The best time to go on safari is between June and October, during the dry season. This is a cooler time of the year and you are more likely to see animals, who are searching for water sources. During these months, you can also catch the iconic Masai Mara migration.

The "best" month for an African safari generally falls during the Dry Season, which runs from June to October. During this period, the lack of rain causes the vegetation to thin out, making it much easier to spot wildlife like lions, leopards, and elephants. Furthermore, as water sources dry up, animals congregate in large numbers around permanent waterholes and rivers, providing spectacular viewing opportunities. For those wanting to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti (Tanzania) or the Maasai Mara (Kenya), July and August are the peak months to see the dramatic river crossings. In 2026, travelers also favor the "shoulder months" of May and November for fewer crowds and lower prices, though the grass may be longer. If you are visiting Southern Africa, such as the Okavango Delta in Botswana, June to August is ideal as the floodwaters from the highlands finally reach the delta, attracting a staggering density of wildlife. While the "Green Season" (November to April) offers beautiful landscapes and baby animals, it is also the time of highest heat and humidity, making the mid-year dry months the gold standard for most safari enthusiasts.