Best time to visit Africa

In Kenya and Tanzania, the highlight is the Great Migration, best from July to October when the Mara River crossing takes place. Game is present all year, however, but the long rainy season in March to May (with the heaviest rains from April to May) is not the best time to visit as wildlife disperses and is hidden by vegetation, and rain can make roads impassable. However, there are some great deals available during this period, so it's worth considering if you're on a really tight budget. Be aware that Kilimanjaro climbs are risky in the wet season, and that afternoon downpours are heavier along the coast and islands. Some lodges in remoter southern Tanzania will close during this period.

For gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, be prepared if you are going during the rainy seasons of November, and from March to May – especially in Uganda, where treks usually take longer. It doesn’t rain all day every day, but comes in big bursts, and gorilla tracking permits may be heavily discounted – but if you aren’t a fan of rain, think about booking outside the rainy season.

Tom Harari, from our supplier Exodus, shares his advice on the best time to go to Africa: “East Africa has two dry and two wet seasons. The big rains are around March/April whilst the small rains are in December. Southern Africa’s climate is more seasonal with spring, summer, autumn and winter. These are southern hemisphere seasons, however. Winter in South Africa during July/August can be cold and wet, and you may even see some snow in the Drakensberg Mountains. The most important wildlife event to be considered is the Great Migration in East Africa. Doing a loop around the Serengeti and Masai Mara, giant herds of wildebeest can be seen. The best time to see them in the Serengeti is the start of the year, whilst the best time to see them crossing the river into the Masai Mara is August to October, though it can vary from year to year.

An international extravaganza of singing, dancing and a fair bit of ice-cold beer drinking too, the Lake of Stars is a three-night music festival that takes over the usually sleepy shores of Lake Malawi and injects them with an enormous dose of fun. You’ll see acts from all over the globe performing; you’ll learn to dance like you’ve never danced before; and you’ll come away with loads of new friends too.