Your Year in Africa: A Month-by-Month Guide to Extraordinary Experiences
From the lush green plains of Botswana in January to the water-rich channels of the Chobe River in October, Africa offers something remarkable in every season. This calendar highlights some of the best activities for each month—pairing iconic wildlife encounters with lesser-known adventures. Whether you’re drawn by the Great Migration, emerald landscapes after the rains, or quiet moments on the river, there’s always a perfect time and place to explore. Here’s where to go, and why.
January – Explore the Okavango Delta in the Green Season (Botswana)
January marks the heart of Botswana’s lush green season. While the rains bring dramatic skies and vibrant scenery, it’s also calving season for many antelope—drawing in predators and making for excellent game viewing. Fewer travelers mean quieter camps and exceptional value.
February – Track Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest (Uganda)
February is one of the driest months in Uganda, making it an excellent time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. With less rainfall, the forest trails are more navigable, and the chances of encountering chimpanzees are high. The lush vegetation and warm temperatures enhance the experience, offering a comfortable and rewarding trek through one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests.
March – Visit Victoria Falls at Its Fullest (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
As seasonal rains feed the Zambezi River, March sees Victoria Falls begin to swell toward peak volume. The falls are thunderous, the mists dramatic, and the surrounding bush is alive with birdlife. Not to mention, Victoria Falls is home to our in-house destination management company, Bushtracks Africa—meaning your journey here is handled with deep local knowledge and seamless care.
April – Track Desert-Adapted Rhino in Damaraland (Namibia)
As Namibia transitions into the dry season, April offers comfortable temperatures and clearer skies—ideal for exploring the dramatic landscapes of Damaraland. This is a great time to join expert guides on foot or by vehicle in search of desert-adapted black rhino, whose resilience in this arid environment is extraordinary. The sparse vegetation improves visibility for tracking, and the surrounding scenery is some of the most striking in Africa.
May – Enjoy Predator Sightings in South Luangwa (Zambia)
As the bush starts to thin before the dry season, South Luangwa’s famed walking safaris begin. May is ideal for spotting big cats like leopards and lions, with active wildlife and fewer vehicles in the park—offering a quiet, immersive experience.
June – See the Great Migration Cross the Grumeti (Tanzania)
In June, the wildebeest herds typically move into the western corridor of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River. This month can offer a front-row seat to dramatic crossings, predator-prey interactions, and the early build-up to the famed Mara River crossings later in the season.
July – Watch Whales off the Coast of Hermanus (South Africa)
July brings the start of the whale-watching season along South Africa’s southern coast. Hermanus is one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching locations, with southern right whales often just meters from shore. It’s a beautiful contrast to the inland safari circuit.
August – Witness the Mara River Crossings (Kenya)
By August, the Great Migration normally reaches Kenya’s Masai Mara. River crossings are at their peak—intense, unpredictable, and unforgettable. Alongside dramatic wildlife sightings, this is a great time to experience Kenya’s legendary guiding and cultural richness.
September – Discover the Salt Pans of Makgadikgadi (Botswana)
As the dry season deepens, Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans offer surreal beauty and surprising wildlife. This is an excellent time for quad biking across the moonlike landscape, encountering meerkats, and spending a night under the stars in complete silence.
October – Cruise the Chobe River (Botswana/Namibia)
October is dry and hot in Southern Africa—perfect for water-based safaris. On the Chobe River, you can watch elephants swim, hippos graze on shorelines, and buffalo gather in huge herds. A river cruise offers a fresh perspective and a welcome breeze.
November – Experience the Emerald Season in the Lower Zambezi (Zambia)
The first rains arrive in November, transforming Zambia’s Lower Zambezi into a green paradise. While game-viewing is still strong, the real highlight is the renewed landscape—lush, alive, and perfect for photographers looking for vibrant contrast and dramatic skies.
December – Climb Mount Kenya (Kenya)
With clear skies and dry weather, December is an ideal time to summit Mount Kenya. Far less crowded than Kilimanjaro, the mountain rewards trekkers with rich biodiversity, alpine lakes, and dramatic views—offering a thrilling alternative to the classic savanna safari.
