And the best times to travel for a safari
Islands
High season: May - December
Sunny and warm- the ideal beach weather
Low season: January - April
Can be humid and wet but great rates and availability
Highlights:
Excellent diving and snorkelling conditions
Soft sandy beaches and warm waters for swimming
Both romantic and family-friendly accommodations
Easy to combine with various safari destinations
South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls
High season: May - October
Cooler and drier conditions mean better visibility and higher game concentration around water sources
Low season: November - April
The warmer green season can mean better availability and rates on safari and the ideal time to visit Cape Town.
Highlights:
- Great game viewing diversity throughout the year
- Up close Big 5 sightings (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo)
- Award-winning lodges with star beds and all the luxuries
- Water based safaris in Botswana via boat or mokoro (canoe)
- Easily combined with Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Mozambique
Top East Africa Safari Destinations
And the best times to travel
for a safari
Whether you're planning to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, experience a Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park or spend the end of your honeymoon in the Seychelles, timing is important. Our experts can guide you around the best times and destinations to visit based on what you want to see or when you want to travel.
Green season:
November - May
The warmer green season is when calving happens guaranteeing lots of predator action; it also means excellent photography conditions and fewer crowds.
Dry season:
June - October
Cooler and drier conditions deliver excellent game viewing; the famous Great Migration river crossings happen now; this is peak season and availability can be limited.
Highlights
Africa Safari Expert
Ashley Gerrand
“East Africa is considered to be the spiritual home of safari, evoking images of wide-open plains and wildlife as far as the eye can see. Interest areas covered within the region include primate-trekking, the Great Migration through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, engaging and authentic cultural experiences, and numerous beach destinations both on the coast of the mainland and islands close to it.”
Justin Chapman
Africa Safari Expert
What Our Clients Say
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Go2Africa was the perfect choice... We worked with Nicole from beginning to the end and she were so helpful in creating the perfect itinerary for us. From flights, to accommodations, to transfers, and tour guides, everything was perfect...Nicole was able to work within our budget and on all of our
wants/needs.
Honeymoon of a lifetime!
This is our 3rd safari booked with Go2Africa and I'm always amazed at the personal attention to detail that goes into planning. We gave Jessica a general area we wanted to visit and a wildlife wish list of animals we wanted to see…It was unbelievable. Once again, Jessica did such an amazing job with selecting the camps that were perfect for us…
Knocked it out of the park again!
The family had an experience that exceeded our expectations. At each critical change point of the journey (flights, transport, accommodation) the arrangements played out perfectly. The experiences at each location were perfect and we took home so many memories and things to share. Thank you! Job well done.
Perfectly executed
What Our Clients Say
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Our favourite accommodations are the most intimate ones. It's always best to book as far ahead as possible to ensure you have experiences like this ...
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, South Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1 550 USD at the finest lodges in high season.
How Much is a
South Africa Safari?
Talk to one of our experts to explore availability during your travel dates.
Our favourite accommodations are the most intimate ones. It's always best to book as far ahead as possible to ensure you have experiences like this ...
Chat with one of our
experienced African Safari
Experts with no obligation.
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Kenya, Tanzania
and Beyond
From the Masai Mara’s acacia-dotted savannah to the Serengeti’s vast rolling hills and beyond to Rwanda’s emerald rainforest, East Africa delivers the very best in authentic safari experiences. Combine luxury and adventure in some of the world’s most remote locations, while the magical sights and sounds of Africa leave you with memories you’ll cherish forever.
$350
From
USD per person per night
See below
Africa Safari Expert
Ashley Gerrand
“'We know because we go' is something we pride ourselves on at Go2Africa. I love being able to share personal stories with guests when recommending destinations and properties, so they can trust it's the best fit for them."
How Much is an
East Africa Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, East Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 350 USD per person per night in low season to over 1 650 USD at the finest lodges in high season.
What’s Included in the Cost?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages and alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions like walking safaris and cultural village visits will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
How Much is an African Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays or events like the Great Migration) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Southern Africa can range anywhere from approximately $500 USD per person per night in low season to over $2 000 USD at the finest lodges in high season. For East Africa, low season rates start around $450 USD per night per person and reach upwards of $1 500 USD at peak season.
