Plan Your Perfect African Adventure

East Africa is a year-round safari destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and experience. Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration, tracking gorillas, or spotting the Big Five, the timing of your trip can make all the difference.

This guide breaks down the best months to visit East Africa, highlighting the key seasons and what makes each special.

Understanding East Africa’s Seasons

1. Dry Season (June – October) – Best Wildlife Viewing

Why Visit?

• Best time for game viewing as animals gather around water sources.
• Great Migration in the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya).
• Clear skies, low humidity, and little to no rain.

Best Parks to Visit:

• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) – Great Migration
• Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) – River crossings (July-September)
• Amboseli National Park (Kenya) – Clear views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
• Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) – High wildlife concentration
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) – Tree-climbing lions

Things to Consider:

• Peak season means higher prices and more crowds.
• Can be chilly in the mornings, so pack warm layers.

2. Short Rainy Season (November – December) – Fewer Crowds, Green Landscapes

Why Visit?

• Short rains refresh the landscapes, creating lush, green scenery.
• Wildlife is still abundant, and safaris are less crowded.
• Best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive.

Best Parks to Visit:

• Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya) – Flamingos and birdlife
• Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda) – Boat safaris and scenic views
• Tarangire National Park (Tanzania) – Elephants and baobab trees

Things to Consider:

• Some dirt roads may be muddy, but rain showers are usually short.

3. Green Season (January – March) – Best Time for Baby Animals

Why Visit?

• Best time to see baby animals as many species give birth.
• Predator action increases as lions and cheetahs hunt young prey.
• Less crowded, with lower safari costs than peak season.

Best Parks to Visit:

• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) – Calving season for wildebeest (Jan-Feb)
• Maasai Mara (Kenya) – Excellent predator sightings
• Amboseli National Park (Kenya) – Elephant herds with young calves

Things to Consider:

• Temperatures can be hot in some areas, especially in February.

4. Long Rainy Season (March – May) – Budget-Friendly & Lush Landscapes

Why Visit?

• Parks are at their greenest and most beautiful.
• Fewer tourists and lower prices on lodges and safaris.
• Some of the best photography opportunities with dramatic skies.

Best Parks to Visit:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) – Gorilla trekking (less crowded)
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) – Gorilla and golden monkey trekking
• Tarangire National Park (Tanzania) – Quiet, authentic safari experience

Things to Consider:

• Heavy rains can make some roads inaccessible.
• Wildlife is harder to spot due to thick vegetation.