WHEN TO VISIT AFRICA

Wildlife viewing in EAST AFRICA is generally best during the dry season when the lack of grass and foliage increases visibility, and the animals and birds are forced to congregate around limited water sources. 

East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda) has its main dry season from June to October, with a secondary drier season from mid-December to mid-March. November is historically known as the time of the ‘short rains’, whilst March, April and May host the ‘main’ rains.

December to March is rarely rain-free, which is just as well as rain falling in the Serengeti is crucial to keeping the wildebeest herds on the southern short grass plains where they calve.

While in southern Tanzania, the weather patterns are a little different as latitudes start to merge with the sub-tropics. Here, it’s more normal to have an extended ‘wet season’ from November through to May. High mountain regions and coastal areas will also follow their own micro-climates.

Although you can visit East Africa any time of the year, April through September is always the best time.