Best Time to Visit East Africa

January marks the beginning of the calving season in the Serengeti, with thousands of wildebeest giving birth. The southern plains come alive with new life, attracting predators and offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

February is the peak of the calving season with up to 8,000 wildebeest born daily. Predators are highly active, making this one of the most dramatic months for wildlife watching. Clear skies offer perfect photography conditions.

March sees the beginning of the long rains, transforming the savanna into lush green landscapes. While some roads may be challenging, this is an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers with fewer crowds and dramatic skies.

April brings the heaviest rains, creating dramatic landscapes and waterfalls. While not ideal for traditional safaris, this is actually excellent for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, as cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable.

May sees the rains beginning to taper off. The wildebeest migration starts moving northward through the Serengeti. Many lodges offer significant discounts, making this a great value month for safari planning.

June marks the start of the dry season with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. The Great Migration reaches the western Serengeti, with dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti River. Wildlife concentrates around water sources.

July is peak safari season with excellent game viewing throughout East Africa. The migration reaches the northern Serengeti and begins crossing into Kenya's Masai Mara. Book well in advance as this is the busiest month.

August offers the most spectacular wildlife viewing of the year. The Mara River crossings are at their peak, with thousands of wildebeest braving crocodile-infested waters. This is the ultimate safari experience.

September continues the excellent game viewing with the migration still in the Masai Mara. Slightly fewer tourists than August make this an ideal time for those seeking the migration experience with more space.

October sees the short rains beginning and the migration starting its journey back south to the Serengeti. Migratory birds arrive, making this excellent for bird watching. The landscape begins its transformation to green.

November brings the short rains and the return of the migration to Tanzania. The landscape turns green, and many animals give birth. This shoulder season offers good value and beautiful scenery.

December offers a short dry spell perfect for holiday safaris. The migration is in the southern Serengeti, and the combination of safari and Zanzibar beach holidays is particularly popular. Book early for Christmas and New Year.