What Costs are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all of your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, walking safaris and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
How Much is an African Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays or events like the Great Migration) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Southern Africa can range anywhere from approximately $500 USD per person per night in low season to over $2 000 USD at the finest lodges in high season. For East Africa, low season rates start around $450 USD per night per person and reach upwards of
$1 500 USD at peak season.
What Costs
Are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all of your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, walking safaris and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, East Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 350 USD per person per night in low season to over 1 650 USD at the finest lodges in high season.
What Costs are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages and alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions like walking safaris and cultural village visits will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
How Much is an East African Safari?
Top East Africa Safari Destinations
Whether you're planning to marvel at
the world’s largest herds of elephant congregating around the Chobe River during the dry season’s besetting final stretch, or glide along the Okavango Delta’s tranquil waterways in search of rare puku and lechwe, timing is important. Our experts can guide you around the best times and destinations
to visit, based on your schedule and trip requirements.
Top East Africa Safari Destinations
Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve’s wide-open plains provide a sanctuary for an abundance of animals like elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena and the Mara’s famous big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah. Thanks to its high numbers of resident wildlife and a temperate climate, the Mara is widely regarded as a fantastic year-round safari destination. Its wide and open plains mean there is virtually always something to see – no matter what time of year you visit.
- Hot-air balloon safari – perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary
January–March & June–October
Dry season:
The weather is usually mild and dry from January to March, and most of the safari crowds are absent. June to October is safari’s high season; the national reserve sees high visitor numbers, but weather conditions are fantastic and the Wildebeest Migration’s dramatic river crossings take place. Staying inside the reserve means you’re a stone’s throw from the Migration’s action, while staying a little further away from the Migration hot spots in a neighbouring private concession means you can easily reach
Green season:
November–December
The ‘short rains’ season relieves the dry mid-year winter. Clouds build up in the mornings and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived, showers in the late afternoons. Migrant birds return from the northern hemisphere and resident plains game give birth, which means the predator action is thrilling.
Highlights
Migration season:
July–November
The popular Mara River crossings – when the Migration moves from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara – can happen anywhere between July and October. Just as the rains are unpredictable, so too are the river crossings. The herds will enjoy the Mara’s fresh grazing until about December, when they move back to the Serengeti to give birth.
- Fantastic year-round game viewing – especially lion, leopard and cheetah
- The Great Wildebeest Migration (July to November)
- Crowd-free game viewing, nature walks and off-road game drives in private concessions
January–March & June–October
Green season:
The weather is usually mild and dry from January to March, and most of the safari crowds are absent. June to October is safari’s high season; the Serengeti is busy, but weather conditions are perfect and the Wildebeest Migration’s dramatic river crossings take place. Although the sheer size of the Serengeti will give you a soul-stirring sense of space, the areas around the Migration’s river crossing points can get busy. If you want to be close to the action yet enjoy some serenity, we suggest staying in an adjacent private reserve.
Dry season:
November–December
The ‘short rains’ season relieves the dry mid-year winter. Clouds build up in the mornings and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived, showers in the late afternoons. Migrant birds return from the northern hemisphere and resident plains game give birth, which means the predator action is thrilling.
Migration season:
December–September
The herds usually cross the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti between about May and July, then move towards the Mara River in the north to cross into the Masai Mara between about July to October. November's short rains trigger the herds to move back to the Serengeti to give birth before calving season, which takes place from January to March and is renowned for bitter-sweet predator action.
Highlights
- The Great Wildebeest Migration (December to October)
- Incredible year-round game viewing, especially predators
- Crowd-free game viewing, nature walks and off-road game drives in private game reserves
Serengeti, Tanzania
Home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife and the majority of the Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s flagship conservation area and a must-do for first-time and returning safari goers alike. The park’s astonishing density of wildlife offers a spectacular safari experience no matter what time of the year you visit, and the wide-open plains and mild climate mean that vegetation is never too dense to see animals.
