When planning your safari holiday, there’s one important question: “Where to go when?”

This is what we’re asked most of all when helping our customers plan their holiday.

Let’s explore the peak seasons for wildlife encounters in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Kenya: June until October are the cool, dry months making this the peak safari season, perfect for being there during The Great Migration (hyperlink to post in Wildlife Category – The Great Migration) in the Masai Mara (hyperlink to post in Countries Category – Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara), and exploring Amboseli, Tsavo, Laikipia and Samburu. For those who prefer a warmer experience, December to February/mid-March offers good game viewing, great birding and beach holidays at the coast.

Tanzania: June until September is cool, dry weather in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire in Northern Tanzania, likewise in Ruaha and Nyerere National Park in Southern Tanzania, along with plenty of wildlife. February and March is the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti, adding something special to your safari adventure.

Botswana: June until September are the peak safari season months, especially when the Okavango Delta fills with water and mokoro safaris through the waterways add a unique safari experience. Moremi, Savute, Chobe and Linyanti are at their best during this time, while February and March offer a different opportunity to see the zebra migration at Nxai Pan.

Zambia: June until September is the best time for a safari in Zambia to visit the South Luangwa National Park, Kafue or the Lower Zambezi National Park. For a quieter, more budget-friendly safari, visit from November to February during the green season, which is perfect for bird watching and photography, and has fewer visitors.