Where to Go in Africa Each Season: A Month-by-Month Luxury Travel Guide
- digglirs
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Africa’s vastness means that no matter the time of year, somewhere on the continent is at its absolute best. With such rich diversity in climate, wildlife patterns, and cultural celebrations, luxury travelers can craft unforgettable journeys year-round. This guide takes you month by month through the finest destinations across Africa, helping you decide when and where to go for the most immersive and indulgent experience.
1. January – Serengeti, Tanzania
Kick off the year with a front-row seat to the calving season in the Serengeti. January sees the southern plains dotted with wildebeest giving birth, creating both heartwarming scenes and dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Luxury camps like Mwiba Lodge and Sanctuary Kusini offer front-row access to these events with expert guides and ultra-personalised service. Expect dramatic skies, short afternoon showers, and lush green backdrops.
2. February – Cape Town, South Africa
February is peak summer in Cape Town. Expect golden sunsets, vineyard picnics, and long beach days. The city's world-class restaurants and boutique hotels are in full swing.
Pair a stay at Ellerman House or The Silo with wine tasting in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. It’s also an excellent time for coastal drives, ocean views, and stylish rooftop cocktails.
3. March – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Dry season makes March ideal for gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park offers breathtaking encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Bisate Lodge for an unforgettable combination of eco-luxury and conservation impact.
4. April – Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango begins its annual flood in April. The landscape transforms into a water wonderland, perfect for mokoro rides and birding.
High-end camps such as Xigera Safari Lodge and Vumbura Plains offer unmatched design, privacy, and wetland-based safaris.
5. May – South Luangwa, Zambia
May marks the start of the dry season and the reopening of camps in Zambia’s South Luangwa. Wildlife congregates near rivers, making for exceptional game viewing.
Opt for Time + Tide Chinzombo for modern design in a classic bush setting, or Mfuwe Lodge for armchair safari moments.
6. June – Sossusvlei, Namibia
June’s cool, dry weather makes it perfect for exploring Namibia’s red dunes and dramatic desert landscapes. The clarity of light during this time is ideal for photography.
Stay at andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge or Wolwedans Dune Camp for remote luxury amid sculpted sandscapes.
7. July – Masai Mara, Kenya
The Great Migration enters the Masai Mara in July. River crossings begin, attracting big cats and dramatic wildlife moments.
Book early to stay at Angama Mara, Mara Plains Camp, or Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, where luxury meets storytelling and style.
8. August – Zanzibar, Tanzania
August is ideal for an island escape after safari. Zanzibar offers turquoise waters, white sands, and historic Stone Town.
Indulge at Zuri Zanzibar or Xanadu Villas for barefoot luxury, private plunge pools, and Swahili-infused hospitality.
9. September – Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Dry season deepens, drawing wildlife to the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is renowned for its walking safaris and elephant encounters.
Nyamatusi Camp and Ruckomechi Camp deliver elevated safari experiences with sustainability at their core.
10. October – Etosha, Namibia
October brings intense heat but superb game viewing around Etosha’s waterholes. Expect dramatic elephant sightings and excellent predator action.
Stay at Onguma The Fort or Ongava Lodge for exclusivity and front-row seats to nature’s spectacle.
11. November – Lake Malawi, Malawi
The rains begin, but November is a quieter time perfect for lake escapes. Lake Malawi’s crystal waters offer snorkeling, kayaking, and barefoot luxury.
Consider Kaya Mawa or Pumulani Lodge for relaxed luxury on the beach.
12. December – Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands, South Africa
Celebrate the festive season with a Big Five safari. The bush is lush, the birdlife spectacular, and the lodges festive and full of flair.
Book at Londolozi, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, or Royal Malewane for top-tier guiding, cuisine, and holiday ambiance.
Final Thoughts: A Year of African Wonder Awaits
From newborn wildebeest to roaring rivers, golden dunes to festive lodges, Africa offers breathtaking moments all year long. Planning your travels by season ensures you experience each destination at its peak. Whether you're returning or dreaming of your first trip, let the rhythms of the continent guide your luxury adventure.