Best Time of Year to Go on Safari: A Guide for Wildlife Lovers

When Is the Best Time to Go on Safari?

The best time to go on a safari largely depends on what you want to experience. For wildlife visibility, the dry season is often considered the ideal time. This period usually falls between June and October in many safari destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa. During these months, vegetation is sparse, and animals congregate around limited water sources, making them easier to spot.

However, the exact timing varies by country and region. Always check with a local safari operator for the best safari season in your chosen destination.

Dry Season Safari Benefits

• Higher chances of spotting the Big Five

• Clearer visibility due to short grass and fewer leaves

• Animals gather at watering holes, making sightings more predictable

Why Consider an Off-Season Safari?

The wet season, or “green season”, often runs from November to May, and while it brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, it also comes with certain perks:

• Fewer crowds and more intimate wildlife encounters

• Lower prices on safari tours and accommodations

• Stunning scenery with vibrant greenery and dramatic skies

• A fantastic time for birdwatching and witnessing the birthing season for many animals

Essential Safari Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Start Your Day Early

Wildlife is most active during the cooler hours of early morning and late afternoon. Safaris typically involve:

• A sunrise game drive, starting before dawn

• A sunset safari, beginning around 4:30 PM

Prepare for chilly mornings and hot afternoons. Bring layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

2. Be Patient – Safari is a Waiting Game

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Animals roam freely and don’t operate on a schedule. Some days will be full of excitement, others more subdued.

Even so, some of the most magical safari moments come after long stretches of waiting—like spotting a leopard on a night safari or seeing a lioness emerge from the grasslands just when you least expect it.

3. Ask Questions – Your Safari Guide is a Goldmine

Your guide is more than a driver—they’re a highly trained wildlife expert, often with years of experience in the bush. Don’t hesitate to:

• Ask about animal behavior

• Learn to identify tracks or bird calls

• Hear stories about life in the wild

Their insights can turn a good safari into a truly unforgettable experience.

4. Respect the Wildlife

Safaris offer a window into the wild, but with that privilege comes responsibility:

• Stay quiet and don’t try to get animals’ attention

• Never get out of the vehicle unless told it’s safe

• Don’t litter or disrupt natural habitats

• Follow your guide’s instructions—especially around elephants and predators

Always remember: you are a guest in their home.

Final Thoughts: Every Safari is Unique

No two safaris are the same. Whether you’re tracking lions in the Masai Mara, watching elephants bathe in Chobe River, or spotting rare rhinos in Etosha, the unpredictability is what makes it special.

So bring your camera, keep your expectations open, and prepare for an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.