Best Time to Travel in East Africa: Season by Season

When you're planning a trip to East Africa, timing matters. The region’s weather patterns can shape your entire safari experience. Some seasons offer clear skies and great wildlife sightings. Others bring fewer tourists and lush, green landscapes. Knowing what to expect each season helps you make the most of your time in Kenya or Tanzania.

January to March – Dry Season, Great Game Viewing
These months fall within the short dry season. Days are hot and mostly clear. Wildlife is easier to spot near waterholes and open plains. In Tanzania, the southern Serengeti is busy with calving season. Thousands of wildebeest give birth, drawing predators like lions and hyenas. If you're focused on photography, the lighting is sharp and the air is clear.
Kenya’s parks like Amboseli and Samburu also deliver excellent sightings. This is a good time to avoid heavy crowds before peak season kicks in.

April to May – Long Rains, Quiet Parks
These are the wettest months across East Africa. Parks get muddy. Roads may flood. Some lodges close. But the rains also bring greenery, flowers, and birds. Migratory species are everywhere. If you’re okay with rain, you’ll find lower prices and quiet parks.

You won’t see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti during this time, but resident wildlife is still active. Birders and photographers may prefer this season for dramatic skies and breeding plumage.

This isn’t the best time for a first-time safari, but it works if you're returning or looking to explore with fewer people around.

June to October – Peak Season, Best Game Viewing
This is the long dry season. Skies are clear. Roads are firm. Wildlife gathers around rivers and watering points. This is the most popular time to visit. It’s also when the Great Migration builds momentum, especially in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

In July and August, the wildebeest cross the Mara River. This is dramatic, dangerous, and incredible to watch. Kenya’s Masai Mara sees huge numbers of visitors during these months.

If you prefer fewer crowds, consider June or early October. You’ll still catch strong wildlife movement but avoid the peak chaos of August.

Lodges and camps get booked early in this window. Prices are high. But the experience is often worth it.
November to December – Short Rains, Shoulder Season
The short rains start again around November. Showers are short but frequent. Landscapes turn green quickly. Wildlife disperses a bit, but not completely. Some camps offer lower rates and good access.

This season is unpredictable. Some days are sunny. Some are stormy. But the light is soft and golden. The air feels clean after the dust of the dry months. This is another good time for birdwatchers and return travelers.

If you’re okay with occasional rain and want to avoid big crowds, these months are worth considering.

Every season in East Africa gives something different. Your best time depends on your goals—whether that’s watching the migration, seeing predators in action, or having parks mostly to yourself.
Ready to plan your safari? Don’t wait. Wildlife doesn’t hold still. Contact Grayton Expeditions today and get expert help planning your trip during the best time for you.



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