What to see, where to go and when in Africa
There's always something happening in Africa. To make sure you don't miss a thing, here's our quick guide to what's going on, when and where.
January to March
Witness the awe-inspiring movement of around two million wildebeest and zebra as they head to the southern Serengeti to give birth. This is also when then the plains come alive with predator action, making it a great time to visit for photographers. We recommend booking a mobile camp such as andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time.
In March, you’ll find southern Africa’s largest migration of zebra across the Makgadikgadi saltpans. And if there have been rains in Namibia, you might just see the Namib Desert turn green.
It’s also a good time for Cape Town. By February, the Cape Doctor wind has usually died down and you’ll find some of the hottest and most predictable weather in the city and along the Garden Route.
April to June
In East Africa, migrating wildebeest are on the move in search of rains and fresh grass. The Grumeti area of the Serengeti is the best place to spot them.
From May through to October the South Luangwa Valley in Zambia is at its most beautiful and the conditions are perfect for walking safaris. And in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is dry from now up until October, forcing game to congregate around available water sources. It’s a superb time of year to go on safari.
July to September
The Okavango Delta is picture perfect at this time of year. Migrating wildebeest are starting to arrive in Kenya, while in South Africa the Southern Right whales have returned to give birth just offshore. In Rwanda it’s the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony where the baby Mountain Gorillas are named and honoured by local and international dignitaries. It’s peak diving and marine sighting time in The Seychelles. And there are huge herds of elephants to be spotted in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.
October to December
A very hot time of year to visit Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The game viewing is good, but you need to be able to handle the heat. Spring is on its way in southern Africa, migratory birds arrive from Europe and the call of the brown headed Kingfisher is a true sign that Summer is almost here.
In and around the Kruger there’s an abundance of new life, meaning predators are on the prowl (not for the squeamish). Around Christmas, turtles begin laying eggs on the coastline around South Africa’s Sodwana Bay and upwards through Mozambique.
Give our well-travelled consultants a call to discuss your holiday plans further.
Contact us
Call us on 01904 866 033 or email: africa@knightonreeve.co.uk