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Where To Go

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.

Calendar

Africa in July

Africa in July is mild & dry with a very low malaria risk: it’s perfect for a safari – find out where to go with us.

July and it’s mid-winter in Africa but this is a season of sunny blue skies and mild, dry weather – a great month for the classic safari destinations in both Southern and East Africa. And since it is an African ‘winter’, the weather is still warm and sunny on the tropical Indian Ocean coast: this is a great time for a ‘beach and bush’ holiday.

You won’t be the only one on safari of course; Juy is a popular time of year to travel to Africa, especially for families with children. Besides the agreeable climate, you’ll also enjoy the lowest malaria risk of the year and greatly improved wildlife viewing as animals gather in increasingly larger numbers at water. Indeed, several safari destinations are at their best in July: Botswana’s Okavango Delta is now fully flooded, for example, while in the Serengeti the wildebeest migration is at its dramatic ‘river-crossing’ phase.

What’s also important to realise is that although July is peak season across much of Africa, there’s still plenty of competition among tour operators and hotel groups for business; turn this to your advantage by using ‘pay-stay’ deals and long-stay packages, available throughout the month.

Zambia | Victoria Falls | Botswana | Serengeti/Masai Mara | Ngorongoro | Gorilla Trekking | Zanzibar

 

1. Lower Zambezi & South Luangwa, Zambia

 

Guided bushwalk in South Luangwa Zambia

Zambia’s South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris, led by expert guides & rangers.


WHY GO?
It’s the first high-season month: dry, sunny weather & excellent wildlife viewing without the hot temperatures of coming months.

WEATHER?
You’ll be provided with a thick blanket on your morning drive – it’s properly cold at night – but warm enough during the day to read a book in the sun.

COMBINATIONS?
Discover Bangweulu wetlands, home to herds of antelope and an astonishing array of birds including the highly sought-after Shoebill Stork.

Two of Zambia’s best reserves, the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa are both built around a river system making them excellent destinations for wildlife watching as the dry season grinds on.

The Lower Zambezi offers a diverse safari experience with 4X4 drives, walks and water activities available; the emphasis at Luangwa is on walking safaris, accompanied by some of the best guides in Africa. Both reserves are stacked with the heavyweights at this time of year – big herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffe and antelope with their predators too: big cats and hyenas. The rivers are drying up and revealing pods of snorting hippo and watchful crocodiles, and the landscapes are full of the smaller details – monkeys, warthogs, giant monitor lizards and an amazing range of birds.

INSIDER TIP: “Going on safari in high season can be expensive – ask us about special safari packages with low season rates.”

Other Great months for the Lower Zambezi & South Luangwa: December & January for the Green Season; May, June & August for the mildest weather; September & October for the most wildlife at water.

2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia

 

Couple enjoying the view of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

July is a good month for views at Victoria Falls & the start of the adventure season.


WHY GO?
There is still plenty of water going over Victoria Falls as Livingstone Island opens up again & the white-water rafting season begins.

WEATHER?
Cool & dry weather: you’ll still get great views of water thundering over Victoria Falls. Best time for rafting & safaris. Low malaria risk.

COMBINATIONS?
Great time to visit Kafue, Zambia’s largest reserve & home to large populations of big animals; make sure you spend time in the Busanga wetlands.

Victoria Falls in July and the level of the Zambezi River is dropping by the day, marking the start of peak season in Africa’s Adventure Capital. The views of Victoria Falls are still magnificent (and of course much easier to see now that the huge clouds of spray have disappeared) but the falling water level means it is safe to start accessing the river again, whether downstream on a white-water raft or upstream on a motorboat heading for Livingstone Island with a champagne picnic.

Victoria Falls is ‘shared’ between Zimbabwe and Zambia and you’ll need to choose which country to base yourself in although border crossings are generally quick and easy for visitors. There is a wide range of accommodation in both countries as well as activities that span the entire adrenalin range from bungee jumping and zip-lining to elephant-back safaris and rhino tracking.

