When to Go on Safari
Understand the rhythm of the wild. From the Great Migration to the emerald season, we help you find the perfect time to visit.
Choose Your Landscape
There is no "bad" time to visit Africa—only different experiences. Here is the fundamental trade-off.
The Golden Dry Season
June – October
- Pinpoint Visibility: Thinning bush and dry grass mean animals have nowhere to hide.
- Waterhole Action: Wildlife converges on permanent water sources, creating high-density viewing.
- Cool Skies: Clear blue days and chilly nights. Perfect for photography and open-vehicle drives.
The Vibrant Green Season
November – May
- The Birthing Season: Witness the "baby boom" as thousands of newborns take their first steps.
- Photographer's Dream: Dramatic storm clouds, dust-free air, and lush, saturated green backgrounds.
- Exclusive Value: 20-40% lower rates and virtually no other vehicles at sightings.
The Great Migration Roadmap
The 1.5 million wildebeest are always moving. Here is where to catch them.
Calving Season. The herds settle on the short-grass plains to give birth. High predator action.
The herds move North. Crossing the Grumeti River. Dramatic but rainy.
The Crossing. Dramatic Mara River crossings. This is peak migration viewing.
The short rains trigger a move back south to the Serengeti plains.
Regional Forecasts
Primate Trekking
Peak: Jun - Sep & Dec - Feb. Dry trails make steep forest climbs much easier.
Rainy: Mar - May. Harder trekking, but Gorillas often descend to lower altitudes for bamboo shoots.
Okavango Delta
Peak: May - Aug. Counter-intuitively, the Delta floods during the dry season, creating the best water-safari conditions.
Summer: Nov - Mar. Incredible birding and the Zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi.
Victoria Falls
Peak Flow: Mar - May. The "Smoke that Thunders" is at its most powerful after the rains.
Devil's Pool: Aug - Jan. Low water levels allow for swimming at the edge of the falls.
Climate Cheat Sheet
Safari weather is surprisingly diverse. From freezing dawn drives in the Ngorongoro Crater to humid afternoons in the Selous.
25°C - 32°C
(77°F - 90°F)
10°C - 15°C
(50°F - 59°F)
Packer's Note:
Regardless of the month, early morning game drives are cold. You will be in an open vehicle moving at speed before the sun is up. Always pack a warm windbreaker and a scarf, even if your midday forecast is 30°C.
Barabara Expert Team
On-the-ground since 2012
Have a specific date in mind?
Tell us when you can travel, and we'll tell you exactly where the wildlife is peaking.