All Articles

Plan Your African Safari By Month: Where To Go When

16 Jan 2023|Mary Rijnberg

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.

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!

Image of the Atlantic Ocean captured from the grounds of the Ellerman House in Cape Town by Etched Space | Planet Africa Safaris | Blog | Which Destination To Visit in Africa Each Month

Photo: 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.

Image of Maasai members leading animals across the plains of Samburu in Kenya | Planet Africa Safaris | Blog | Which Destination To Visit in Africa Each Month

Photo: 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. 

Image of the vast dunes of the Skeleton Coast in Namibia | Planet Africa Safaris | Blog | Which Destination To Visit in Africa Each Month

Photo: 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.

Image of a table decked for dinner under the stars at King Lewanika Camp in Zambia | Planet Africa Safaris | Blog | Which Destination To Visit in Africa Each Month

Photo: 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.