Best time to visit East Africa : Everyone enjoys going on safari in East Africa, but in order to escape rain-washed beaches and deserted savannahs and having once in a life time safari tour experience, you must be there at the correct time. There are dry and wet seasons, but there isn’t just one ideal time to explore East Africa. Each month/season in East Africa has its benefits, uniqueness and experience except for those attractions that are completely dependable in rainfall like the Masai Mara/Serengeti where the wildebeest migration is influenced by the seasons.
East Africa is well known for being an excellent safari location all year long. There is no one ideal time to go on a safari in East Africa due to the region’s temperate temperature, seasonal migration, and plenty of resident animals. When planning and organizing your East African safari, it’s crucial to consider how the wet and dry seasons affect the quality of wildlife watching and how the rainy season affects the Great Wildebeest Migration.
What is the best time to travel to East Africa? Here are some quick tips on the ideal time to travel to east Africa for a safari.
DECEMBER THROUGH MARCH
These are the Warm temperatures in East Africa and some light rain are to be expected. When visiting east Africa during this time, there are many fantastic safari options, including gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; diving in Zanzibar; and game viewing in the Serengeti.
East Africa is currently in its summer during this time, the average high and low temperatures are both warm and comfortable, at 28 and 15 degrees Celsius, respectively. Early November through the end of March often see sporadic, localized rainstorms with brief downpours. Late March is a time when it rains a lot, Best time to visit East Africa.
Where to go in East Africa in December to march:
The Serengeti National Park: during this time, the Serengeti wildebeest herds relocate to the southern, eastern, and northern Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Areas when the mid-November rains start to fall. The February calving season offers lots of drama if you want to witness predators in action.
Lake Nakuru national park: This is as also the best place to visit in east Africa during the month of December to march especially for those who enjoy birding. During this time the Rift Valley lakes in Kenya are at their most abundant for birdlife making it best destination for bird watching.
Kilimanjaro (Mt. Kilimanjaro): The optimum weather to climb Africa’s highest peak is in January and February, when it’s mild and dry.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda: The driest weather in Uganda and Rwanda occurs from late December to early March, making Mountain gorilla trekking simpler and the scenery prettier.
Zanzibar Island: Even though the temperatures are a little higher than they are from late June to October, when it is cooler and drier, there are less tourists and better hotel and airfare prices.
APRIL THROUGH JUNE.
In a nutshell: Don’t let the prolonged rains discourage you; safaris in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Amboseli and Masai Mara are still excellent. Additionally, the cost is lower, and popular locations are less congested.
Weather: The lengthy rains have started, and every day or so, heavy showers can be expected for a few hours. At this time, stay away from Uganda and Rwanda as the rain is torrential and the coast of East Africa is hot and humid.
Where to go in East Africa in April to June:
During this time, the wildebeest migration herds moves to central Serengeti in the seronera area making it best time to visit this area if you’re interested in seeing this one of the world natural wonder. Again, in April, May, and June are the best months for game viewing in the southern and central Serengeti and the northern Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
The Ngorongoro Crater is fantastic year-round and offers some of Africa’s best Big 5 animal viewing; the weather and visitor volume are the two primary considerations when organizing your trip. The crater will be lush and green from April to June, and you’ll have a lot of the area to yourself, Best time to visit East Africa.
JULY THROUGH NOVEMBER
In a nutshell, these months are a favorite time to travel to East Africa due to the pleasant temperatures and traditional dry-season game viewing. If you want to observe the wildebeest migration, especially, make reservations for lodging and trips far in advance. In August, there are the most visitors.
Weather: Despite the brief rains that occur in Tanzania and central Kenya from October to December, these months are generally dry and sunny, driving animals to congregate around permanent water sources. The best weather in East Africa is experienced from July to September, particularly around the shore, Best time to visit East Africa.
Where to go in East Africa in June through November:
Western Serengeti: the herds of wildebeest and zebra have arrived in the western Serengeti and the Grumeti Reserves by the beginning of July. Prepare for Jurassic-style drama because not only are large cats particularly visible this season, but the herds must cross crocodile-infested rivers.
Northern Serengeti: The animals travel through the northern Serengeti as the dry season progresses on their journey back to the Masai Mara, crossing the Mara River first. This area currently has fantastic game viewing.
The Masai Mara National reserve: the Masai Mara in Kenya is inundated by the herds by mid-August, and they stay there until early October. This is the best time to see wildlife in the Masai Mara.
Visiting gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda: The best time to go gorilla trekking is from June to August because those are the reasonably dry months, if you can’t go in January or February.
Kilimanjaro (Mt. Kilimanjaro): If you don’t mind colder conditions, July and August are also excellent months to climb Kilimanjaro.
Zanzibar Island: The coolest and driest period to visit Zanzibar is between late June and October, which is also ideal time for watersports and romantic honeymoon vocations. However, this is also the busiest time on the island, with higher hotel and airfare costs.
Tarangire National Park: The Tarangire which is smaller and less popular than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, comes into its own beauty from July to November when countless species are attracted to the Tarangire River, which provides for their survival. You have a great opportunity to see Africa’s top predators in action, and elephant watching is excellent.
