Apsley Travel · Bespoke Luxury Travel
June to October is the prime safari window across most of southern and east Africa — the dry season, when vegetation thins, wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources, and game viewing is consistently strong. The very best windows are more specific to each country and event.
The best general time for an African safari is June to October — the dry season, when wildlife concentrates around water and viewing is exceptional. Specific windows vary: Migration river crossings July–September; Botswana's Okavango flood June–September; Tanzania's calving January–March.
Speak to a specialist: 020 8142 6099 · hello@apsley.travel
The Migration is a year-round movement. Calving: January–March, southern Serengeti. Grumeti crossings: late May–June. Mara River crossings: July–September. Return: October–November.
It's the start of the long rains in East Africa (variable, but improving). For southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Namibia), May is the start of the dry season and excellent.
Rwanda and Uganda: June–September (driest, easier trails) and December–February. Avoid March–May and October–November (heaviest rains).
Green season — March, April, November in most countries. 25–40% below peak rates with excellent wildlife. Best for budget-conscious second-time safari travellers.