Planning a safari is exciting but choosing the right month can make the difference between “nice trip” and “life-changing adventure.”
This guide breaks down the best time to go on an African safari in 2026 for UK and US travellers, including Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls & Chobe, and Tanzania’s Serengeti.

We’ll keep it simple, practical, and honest and if you want a trip built around your dates and budget, we’ll customise it for you. 

Best Safari Months in Africa 

If you want the best all-round safari experience in 2026:

June to October = best wildlife viewing across Southern & East Africa
July to September = peak season (best sightings, busiest, higher prices)
November to March = lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer crowds, better deals

Safari Seasons Explained 

Africa has two main safari seasons:

Dry Season

May to October

• Less vegetation → animals easier to spot

• Wildlife gathers around waterholes

• Cooler temperatures

• Best for first-time safari travellers

Green / Wet Season

November to March

• Landscapes are green and dramatic

• Fewer tourists → better value

• Great for birding + photography

• Many animals give birth now → adorable baby sightings

Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Kruger is one of the best Big Five safari destinations in Africa and a top seller for Tourgy Tourz guests.

Best months: June to September

Why:

• Dry bush → excellent visibility

• Animals spend more time near rivers and dams

• Very low malaria risk

• Crisp mornings + warm sunny days

Good-value months: May and October

You still get strong sightings, but with slightly fewer crowds and better deals.

Rainy season: November to March

What to expect:

• Hot, green, and beautiful

• Great birdlife

• Baby antelope everywhere

• Wildlife can be harder to spot due to thick vegetation

Tourgy Tourz Tip:
If you want fantastic sightings + better pricing, aim for late May, early June, or October.

Best Time for Victoria Falls & Chobe (Zimbabwe/Botswana)

This combo is perfect for first-time travellers because it blends a world wonder with big wildlife.

Best time for Chobe safaris: May to October

• Elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos all gather along the river

• Boat safaris are at their best

• Clear skies and comfortable weather

Best time for Victoria Falls depends on what you want

High water (most dramatic falls): February to May

• Massive spray and thunder

• Best for photos of the “smoke that thunders”

• Some viewpoints can be misty

Low water (best visibility + activities): August to December

• Clear views of rock formations

• Great for Devil’s Pool (seasonal)

• Ideal for helicopter flights and gorge walks

Best combo window:
July to September
You get incredible Chobe wildlife plus strong falls and great activity conditions.

Best Time for Tanzania Serengeti (Great Migration)

If the Great Migration is on your bucket list, your timing matters.

Best months overall: June to October

• Dry season game viewing

• Migration herds spread across the Serengeti

• Big cats follow the herds → action-packed safari

River crossing season: July to September

This is when traveller dreams happen:

• Wildebeest crossing rivers

• Crocodiles hunting

• Lions waiting nearby

Calving season: January to March

• Thousands of baby wildebeest born

• Predator activity is intense

• Lush scenery + fewer crowds

Tourgy tip:
For travellers who want migration magic without peak prices, go late June or early October.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Go on Safari?

If budget matters (and it always does):

✅ November to mid-December
✅ January to March (excluding Easter)
✅ May shoulder season

These months often offer:

• lodge specials

• lower flight rates

• fewer crowds

• more flexibility for upgrades

Best Time to Go for Honeymoons or Romantic Safaris

If you want romance, privacy, and dreamy lodges:

May / June = cool, quiet, beautiful
September / October = wildlife + golden sunsets
 November = safari + Zanzibar/Seychelles deals

So… What’s Your Best Safari Month in 2026?

Here’s the simplest way to decide:

Choose June–September if you want:

• best wildlife viewing

• classic safari weather

• Big Five photo opportunities

Choose October–March if you want:

• better pricing

• fewer tourists

• green landscapes + baby animals

And if you’re not sure?
Tell us your travel dates, dream destinations, and budget we’ll match you to the perfect safari season.

Plan Your Safari With Tourgy Tourz

We specialise in customised African safaris for UK, US, European and international travellers, including:

• Kruger National Park & Panorama Route

• Victoria Falls & Chobe combo safaris

• Tanzania Serengeti + Zanzibar

• Beach add-ons: Seychelles & Zanzibar

• Private and small-group guided trips

• French, Spanish & English tours available

📲 Request a custom quote:

https://tourgytourz.safarioffice.app/tour-16f265720969-e9dfbb/request-quote