August’s African attractions bring thousands of travellers to our continent every year. From witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti to whale watching on Southern Africa’s coast, here’s where you want to be for African travel in August.
August is an amazing month to travel through Africa, Image Credit: Simon Dannhauer
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Zebras and wildebeest grazing in the Serengeti National Park
Arguably the most famous of all African wildernesses, the Serengeti is a sight to behold. Featured in plenty of nature documentaries, many of which focus on the Great Migration, this destination promises action and drama at every turn. Home to the Big 5 and a multitude of other animal species, it truly is a wildlife paradise and any avid safari-goers dream. And when it comes to African travel in August, this is where you want to be.
The Great Migration makes its way through the Serengeti throughout the year, but the dramatic river crossings at the Mara and Grumeti take place around August. Watch on as thousands of wildebeest make their way across the Serengeti’s plains and across its rivers on nature’s greatest journey. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so be sure to plan your visit well in advance to secure the prime spots to enjoy this incredible event.
Our Favourite Property: Singita Faru Faru
The magnificent Singita Faru Faru is set alongside the Grumeti River in the heart of the Serengeti
Singita Faru Faru in the Grumeti Reserve allows you to experience the magic of the Great Migration with an expert guide, far away from the throngs of tourists and crowds in the Serengeti.
More than just a backdrop for the Great Migration, the Grumeti Reserve is also home to lions, leopards, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants and even the endangered black rhino. As with all Singita lodges, guests are guaranteed exceptional game-viewing, from traditional game drives to hot air balloon safaris.
After spending the day adventuring, head back to camp and unwind with a treatment at the Bush Spa or with a dip in the pool. Made up of just nine luxurious suites to ensure privacy, this is the perfect spot for the discerning traveller. Simply put, there truly is nowhere better to enjoy the Great Migration than from Singita Faru Faru.
2. Kafue National Park, Zambia
A hot air balloon safari over the Kafue National Park is an experience of a lifetime, Image Credit: Shumba Camp
Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, Kafue is an ideal destination for African travel in August. Located four hours from Livingstone, this untamed African wilderness is teeming with life and experiences for guests to enjoy.
One of the most remarkable things about Kafue is the variation in its thriving ecosystem. The northern Busanga Plains that are fed by the Lufupa River attract animals in their droves in the drier months. Furthermore, these vast open plains are dotted with date palms, making for one of the most unique environments on the continent. Further south, mopane woodland and rocky outcrops dominate the landscape, providing the ideal habitat for leopard and other shyer species.
Kafue is renowned for its diverse antelope population, but guests can expect to see much more. The Big 5, cheetah and wild dogs are all among the mammal species that occur here, alongside over 400 species of birds. Kafue is a prime destination for African travel in August due to the temperate climate and the exceptional game viewing enjoyed at this time of year.
Our Favourite Property: Shumba Camp
Spectacular sundowners at Shumba Camp, Image Credit: Shumba Camp
Sitting on a tree island in the middle of the Busanga Plains, Shumba Camp’s luxury tents gaze out over their surroundings from raised wooden platforms. Guests can look forward to watching a variety of antelope species, including red lechwe, puku, oribi, and even the rare roan antelope graze in the surrounding grasslands. It also happens to be the scene of truly spectacular African sunsets.
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to Shumba Camp is a hot air balloon safari. Floating above the plains and taking in this unique African landscape in all its glory is something everyone should get to experience. For those who prefer their safaris a little more down-to-earth, guests can enjoy guided game drives during the day and into the evening to maximise game viewing opportunities.
3. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Magical sunset setting in the Mana Pools National Park
‘Mana’ means ‘four’ in the local Zimbabwean Shona language and is a reference to the four pools that made the Mana Pools National Park famous. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, this wilderness is world-renowned and among Africa’s best-known national parks.
Perhaps what makes Mana Pools most famous is its population of elephants. The elephants here have developed a habit of reaching for foliage with their trunks, often standing on just their hind legs to do so. This behaviour is most often observed during the drier months when vegetation closer to the ground is in shorter supply.
Given its popularity as a destination, the animals at Mana Pools have become very accustomed to human visitors. As a result, this makes it an exceptional destination for walking safaris. Furthermore, it also presents some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in Africa. So, if you’re planning African travel in August, Mana Pools is a must!
Our Favourite Property: Chikwenya Camp
Open exclusively between the months of April and November, Chikwenya Camp is the prime location from which to enjoy Mana Pools. With views of the extensive floodplains and the mighty Zambezi River, guests are immersed in the African wilderness. And if that isn't enough, it's set against the imposing backdrop of the Rift Valley.
Chikwenya Camp is a haven of peace, surrounded by the best wildlife Mana Pools has to offer, Image Credit: Chikwenya Safari Lodge
Chikwenya Camp offers an abundance of activities, from kayaking, fishing and boating on the Zambezi to guided game viewing walks that allow guests to encounter wildlife up close. This, along with daily game drives, ensure that you make the most of your African adventure.
Luxury living in the African bush, Image Credit: Chikwenya Safari Lodge
Guests looking for a luxury holiday in Mana Pools need to look no further. Chikwenya Camp is a refined oasis that brings a level of luxury seldom seen in seasonal camps. This ethos spills over seamlessly into all aspects of your stay, making this a firm favourite among guests.
4. Whale Route, South Africa
This pristine stretch of the South African coastline is the perfect place to watch whales play!
Make your way east of Cape Town, towards Africa's southernmost point, and you'll find yourself on the Whale Route. This fertile region surrounded by mountains and sea is home to beautiful farmland, historic towns and seaside villages. But what this area is most famous for is whales!
In the months between July and November, scores of humpback and southern right whales make their way to the warmer waters of this stretch of coastline to mate and calf. Therefore, these sheltered bays along the shore make this region arguably the best place for land-based whale watching on Earth.
However, there's much more than these impressive ocean giants to marvel at in this region. A blossoming wine route tucked into the surrounding valleys, an abundance of small-town charm and adventure activities all await visitors. For those who are particularly adventurous, take the plunge in Gansbaai, where you can see the great white shark up close. But keep an ear out while in Hermanus, as the whale crier will sound his kelp horn at the first sighting of whales and send visitors scurrying to spot the whales on the horizon.
Our Favourite Property: Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House's unique cliff-top position overlooks Walker Bay's whale watching paradise, Image Credit: Birkenhead House
Located on a clifftop in the popular whale-watching town of Hermanus, Birkenhead House's spectacular setting is only matched by what you find within its walls. Their all-inclusive concept leaves visitors wanting for nothing, with every luxury attended to. Whether it's the furniture and finishings or fine dining and five-star service, every detail at Birkenhead House is designed to deliver delight.
Enjoy breakfast while watching whales play in the bay, Image Credit: Birkenhead House
Walker Bay stretches out beyond the hotel deck, providing a prime position for guests to enjoy whale watching in season. Alternatively, take in the views while enjoying one of a range of luxury spa treatments or head to two of the region's best swimming beaches which are just a short walk away.
Each room at Birkenhead House is uniquely styled and brings its own contemporary flair. Set across three different houses that make up this property, they all enjoy their own views, each as spectacular as the last. So, if you're looking for a whale-watching retreat that says "treat yourself", this is certainly it.
African Travel in August Awaits You
The most memorable moments await you in Africa, Image Credit: Singita Serengeti Lodge
Start planning your action-packed African travel in August with the World's Leading Safari Company today. Our team of Rhino Africa Travel Experts are on hand to bring your adventure to life and ensure you create memories that last a lifetime.
