Best Time to Visit East Africa for Safari

East Africa Safari Seasons

East Africa offers incredible safari experiences year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and where you want to go.

Dry Season (June-October)

This is the peak safari season. Wildlife congregates around water sources, vegetation is thinner (better visibility), and the Great Migration reaches the Masai Mara. Gorilla trekking conditions are best. Prices are highest but availability books up quickly.

Green Season (November-May)

The "green season" offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices, and excellent birding. The Serengeti calving season (January-March) is spectacular. April-May has the heaviest rains but the best deals.

Month-by-Month Highlights

• January-February: Calving in the Serengeti, baby animals everywhere
• March-May: Long rains, green landscapes, lowest prices
• June-July: Dry season begins, migration heading north
• August-September: Peak migration, river crossings
• October: End of dry season, migration returns south
• November-December: Short rains, start of calving preparations