East Africa is a brilliant game viewing destination – all year round!

Generally speaking the best time really is during the dry season (May to August) in the Masai Mara. The Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are both great for game viewing but may be a bit quiet during this time, when most of the wildlife is further north in the Masai Mara. The wildlife move further north in pursuit of the wildebeest migration which reside in the Masai Mara from mid July to mid October.

Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are just as rich in game viewing and a variety of bird life with the presence of their lake. Lake Nakuru is a particular favourite with ornithologists as it is home to nearly 2 million flamingos, pelicans and a variety of water and woodland birds. Not forgetting to keep your eyes peeled for the shy black and white rhino at home in the woodland and bushy regions of the park.

The wet season (November – February and March) bring both excellent game viewing and rain to the Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater. It is at this time the wildebeest herds reside in this region for the birth of their calves. Nearly 400,000 calves are born over a few weeks in the summer.

The Ngorongoro Crater has a variety of woodland, savanna, arid and forest regions making this a wildlife and birding haven. Hippos grunt lazily while zebra sip at the water’s edge, accompanied by crowned cranes, saddle-billed stork, flamingo and pelicans, to name but a few.

If you have been in one of the game reserves of East Africa during the dry season, then you will appreciate the difference in scenery and colour.  The bush truly transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour and vibrant energy.

Popular tours best suited to experience the summer season game viewing in East Africa:

12 Day East Africa Safari

13 Day Kenya & Tanzania Overland