One thing that distinguishes a country from others is its culture and wildlife. This is doubly true for African countries. Africa's culture, wildlife, and adventure travel set it apart from every other region. It is known as the birthplace of many plant and animal species. You can go on adventure safaris, get a taste of the local culture and food, and watch the animals in the middle of the continent.
In case you are thinking of going to Africa to live these experiences, knowing the time of the year to go is far better. The time of the year you are thinking of going is a very important factor in your trip. This can affect your overall experience. The crowd, weather, animal sightings, and tours depend heavily on when you visit.
In this blog, we will discuss when to visit Africa, and what things you can expect and see there.
How Timing Affects Your Visit
Africa is home to several countries, each with a different culture and charming traditions. With such a wide land, the African continent is far from having two countries with the identical best or worst times for visits. The question of when to go is solely determined by which area you want to explore. Weather-wise, you can have dry conditions in one region and wet conditions in another at the same time.
Best Time to Visit Africa (Region By Region)
Here are all the regions, divided by seasons:
Dry Season (May to October):
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)
This is a good time for wildlife viewing. The Great Migration is between July and October in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Namibia)
The dry season is also good here. You can see the beauty of these countries in their wildlife.
Western Africa (Ghana, Senegal)
The dry season (November to April) is best for birdwatching and visiting wildlife reserves.
Shoulder Seasons (April to May, October to November):
East Africa
April and May are the “long rains,” which can discourage some travellers, but this is when the landscape is green.
Southern Africa
Late October to November is ideal for the start of the summer rains, leading to good wildlife activity.
Wet Season (November to April)
East Africa
You can expect heavy rains. This will result in animals leaving their habitats. Besides, the roads may get impassable, especially in the less-familiar areas.
Southern Africa
The rainy season may result in dense bush and tall grass that can obstruct the view of animals. In Botswana, the floods can cause the limitation of access to some parts of the Okavango Delta.
Some Tips Before Deciding When To Visit Africa
Plan by Region, Not the Whole Continent
You should try to look up the dry and wet seasons of the exact country that you are planning to visit.
Match Your Trip to Your Interest
Want to see wildlife? Go in the dry season. More into lush scenery and fewer crowds? The wet months might suit you better.
Consider Festival Seasons
Many African countries have rich cultural events and festivals. Visiting during these can give you a deeper experience, but book early since spots fill fast.
Check Park and Safari Schedules
Some parks close or reduce tours during the heavy rains. It is best to know well beforehand if the park reserves and the game drives you intend to visit will be operational.
Book Early
The period of the dry season is a very busy time in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. It would be better to book in advance.
Conclusion
Africa is one of the best places to visit. The culture and wildlife alone make it the first choice for many tourists. But its size makes it a bit difficult to decide when to visit Africa. After learning which seasons occur at which times and in which regions, you can make an informed decision. Then you can have the trip you’ve been waiting for.
Cheetah Safaris is a luxury safari company that focuses on personal travelling experiences in Africa and mainly deals with the regions of Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia. The firm has been advertising itself as a mix of adventure and relaxation and provides unique experiences of nature in Africa.
