Home / Africa Blog / When is the Best Time to go to East Africa?

When is the Best Time to go to East Africa?

“When is the best time to go to East Africa?” is a question we get asked a lot.

Thanks to the size and unique areas in East Africa this means that it is a year round destination. Here we highlight the best time to visit certain areas.

 

Best times to visit Tanzania:

Jul-Aug: During this time, the weather is cool. Dry season parks, like Tarangire, are at their prime. This is the best time to visit the Serengeti because during the height of the dry season, almost all the animals will go away on their own holiday in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

June- October is great for Zanzibar as the temperature is around 28 degrees.

December to mid March is the calving season in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater which is has amazing game viewing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BySk7ZUANTd/

Best times to visit Kenya:

Jul-Aug: During this time the migration crosses the Mara River where the animals stay in the Masai Mara until November (short rain season) before heading south back into the Serengeti.

Jan–Feb: Most people find the hot, dry weather during this time the most pleasant in comparison to the rest of the year’s weather. This is also the best time for bird watching, as birds in huge numbers flock to the lakes. Lake Nakuru is a hit with the flamingos.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByRNH8KJw4p/

Best times to go to Uganda:

June– Sept: This is a very dry period. April to October brings the rains which isn’t ideal.

Related article: About.com

Here is another good question: Why travel to East Africa?

If you’re looking to get as close to Africa as possible, then East Africa is the place to go. Offering gritty camping adventures, genuine experiences with fauna, locals and their cultures, a voyage across East Africa will completely immerse you in the spirit of ‘real’ Africa.

East Africa is a destination that allows travellers to tick off the ‘must-see’ tourist boxes of game viewing in Africa, but also offers a wide variety of non-commercialised travel experiences. When touring East Africa, you will have the chance to properly interact with the Masai cultures and instead of being targeted as a tourist and being pushed into purchasing things at local markets, you can simply enjoy a stroll through the village, as well as the leisure of experiencing towns as locals would.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTFIWfJoEX/

 

Top East African Safari Tours:

  • Tour Length 20 days
    Group Size Max 20
    Starts & Ends Starts: Victoria Falls Ends: Nairobi
    Countries Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
    Overview Three weeks, five countries, one adventure. This thrilling overland tour is your ticket to Africa’s most spectacular highlights. Feeling the heart-pounding thunder of Victoria Falls, the greatness of Lake Malawi, and the suspense of a nocturnal safari in the Serengeti, are all part of the itinerary. Top it off with three days of horizontal me-time on the paradise beaches of Zanzibar and now you’re really living.

    Price from

    R44,325

    View Tour Check Availability

    Victoria Falls to Nairobi Overland (Camping) (20 Days)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    02 Jun 2023 → 21 Jun 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    23 Jun 2023 → 12 Jul 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    14 Jul 2023 → 02 Aug 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    28 Jul 2023 → 16 Aug 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    04 Aug 2023 → 23 Aug 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    18 Aug 2023 → 06 Sep 2023

    From

    R49250 R44325

    10% off!

    Check Availability
    25 Aug 2023 → 13 Sep 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    15 Sep 2023 → 04 Oct 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    06 Oct 2023 → 25 Oct 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    27 Oct 2023 → 15 Nov 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    17 Nov 2023 → 06 Dec 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    08 Dec 2023 → 27 Dec 2023

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
    29 Dec 2023 → 17 Jan 2024

    From

    R49250
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 13 days
    Group Size Max 16
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Dar es Salaam
    Countries Kenya, Tanzania
    Overview With showpiece attractions by the likes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro, East Africa is story-book Africa. This whirlwind adventure sees you living out your wildest dreams with open-top game drives through vast plains and eye-opening Masaai village tours. After getting your fill of wildlife and local living, dust off your boots and soak up the African sun on the powdery-white beaches of Zanzibar. Now this is a dream come true.
    • Price Beat Guaranteed
    • 10% early bird discount (6 months or more)

