime temperatures begin to soar and evenings become warmer.
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- Building thunderclouds provide excellent landscape photography.
- Summer migrant birds begin to arrive and lucky birders in late November at Tembo Plains may even spot African Pitta.
- Antelope begin to give birth in November into December.
- Tembo Plains closes end of November in preparation for the summer rains.
- Fishing continues to be good through October into early November.
- November sees the water volume at Vic Falls gradually increase but rainfall can be frequent.