INSIDER TIP: “Ask us about a special accommodation package featuring a ‘star bed’ & also take note that although Livingstone Island’s Angel’s Pool opens in July, the more infamous Devil’s Pool only opens in August.”

Other Great months for Victoria Falls: March through June for Victoria Falls in full flow; August through October for dry weather, white-water rafting, Devil’s Pool & wildlife safaris.

3. Okavango Delta & Moremi Reserve, Botswana

 

Photographers love Okavango Delta sunsets on mokoro

The traditional ‘mokoro’ is still the best way to explore the Okavango in flood season.


WHY GO?
Water levels are the highest of the year. Great time to explore this World Heritage Site - an unspoilt wonderland of wetlands - by canoe & motor boat.

WEATHER?
Bring an extra layer of clothing and woollen hat – it is cold in the early morning but temperatures reach an average of 26°C/79°F during the day.

COMBINATIONS?
Take advantage of dry & mild weather for a Kalahari experience: the winter grasslands are home to predators – big cats, hyenas & wild dogs.

Fly over the Okavango Delta in July and you’ll soon see why it is such an important refuge for wildlife: sheets of shimmering water stretch to the horizon in every direction, studded with islands and flanked by green grasslands and forest. The world’s largest freshwater inland delta supports tens of thousands of animals and birds, and it is in July that they begin to need it the most. The rest of Botswana is drying up fast and herds of thirsty animals are trekking to the Okavango Delta to join the prolific resident wildlife in a big show of diversity. Such concentrations of animals naturally attract predators and this is a good time to look for big cats as well as African wild dogs in action.

We recommend a blend of activities from both a ‘deep delta’ water camp and a land-based lodge for the most rewarding wildlife watching.

INSIDER TIP: “Botswana is among the more expensive safari destinations in Africa but there are still special packages available in July – ask us for the current deals.”

Other Great months for the Okavango Delta & Moremi Reserve: May, June & August for mild, dry weather & the highest water levels; September & October are hot but very good for game viewing.

4. Serengeti & Masai Mara, Tanzania & Kenya

 

Lion waiting for wildebeest crossing the rivers

It’s River Crossing season for the wildebeest – a great time to see predators in action.


WHY GO?
The wildebeest herds start crossing crocodile-infested rivers as they return to the Masai Mara: it’s some of the most primal wildlife watching you’ll ever see.

WEATHER?
Warm & sunny July, it’s the mildest & driest month of the year: cold at night & warm during the day with almost no chance of rain.

COMBINATIONS?
Great time for Zanzibar: there’s a long list of sports, activities and tours to enjoy and it’s one of the best months for diving.

There’s a reason why the migrating wildebeest herds have paused at the muddy waters of the Serengeti’s Grumeti River in July. It is the first of a series of rivers that stand between them and the fresh grasslands of Masai Mara and – like the other rivers – the Grumeti is full of large Nile crocodiles that have been patiently waiting all year for this moment. When the wildebeest eventually start crossing the river the result is extremely dramatic wildlife watching, not least because Africa’s other big predators – lions, spotted hyenas and cheetahs – are also waiting to pick off the survivors.

You’ll see plenty of other animals too as well as iconic red-robed Maasai tribesmen and their communities; choose between hotel-type lodges, family camps and honeymoon hideaways – it’s all here.

INSIDER TIP: “You’ll get good value with a long-stay rate & ‘bush-beach’ combo package – ask us about the current top deals.”

Other Great months for Serengeti & Masai Mara: Both offer year-round game viewing; the wildebeest are mostly in the Serengeti from November to August but in the Masai Mara over September & October.

5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

 

Private dinner with view of the Ngorongoro Crater

Book a room on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater for one of the best views in Africa.


WHY GO?
Dry July is a great time to explore East Africa: put the Ngorongoro Crater on your itinerary for a Big 5 safari & enjoy some of the best views in Africa.