    Price from

    R38,690

    View Tour Check Availability

    13 Day East Africa Game Parks and Zanzibar Safari

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    04 Jun 2023 → 16 Jun 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    18 Jun 2023 → 30 Jun 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    02 Jul 2023 → 14 Jul 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    16 Jul 2023 → 28 Jul 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    30 Jul 2023 → 11 Aug 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    13 Aug 2023 → 25 Aug 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    27 Aug 2023 → 08 Sep 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    10 Sep 2023 → 22 Sep 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    24 Sep 2023 → 06 Oct 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    08 Oct 2023 → 20 Oct 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    22 Oct 2023 → 03 Nov 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    05 Nov 2023 → 17 Nov 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    19 Nov 2023 → 01 Dec 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    03 Dec 2023 → 15 Dec 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    17 Dec 2023 → 29 Dec 2023

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    31 Dec 2023 → 12 Jan 2024

    From

    R38690
    Check Availability
    14 Jan 2024 → 26 Jan 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    28 Jan 2024 → 09 Feb 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    11 Feb 2024 → 23 Feb 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    25 Feb 2024 → 08 Mar 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    10 Mar 2024 → 22 Mar 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    24 Mar 2024 → 05 Apr 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    07 Apr 2024 → 19 Apr 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    21 Apr 2024 → 03 May 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    05 May 2024 → 17 May 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    19 May 2024 → 31 May 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    02 Jun 2024 → 14 Jun 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    16 Jun 2024 → 28 Jun 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    30 Jun 2024 → 12 Jul 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    14 Jul 2024 → 26 Jul 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    28 Jul 2024 → 09 Aug 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    11 Aug 2024 → 23 Aug 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    25 Aug 2024 → 06 Sep 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    08 Sep 2024 → 20 Sep 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    22 Sep 2024 → 04 Oct 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    06 Oct 2024 → 18 Oct 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    20 Oct 2024 → 01 Nov 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    03 Nov 2024 → 15 Nov 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    17 Nov 2024 → 29 Nov 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    01 Dec 2024 → 13 Dec 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    15 Dec 2024 → 27 Dec 2024

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
    29 Dec 2024 → 10 Jan 2025

    From

    RZAR 38690
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 12 days
    Group Size Max 17
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Nairobi
    Countries Kenya, Tanzania
    Overview Nothing can compare to encountering the legendary wildlife of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in the flesh. That’s why we’ve dedicated 12 full days to exploring this iconic safari circuit. Traverse incredible national parks where golden grasslands stretch on to the ends of the earth, watch wildebeest kick up the rich African dust as they migrate in their millions, and venture off track to isolated regions to meet local tribes world apart. The road is as diverse as it is unpredictable, so be prepared for adventure.
    • Your tour requires participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean and the setting up the camp. Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind is needed on the trip. Your guide is registered with the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA)

    Price from

    R56,850

    View Tour Check Availability

    Kenya Tanzania Safari on a Budget (All Inclusive)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    04 Jun 2023 → 15 Jun 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    18 Jun 2023 → 29 Jun 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    02 Jul 2023 → 13 Jul 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    16 Jul 2023 → 27 Jul 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    30 Jul 2023 → 10 Aug 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    13 Aug 2023 → 24 Aug 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    27 Aug 2023 → 07 Sep 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    10 Sep 2023 → 21 Sep 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    24 Sep 2023 → 05 Oct 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    08 Oct 2023 → 19 Oct 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    22 Oct 2023 → 02 Nov 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    05 Nov 2023 → 16 Nov 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    19 Nov 2023 → 30 Nov 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    03 Dec 2023 → 14 Dec 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    17 Dec 2023 → 28 Dec 2023

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    31 Dec 2023 → 11 Jan 2024

    From

    R56850
    Check Availability
    07 Jan 2024 → 18 Jan 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    21 Jan 2024 → 01 Feb 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    04 Feb 2024 → 15 Feb 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    18 Feb 2024 → 29 Feb 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    03 Mar 2024 → 14 Mar 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    17 Mar 2024 → 28 Mar 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    31 Mar 2024 → 11 Apr 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    14 Apr 2024 → 25 Apr 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    28 Apr 2024 → 09 May 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    12 May 2024 → 23 May 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    26 May 2024 → 06 Jun 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    09 Jun 2024 → 20 Jun 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    23 Jun 2024 → 04 Jul 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    07 Jul 2024 → 18 Jul 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    21 Jul 2024 → 01 Aug 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    04 Aug 2024 → 15 Aug 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    18 Aug 2024 → 29 Aug 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    01 Sep 2024 → 12 Sep 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    15 Sep 2024 → 26 Sep 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    29 Sep 2024 → 10 Oct 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    13 Oct 2024 → 24 Oct 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    27 Oct 2024 → 07 Nov 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    10 Nov 2024 → 21 Nov 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    24 Nov 2024 → 05 Dec 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    08 Dec 2024 → 19 Dec 2024

