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.
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
Africa has two main safari seasons:
May to October
Less vegetation → animals easier to spot
Wildlife gathers around waterholes
Cooler temperatures
Best for first-time safari travellers
November to March
Landscapes are green and dramatic
Fewer tourists → better value
Great for birding + photography
Many animals give birth now → adorable baby sightings
Kruger is one of the best Big Five safari destinations in Africa and a top seller for Tourgy Tourz guests.
Why:
Dry bush → excellent visibility
Animals spend more time near rivers and dams
Very low malaria risk
Crisp mornings + warm sunny days
You still get strong sightings, but with slightly fewer crowds and better deals.
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.
This combo is perfect for first-time travellers because it blends a world wonder with big wildlife.
Elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos all gather along the river
Boat safaris are at their best
Clear skies and comfortable weather
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.
If the Great Migration is on your bucket list, your timing matters.
Dry season game viewing
Migration herds spread across the Serengeti
Big cats follow the herds → action-packed safari
This is when traveller dreams happen:
Wildebeest crossing rivers
Crocodiles hunting
Lions waiting nearby
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.
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
If you want romance, privacy, and dreamy lodges:
May / June = cool, quiet, beautiful
September / October = wildlife + golden sunsets
November = safari + Zanzibar/Seychelles deals
Here’s the simplest way to decide:
best wildlife viewing
classic safari weather
Big Five photo opportunities
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.
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