There is no bad time to visit East Africa, only trade-offs. Here is what each part of the year looks like across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
January to March: green and quiet
Warm, mostly dry, and the southern Serengeti fills with wildebeest for the calving season, which means predator action. Good value, fewer vehicles, lush scenery. A strong window that many people overlook.
April and May: the long rains
The wettest months. Some camps close, roads can be tricky and afternoon downpours are common. In return you get the lowest prices of the year, dramatic skies and near-empty parks. Gorilla trekking is still possible but muddier.
June to September: peak season
Dry, cool and reliable. Vegetation thins out so animals are easier to spot, and the wildebeest move north towards the Mara. This is also the best window for gorilla trekking and for climbing Kilimanjaro. Book six to twelve months ahead, because the best camps sell out.
July to October: the river crossings
The Mara River crossings usually happen from late July into October, with August and September the most likely. It is the busiest and priciest time in the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti, and worth it if the migration is your main goal.
November and December: the short rains
Brief showers, usually in the late afternoon, that green everything up without ruining game drives. Prices dip between the school holidays, bird life is excellent, and the southern herds start drifting back down. Mid-December onwards moves back into high season.
Quick answers
- Best all-round: late June to early October
- Best value: January to March, or November
- River crossings: August and September
- Gorillas and Kilimanjaro: June to September, or December to February
- Avoid if you can: April and May
Tell us your dates and we will build the trip around what the season does best.