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability
    22 Dec 2024 → 02 Jan 2025

    From

    R61150
    Check Availability

This is not to say that Southern Africa is the wrong choice, because it most certainly isn’t – it’s just not as ‘rough’ as East Africa. Some might prefer home comforts or a little bit of luxury, no matter how small, on their tours, whereas others would rather embark on a more authentic experience of Africa –which is where the East African tours come into play.

As beautiful and fascinating as Southern Africa is, some travellers would, instead of coming across an ATM at a National Park, opt for journeying on bumpy gravel roads, waving at the friendly locals, exploring local markets, and ‘roughing it’ in terms of camping. What makes East Africa really great though, is that you’ll still be able to end off your days with fantastic game viewing and gorgeous sunsets, because no matter where you travel in Africa, its beauty will always follow you.

The game viewing through East Africa is exquisite, and perfectly combines Africa’s top three national parks:Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Masai Mara National Reserve. From August through to September, the Masai Mara boasts the incredible wildebeest migration, and will be the busiest in regards to the amount of wildlife and game viewing action. The migration is simply phenomenal, consisting of almost 1.5 million wildebeest that traverse the landscapes along with thousands of zebra, antelope and big cats.  Some travellers have even been lucky enough to spot both lion and cheetah kills on their first day in the park!

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByWu9yYgI_u/

Though the Mara will be the busiest, the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater lie adjacent to each other and are both wonderful year-round game-viewing destinations. The Ngorongoro was once an active volcano, but is now a caldera with its own unique eco-system. It contains a diverse range of plant life on the crater floor and rim, which attracts a variety of wildlife and bird species. On the crater floor you’ll find changes in scenery from dense forest to more arid savannahs, which draw in lion, zebra, antelope and other big cats. In the middle of the crater, there are small lakes surrounded by lush marshlands that are home to a wide diversity of birdlife, as well as hippo!

Visit East Africa for the safari of a lifetime:

  • Tour Length 55 days
    Group Size Max 20
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Cape Town
    Countries South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda
    Overview From open top safaris in the Masai Mara, to camping in the Serengeti, and gorilla trekking in Uganda, this is a wildlife odyssey like no other. Throw in a paradise island, dramatic canyons, and intimate village tours, and you’ve found yourself in a story book expedition that will change your life. Fifty-five days, nine countries, seven national parks, one continent. This is how you travel Africa.

    Price from

    R143,750

    View Tour Check Availability

    Nairobi to Cape Town Camping Tour (55 Days)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    02 Jun 2023 → 26 Jul 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    23 Jun 2023 → 16 Aug 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    14 Jul 2023 → 06 Sep 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    04 Aug 2023 → 27 Sep 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    25 Aug 2023 → 18 Oct 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    15 Sep 2023 → 08 Nov 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    06 Oct 2023 → 29 Nov 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    27 Oct 2023 → 20 Dec 2023

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
    17 Nov 2023 → 10 Jan 2024

    From

    R143750
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 13 days
    Group Size Max 16
    Starts & Ends Starts: Entebbe Ends: Entebbe
    Countries Uganda
    Overview Africa's tallest mountain range, the continent's largest lake, the world's longest river, the biggest living primates, and, of course, the iconic Big Five - Uganda is home to colossal natural wonders. This 13 day expedition sees you hiking in misty forests to spot wild gorillas and the lesser-known sights of tree-climbing lions, exploring verdant waterways teeming with pods of hippo, and discovering a world apart as you encounter the region’s colourful cultures.
    • Your tour requires participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean and the setting up the camp. Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind is needed on the trip. Your guide is registered with the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and this tour has been designed to include all highlights in the price, thereby avoiding any hidden surprises.
    • The camping tour provides all equipment, including camp stretcher beds, tents, camp chairs. Travellers can bring supplementary mattress if desired. Travellers are required to bring sleeping bags, towels and travel pillows.