- Custom-made safaris for every traveller type – from families and honeymooners
East Africa Safari Trip Ideas
Here are some of our best East Africa safari packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
$7,400
From
USD per person
THE EXPERIENCE:
Open with a life-changing adventure in Uganda’s alluring rainforests, tracking endangered gorillas in their natural habitat. Then fly to the golden savannah of the Masai Mara to spend three nights at one of Africa’s leading eco-lodges set on a private stretch of the Mara River before witnessing the Migration in the Serengeti. Crown your trip at an authentic tented camp near the Ngorongoro Crater.
$11,340
From
USD per person
Africa’s Hat Trick:
Migration, Big 5 & Gorillas
DESTINATIONS:
Uganda: Entebbe, Bwindi
Kenya: Nairobi, Masai Mara
- Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha
THE EXPERIENCE:
This authentic trip through Kenya and Tanzania starts on a gorgeous working farm, ideally located to explore the Ngorongoro Crater – East Africa's easiest and most rewarding Big 5 viewing. Next stop: a mobile (moveable) camp that follows the Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti so you can witness the spectacle year-round. Your trip culminates in the Masai Mara at a camp that’s perfectly positioned to watch the wildebeest cross the Talek River from your armchair.
DESTINATIONS:
Talk to one of our experts to explore availability during your travel dates.
10
Days
15
Days
Kenya & Tanzania:
Year-round Migration Safari
Tanzania: Karatu, Serengeti, Arusha
Kenya: Masai Mara
Also Consider Kenya...
The high plains of Laikipia are increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s best safari regions. It’s home to some of the country’s most encouraging conservation success stories like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary for black and white rhinos as well as Grevy’s zebra.
Amboseli National Park
With its perennial wetlands flourishing beneath towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is the best place in East Africa to see massive herds of elephant. If you’re looking for that iconic postcard image of wildlife against a Kili backdrop, this is the place to get the shot.
Laikipia
Relaxing along Kenya’s dazzling tropical coastline is one of the best ways to crown your safari. From family-friendly resorts to exclusive beach villas, the country’s coastline offers excellent accommodation and superb diving and snorkelling spots.
Kenya Beaches
Or even Tanzania, Rwanda & Uganda...
Part of the lesser-known Southern Tanzania safari region, Ruaha and Selous are beautifully wild. Enormous in size and filled to the brim with wildlife, these areas offer sensational safari experiences far away from the crowds.
Ngorongoro Crater
Created about 3 million years ago when a volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, supporting over
25 000 animals, including the Big 5.
Ruaha & Selous
No other wildlife encounter can rival sitting with endangered gorillas in their natural habitat and observing the fascinating family dynamics of our ancient relatives. The montane rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda are incredible destinations for gorilla trekking, Africa’s most powerful wildlife experience.
Volcanoes & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
From the Masai Mara’s acacia-dotted savannah to the Serengeti’s vast rolling hills and beyond to Rwanda’s emerald rainforest, East Africa delivers the very best in authentic safari experiences. Combine luxury and adventure in some of the world’s most remote locations, while the magical sights and sounds of Africa leave you with memories you’ll cherish forever.
From
$350
USD pps
Breathtaking
Kenya, Tanzania
and Beyond
The Wildebeest Migration, Big 5, Cultural Experiences & More
Kenya offers a vacation for every traveller. From unforgettable family safaris with child-friendly activities and services to exclusive hideaways for couples and honeymooners, Kenya has it all and then some. Whatever type of traveller you are, there’s not much that beats a Kenya safari. The standards of service are high and Kenya’s top destinations offer luxury accommodation ranging from lavish, colonial-style lodges to contemporary boutique hotels and amenity-packed resorts.
$000
From
USD per person per night
See below
Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve’s wide-open plains provide a sanctuary for an abundance of animals like elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena and the Mara’s famous big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah. Thanks to its high numbers of resident wildlife and a temperate climate, the Mara is widely regarded as a fantastic year-round safari destination. Its wide and open plains mean there is virtually always something to see – no matter what time of year you visit.
Highlights
- Fantastic year-round game viewing – especially lion, leopard and cheetah
- Hot-air balloon safari – perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary
- The Great Wildebeest Migration (July to November)
- Crowd-free game viewing, nature walks and off-road game drives in private concessions
Dry Season: