Many of Africa’s iconic experiences are seasonal in nature so take the guesswork out of planning your safari with our Travel Calendar: simply search by month or experience & find out the best time to travel to Africa for your requirements.
Africa in August
Travel to Africa in August for peak safari season but choose your destination carefully to avoid the crowds.
It’s not always easy deciding where to go in Africa in August but that’s for good reason: August is one of the year’s most exciting months. It’s when Botswana’s elephants gather in huge herds at water and a time for the Serengeti’s migrating wildebeest to cross crocodile-infested rivers into Kenya’s Masai Mara. It’s also one of the best months to trek for gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda.
August in Africa is winter: it’s dry and sunny across much of the continent and that means great game viewing. Animals are easier to see in the low, sparse vegetation and are concentrated around water sources, often in great numbers. The malaria risk is at its lowest during the drier, cooler winter and August is a good time to travel to Africa with a family, especially as Indian Ocean beach destinations are still warm and sunny.
Serengeti/Masai Mara | Botswana | Gorilla Trekking | Kruger | Mozambique Islands | Zambia | Victoria Falls
1. Serengeti & Masai Mara, Tanzania & Kenya
By August the migrating wildebeest herds have arrived in Tanzania’s western Serengeti and are crossing the rivers that block their progress into Kenya’s Masai Mara. The murky rivers are full of enormous Nile crocodiles and the result makes for some of Africa’s most dramatic game viewing, especially as big cats and hyenas wait on the other side for survivors.
August is also a great time in the Serengeti/Masai Mara region for general wildlife watching and it offers a comfortable climate too.
INSIDER TIP: “Book as early as you can – this is a popular time of year to visit; choose a lodge in a private concession for more exclusivity.”
Other Great months for the Serengeti: December through July.
2. Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
It may be well into Botswana’s dry season but the Okavango Delta in August is at its most extensive. Crystal-clear floodwaters have filled local lakes and rivers, attracting elephant and buffalo as well as large numbers of zebra and antelope. Predators gather on the side lines – big cats, African wild dogs and hyenas – and it’s always a good month for birdwatching in the Okavango.
Divide your time between a water- and a land-based camp for the best mix of wildlife, and get ready to explore by boat, on foot, by vehicle & by canoe.
INSIDER TIP: “Botswana is on the more expensive side & this is high season: book a multi-destination package deal for the best value.”
Other Great months for the Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve: July, September & October.
3. Gorilla Trekking, Uganda & Rwanda
Trekking for mountain gorillas in the rainforests of Rwanda or Uganda is often a wet and muddy experience but August is one of the year’s driest months and a popular time to go. It’ll be colder than you might think but you’ll be based at a cosy lodge in the rainforest and led to the gorillas by dedicated, local guides. Other activities include hiking, bird watching and tracking rare creatures such as golden monkeys.
Uganda is the more affordable destination thanks to cheaper trekking permits and mid-range to entry-level accommodation but you’ll be sharing flights and transfers; Rwanda is private transfers all the way and has more luxurious accommodation. You can fly in and out of either destination but Uganda is also home to Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, adding the possibility of game viewing and chimpanzee trekking to the itinerary.
INSIDER TIP: “Gorilla trekking can be hard work; ask us about shorter, less strenuous gorilla treks for older travellers or those worried about their fitness.”
Other Great months for Gorilla Trekking: January & February; June, July & September.
4. Kruger Park & Sabi Sands, South Africa
The Kruger Park is a great destination in August: animals are concentrating at waterholes and rivers. But the Kruger is an enormous park with its wildlife widely dispersed and it’s a destination that can be busy with visitors in August.
For more privacy and even better game viewing, go on safari in one of the Kruger’s adjoining private reserves such as the Sabi Sands or Timbavati: you’ll enjoy amazing sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo while in the care of expert guides and you can also go on guided walks and night drives. Accommodation ranges from some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa to very affordable camps, and you’ll find family-friendly lodges and honeymoon hideaways too.
INSIDER TIP: “Planning a safari honeymoon? Ask us about Honeymoon Specials where the bride only pays 50%.”
Other Great months for Kruger Park: May through July & September through November.
5. Bazaruto & Quirimbas Islands, Mozambique
Lying off Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast, the archipelagos of Bazaruto and the Quirimbas are a great choice for a winter-season beach holiday.
It’s safely out of cyclone season and there’s fabulous diving and snorkelling in an ocean that invites you in at 23°C (73°F) plus sailing, desert island picnics and sunset dhow cruises. August in Mozambique is shoulder season so you’ll be paying less for accommodation than in high season, and since either destination is just a short flight from South Africa, it’s ideal for a beach and bush combination whether you’re on honeymoon or bringing the kids.
INSIDER TIP: “If the archipelagos are out of your budget, then try the beach lodges at Vilanculos on the Mozambique mainland.”
Other Great months for Bazaruto & Quirimbas: June, July, September & October.
6. Lower Zambezi & South Luangwa, Zambia
Zambia has successfully put itself on the safari map in recent years and two of its reserves are definitely where to go in Africa in September for heavyweight game viewing. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its big game viewing and September is prime walking season. In combination with game drives and even boat cruises, walking safaris take you into the African bush at its most exciting time of year, safe in the company of expert guides and armed rangers.
There’s also walking in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park but the emphasis is more on exploring the Zambezi River by boat and canoe as well as its grasslands and forests by 4X4. A magical landscape of land and water, the Lower Zambezi offers a great diversity of wildlife – hippos and crocodiles as well as elephants, big cats and antelope.
INSIDER TIP: “Combine two or three lodges from the same operator for discounted long-stay specials.”
Other Great months for Zambia: May through August; October.
7. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
Visit Victoria Falls in August and you will see why it has earned its reputation as Africa’s Adventure Capital. The Zambezi River is dropping rapidly and it’s now the time for activities such as canoeing, white-water rafting and Livingstone Island picnics, complete with a dip in Devil’s Pool for the bravest of the brave. You’ll need to decide which side of the Zambezi River to base yourself – Victoria Falls is ‘shared’ between Zimbabwe and Zambia – but border crossings between the two are generally quick and easy.
Accommodation of every kind – honeymoon, family, budget and luxury – can be found on both sides of the river, some within walking distance of the waterfall.
INSIDER TIP: “Special trip? Ask us about a Victoria Falls accommodation package featuring a ‘star bed’ – it’ll be a night to remember!”
Other Great months for Victoria Falls: March through June for Victoria Falls in full flow; July, September & October for white-water rafting, Devil’s Pool & safaris.
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