    Price from

    R48,160

    View Tour Check Availability

    Best of Uganda Adventure

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    04 Jun 2023 → 15 Jun 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    18 Jun 2023 → 29 Jun 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    09 Jul 2023 → 20 Jul 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    23 Jul 2023 → 03 Aug 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    06 Aug 2023 → 17 Aug 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    20 Aug 2023 → 31 Aug 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    03 Sep 2023 → 14 Sep 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    17 Sep 2023 → 28 Sep 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    08 Oct 2023 → 19 Oct 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    22 Oct 2023 → 02 Nov 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    05 Nov 2023 → 16 Nov 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    19 Nov 2023 → 30 Nov 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    03 Dec 2023 → 14 Dec 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    17 Dec 2023 → 28 Dec 2023

    From

    R48160
    Check Availability
    07 Jan 2024 → 19 Jan 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    21 Jan 2024 → 02 Feb 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    04 Feb 2024 → 16 Feb 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    18 Feb 2024 → 01 Mar 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    03 Mar 2024 → 15 Mar 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    17 Mar 2024 → 29 Mar 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    07 Apr 2024 → 19 Apr 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    21 Apr 2024 → 03 May 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    05 May 2024 → 17 May 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    19 May 2024 → 31 May 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    02 Jun 2024 → 14 Jun 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    16 Jun 2024 → 28 Jun 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    07 Jul 2024 → 19 Jul 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    21 Jul 2024 → 02 Aug 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    04 Aug 2024 → 16 Aug 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    18 Aug 2024 → 30 Aug 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    01 Sep 2024 → 13 Sep 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    15 Sep 2024 → 27 Sep 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    06 Oct 2024 → 18 Oct 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    20 Oct 2024 → 01 Nov 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    03 Nov 2024 → 15 Nov 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    17 Nov 2024 → 29 Nov 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    01 Dec 2024 → 13 Dec 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability
    15 Dec 2024 → 27 Dec 2024

    From

    R51755
    Check Availability

Camping in East Africa is much more basic than in Southern Africa, adding to the authentic ‘rough’ experience. Though all campsites are well situated and have flushing toilets, there might be some places you visit that will be experiencing difficulties with their boilers or have a lot of tour groups at the same site, meaning that a long hot shower may not be available for you at the end of each day. If you still want that hot shower, though, advice is to shower upon arrival at the site, or the next morning – avoiding the peak hours of 7-9. In the end, roughing it through East Africa is a far better way to gain a more ‘hands on’ African experience with a group of like-minded travellers.

 

About Sarah Duff

Documentary filmmaker/ travel writer/ photographer - www.sarahduff.com
Article by: Sarah Duff
on April 23, 2015
Filed under  Africa Blog • Kenya • Tanzania • Travel Articles • Uganda 
African Overland Tours Experts
  • First-hand experience
  • Advice and guidance
  • We're passionate travelers

Enquire Now

FEATURED POSTS

What is Voluntourism?

What is Voluntourism?

Voluntourism, a combination of "volunteering" and "tourism," refers to the practice of participating in volunteer activities while traveling or visiting a foreign country. It involves individuals or...

The Big Five in Africa

The Big Five in Africa

Well, if you haven’t read about them in story books or heard about them on TV, you must be living in space! (No offence!) The Big 5 are 5 animals that were referred to as the 5 most difficult...

Etosha National Park, Why I love Namibia

Etosha National Park, Why I love Namibia

After doing safaris all over southern and east Africa, Etosha National Park in Namibia remains one of my favourite National Parks. From the moment that I drove through the Von Lindequist Gate, at...

  • Blog categories

  • Contact us

    UK  +44 80 0098 8010

    USA  +1 888 815 2423

    AUS  +61 1800 768 149

    SA  +27 21 448 0997

    Email  info@africanoverlandtours.com

     

    Local Time in South Africa

    We’re Here To Help

    Having traveled extensively on all our routes in Africa we are able to narrow down the best options based on our experience and knowledge and guide you through the best possible options for your incredible African Overlanding experience.

    African Overland Tours is owned by Escape 4 Africa Travel.

    We are SATSA Bonded (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) and SATIB insured (Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers, providing financial protection with all monies paid

    We have a 24 hour emergency number.

    We offer a Price Beat Guarantee.

  • 0 Comments

    Submit a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Next Article