Choosing the best places in Africa to travel to right now can be like trying to figure out what to wear on those in-between days. It's not quite winter, with the season flirting with spring but not fully committing, and summer is still playing hard to get. But here's the upside – this season is that sweet spot where you get all the warmth and sunshine without the scorcher days Africa is known for. So, where should you go? As your trusted African Travel Experts, we've put together a list of top destinations to hit up in the coming months. Expect bucket list adventures, jaw-dropping landscapes, and stories you'll be telling for years. This is your moment – make it count!
We know all the best places in Africa to travel to right now, Image Credit: Marc Gengler
Kenya
Wondering where to travel in Africa right now? How about stepping into the world of the Maasai, guided through the wild savannah, or taking a leisurely trek along the legendary Ngong Hills of Karen Blixen fame? Kenya, with its numerous national parks, wildlife reserves and great lakes, is a destination that speaks for itself.
The star of the show? The Maasai Mara joins forces with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to host one of nature's most jaw-dropping events, namely the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Learning more about the Maasai culture will be a highlight, Image Credit: Ws Safari
What to Expect
June to October marks Kenya's long dry season – the perfect time for that ultimate "Out of Africa" safari. The weather? Just right. Wildlife? Gathering in numbers around water sources, all gearing up for the grand spectacle of the Great Migration.
Then, in August, things really heat up, with thousands of zebras and wildebeest taking on the nerve-wracking river crossings, with crocodiles lying in wait. September keeps the show going strong with dry skies and incredible game viewing. By October, while the migrating herds begin to head out of the Maasai Mara, Kenya's resident wildlife – including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – keeps the safari magic alive in this Big 5 wonderland.
The Maasai Mara is host to part of the Great Migration
Botswana
Beautiful Botswana should be sitting pretty close to the top of your list (if not claiming the tip-top spot) if you're itching to know where to travel in Africa right now. This is prime time, right in the middle of the dry season (from May to October) when game viewing is absolutely unbeatable.
Botswana is one of the best places in Africa to travel to right now
What to Expect
If the Okavango Delta has caught your eye (and who could blame you?), make sure to plan your visit between June and October. Despite being dubbed the "dry season", this is when the Delta's waters swell, thanks to floodwaters arriving all the way from Angola.
It's a wildlife magnet, with animals gathering at the water's edge and many lodges stepping up with all sorts of water-based safari adventures. However, keep in mind that October is the exception – it can be the hottest, driest month, offering phenomenal game viewing but with lower water levels.
Explore marshy waterways by boat and even traditional mokoro
Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the best places in Africa to travel to right now if you're keen on seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – the majority of the world's remaining gorillas are right here. With some of the best gorilla trekking conditions between July and September, now is a great time to visit "The Land of a Thousand Hills".
This dry season brings light cloud cover and comfortable temperatures, making those treks even more enjoyable. And while you're at it, why not add a chimp trek in Nyungwe Forest or combine it with a Great Migration tour? Two incredible experiences in one trip – now that's a holiday to remember!
Witness the mountain gorilla in Rwanda
What to Expect
If you're aiming to travel between October and December, you'll be greeted by the short rainy season. Yes, there will be a few showers, but they usually give way to bright blue skies.
Plus, this time of year comes with its perks – lower costs for accommodation at the hotels and lodges. If a bit of rain and mud don't scare you off, you'll get an incredible experience without the crowds or the premium price.
Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the most moving and exclusive experiences in the world
Namibia
Namibia is a land of stark contrasts and wide-open spaces, boasting the second-lowest population density in the world – making it the ultimate destination for self-isolation.
Visitors to Namibia are often amazed by how this seemingly barren, otherworldly landscape teems with wildlife. If a self-drive holiday is what you're after, Namibia offers the best travel routes on the planet, ready for you to explore.
Sossusvlei is one of the best places in Africa to visit right now
What to Expect
When's the best time to visit? You guessed it – the dry season! From June to October, Namibia truly shines, especially for game viewing in Etosha National Park. The skies are crystal clear, and as water becomes scarce, animals gather around the remaining sources, making them oh-so-easy to find.
By October, the weather starts to warm up, and there's a hint of rain, but the skies remain mostly clear – perfect for stargazing, something Namibia is famous for. October is also prime time for whale watching along the coast, with southern right, minke, and humpback whales passing by Walvis Bay during their annual Atlantic migration.
Water sources attract wildlife for game viewing and ideal photographic opportunities, Image Credit: Ute von Ludwiger
Madagascar
You didn't think we'd forget a beach travel destination, did you? Say hello to magnificent Madagascar! This Indian Ocean Island is a showstopper year-round, but from May to October, it's especially magical.
As the island cools down, the humid rainforest transforms into a refreshing playground, perfect for hikes or simply soaking up the sun on those postcard-perfect beaches. Come July and August, Madagascar goes wild – literally! Humpback whales make their dramatic debut, gliding into Madagascan waters to give birth and raise their calves.
Madagascar is one of the most visually attractive places to visit
What to Expect
However, it's in September when Madagascar really pulls out all the stops. Safaris are at their peak, with wildlife shaking off their hibernation slumber and baby lemurs bouncing around like nobody's business!
Birdwatchers, get your binoculars ready – over 200 species are waiting to be ticked off your list. And if you've missed the earlier months, September is your last chance to catch a glimpse of those giants of the deep.
You will see a wealth of wildlife found nowhere else on this planet
Ready, Set, Explore
So, what’s it going to be? Chasing migrating herds, gliding through delta waters, finding gorillas, exploring otherworldly landscapes, or island lounging with lemurs?
Get in touch with one of our Travel Experts – now’s the time to travel to Africa!
Hi Luke, this is a really clear and helpful article. Thank you! One important thing to add would be whether there are any other significant or unusual COVID-19 restrictions in place in these countries that might effect a holiday (e.g. curfews, public transport restriction etc).