Africa Safari Experts for travel to East Africa

magnifying glass Site Search     (powered by Google) 

When to go on Safari

December to March
April to June
July to November

The Migration Seasons

December to March
April to June
July to November
When to Travel to East Africa - July to November
Recommended Safaris:
Wild Instincts
The Best of Tanzania & Zanzibar
Classic Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
Kenya and Zanzibar Luxury Honeymoon
Great Camps of Africa
East African Explorer
The Serengeti

Kenya Beaches

The Masai Mara

Tarangire



Weather:
The weather during this time is usually dry and sunny, although October to December brings the short rains to Tanzania and the central regions of Kenya. The landscape is in stark contrast to the main rainy season. The grass dies back and, as the season progresses, more and more animals congregate around the permanent sources of water. Visitor numbers increase in July and peak in August as these months coincide with holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. July to September are also the coolest and most pleasant months in East Africa, especially along the coast. Even during this busy time our travel consultants can help you stay off the beaten track for an unspoilt safari experience.

WHERE TO GO:

Western Serengeti
The western corridor straddles the northward migration route of the wildebeest migration. At the end of the wet season, the herds depart the southern and eastern Serengeti plains and begin their journey in search of greener pastures. By July the migration should be in full swing as the herds make their way from the plains to their transitional range located in the Western Serengeti and further to the northern woodlands. Predators will also be highly visible.

Northern Serengeti
As the dry season progresses in July, the great herds continue to shift northward towards the Northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Zebra tend to reach the Northern Serengeti sometime in early July while the wildebeest herds usually begin to appear in the northern Serengeti towards mid July.

Mombasa
November brings the Mombasa Carnival in Kenya with floats, parades and music from every culture, custom and religion. There are two main parades which converge onto Moi Avenue and feature incredible floats, spectacular costumes and fantastic music.

Masai Mara
By mid August, the main herds of migratory wildebeest and zebra are located in the watershed area of the Masai Mara where they will remain until early October. Then they reverse course and come flooding back down the northern corridor to the Serengeti plains.

Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is smaller and less known than its famous neighbors to the north. However, Tarangire comes into its own from July to November, when enormous populations of elephants and other animals are drawn from the parched outlying areas to the Tarangire River and other sources of permanent water within the park. Elephant viewing is outstanding and you could see over 200 of them on a single game drive! You can also expect to see giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and several species of antelope. With a little luck you will encounter leopard and some of the rarer antelope, including eland, kudu and oryx. This is also the favorite time of year for the lions of Tarangire as their main quarry, wildebeest and zebra, are in abundance. The concentration and variety of game, combined with the spectacular scenery, make Tarangire a must see on every safari from mid July to late November.

Where to see the Wildebeest Migration during July to November