WEATHER?
Peak game viewing month. Temperatures are mild and there is virtually no rain so much of the wildlife is concentrated near permanent water.

COMBINATIONS?
Serengeti but take advantage of the year’s driest conditions to explore the rest of Tanzania on chimpanzee trekking & big game safaris.

Safe within the steep walls of a sunken volcanic caldera, a microcosm of Africa’s savannah life thrives on the grasslands of the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s one of the easiest places to see the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) and there are other classic creatures there too from hippos and hyenas to warthogs and wildebeest.

It’s busy with other visitors in July – the weather is too good to miss – so we’d recommend staying at a lodge set on the rim of the crater; that way you will not only enjoy sensational views but you’ll be one of the first out on game drives and among the last to return, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.

INSIDER TIP: “Most visitors just spend a night here but there’s good value with long-stay rates at Ngorongoro’s various accommodations.”

Other Great months for Ngorongoro Crater: A year-round destination, Ngorongoro is driest & mildest – as well as busiest – in June, August & September; the December to February calving season is a good time for predators.

6. Gorilla Trekking, Uganda & Rwanda

 

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

July’s drier weather means it’s a great month to see & photograph gorillas in the rainforest.


WHY GO?
Gorilla trekking is usually a wet and muddy experience so it’s no surprise that July’s dry weather makes this a popular time to visit.

WEATHER?
It’s cold at night – the minimum average temperature is 11°C/52°F – but mild during the day at an average of 23°C/73°F; good walking weather.

COMBINATIONS?
Make the most of the dry weather & visit also Uganda or Rwanda; combine a big game safari with chimpanzee trekking for the most diverse experience.

You’ll need to choose between trekking for gorillas in Rwanda or in Uganda; both offer the same experience and have the same daily success rate at finding gorillas (around 95%) but it is an experience that is generally easier and more comfortable (and more expensive) to do in Rwanda.

It is in Uganda that you will find more entry-level accommodation and a cheaper trekking permit as well as upmarket lodges. Other activities in the rainforest experience include nature walks, birding and cultural interactions with the local communities.

INSIDER TIP: “Gorilla trekking can be expensive; take advantage of June’s accommodation offers & ask us about value-for-money packages.”

Other Great months for Gorilla Trekking: There are two distinct dry seasons: December, January & February as well as July, August & early September.

7. Zanzibar, Tanzania

 

Sail Zanzibar crystal clear waters on a local boat

It’s one of the best months for Zanzibar – combine it with a safari for an unforgettable holiday.


WHY GO?
One of the best diving months of the year, warm & dry July is a great time to visit Zanzibar whether on honeymoon or with the family.

WEATHER?
Mild at night & warm to hot during the day with a small chance of rain. Temperature of the ocean is a balmy 26°C/79°F - same as the air.

COMBINATIONS?
You’ll enjoy peak game viewing at Tarangire & the Ngorongoro Crater plus the Serengeti wildebeest migration at its dramatic river-crossing stage.

This is one of the best months for the ‘Spice Island’ if you plan to spend it mostly underwater; the diving is very good in July – visibility is up to 60 metres (180 feet) and humpback whales are passing by the island – but you can also laze around on white-sand beaches, take local tours or explore yourself by bicycle or motor scooter. Make sure you visit Stone Town, the historic capital of the island and a destination that will remind you of the different cultures that have melted together on the island – African, Asian and Middle-eastern.

Steeped in romance, this is an obvious choice for a honeymoon or special holiday but thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and gorgeous beaches, Zanzibar is equally good for families with children too.

INSIDER TIP: “You’ll enjoy a long-stay rate plus discount at Matemwe Lodge, a classic Zanzibar hideaway on the quiet north-eastern coast – great for couples & scuba divers.”

Other Great months for Zanzibar: June through September for warm & dry weather; December through February for hotter weather with more chance of rain.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September| October| November| December

 

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Reviews

Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)