As a general rule… Africa is nice and sunny throughout the year. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to plan. In fact, it’s wise to do your research; you don’t want to find that the migrating herds you’ve arrived to see have moved on 😅 That, while making sure you can coordinate it around school holidays.
Keep reading to learn about the best time for a family safari in East Africa (& spot the epic Big 5)!
The Great Migration is what most of us head to East Africa for—and rightfully so. As the wildebeest, zebras, and an occasional gazelle thunder across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, and predators like lions and crocodiles are on the hunt, you feel like you’re in a real-life documentary.
To coordinate your trip around this event, you can consider one of the following periods:
In the southern Serengeti, this is the time when the wildebeest give birth to their calves. If you have young children, you’ll love this time because it’s when game drives are less rushed. And there are so many opportunities to see new-born animals. Plus, the weather is warm and the lodges are less crowded (the grandparents are going to love it, too).
By June, the herds begin their journey north, and by July or August, they’re crossing the Grumeti and Mara Rivers (where the crocodiles lie in wait). Let’s just say, it’s an intense, heart-pounding experience. Families with older, adventure-loving kids, this is your time to go!
After the animals have crossed Masai Mara, they start heading to Serengeti. So, by late October/early December, you can catch them on the move again. This is a quieter period—if you prefer more intimate experiences or you’re traveling with the elderly, they may like it during this less crowded time.
You know when you can catch the Great Migration, but what about the kids’ school?
Summer holidays are usually scheduled from June to August, which is a great time to visit East Africa. In fact, these are among the driest months in the region, and hence, one of the best for visiting. If you’re wondering why… animals need food and water. So this is the time they come out to waterholes to drink water, giving you a great chance to see them. Plus, we already discussed how these months are a great time to catch the Great Migration.
Winter holidays are usually somewhere between December and January, which is another good time for a family safari. You can catch the beginning of the calving season. Plus, you get to skip the hustle and bustle of summer crowds. (And, don’t worry, the weather is still going to be warm).
If your family loves birds, this is also a great time for you. Migratory birds—including flamingos—flock to the region during this period!
Witnessing the Big 5, with your own eyes, is an experience unlike anything you’ve ever had before. You can see the majestic beasts in photos. You can watch them walking across your screens… but coming face to face with them? It will definitely take your breath away. It is, indeed, one of the most sought-after safari experiences that we’ll talk about today.
The Big 5 refers to the African game animals. The African leopard, the African lion, the African elephant, the rhinoceros, and the cape buffalo. They were originally given this name not for their size, but for the level of danger and difficulty game hunters faced when hunting them on foot. Bringing down one of these animals was a trophy for the hunter, therefore making them the most sought-after species. Today, responsible safari enthusiasts “hunt” The Big 5 with their cameras to capture these majestic animals in their natural habitats.
Peak safari season in Africa runs around July to October. This coincides with the country’s cool, dry winter—the perfect time to spot The Big 5.
Why? First, because the vegetation dries up, literally making it much easier to spot a buffalo or rhino compared to the dense grass (and thick foliage) of summer. Secondly, the lack of rain means streams, ponds, and puddles dry up, so animals (especially elephants and buffalos) migrate to life-giving rivers, like the Chobe, where you then get to enjoy striking views.
You will find members of the Big 5 in different concentrations across Africa. If you want the best chance of seeing them on a single safari—or maybe even on a single game drive (if you’re lucky enough)—then head here:
