July safari - excellent wildlife encounters

July safari highlights

The prime safari season has arrived, and you can expect spectacular wildlife encounters throughout Africa. There is very little rain expected (the dry season prevails) and temperatures are moderate - perfect safari weather. Tourist numbers and lodge prices are higher between July and September than at other times of the year.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa is in the early stages of the dry season - enjoying lower temperatures and a low chance of rain. Wildlife is easier to find because the bushveld has thinned out, and temporary water pans have dried up, forcing wildlife to frequent known water sources. In Botswana's Okavango Delta, the annual floodwaters are at their peak - making for spectacular boating and mokoro outings in between your game drives and walking safaris.

Beaches, islands and bush-and-beach combos

All of Africa's coastal areas and islands are enjoying low rainfall with pleasant to hot weather. From Mozambique's Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos to Seychelles, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe (it's humpback whale mating season), Lamu, Lake Malawi and the Spice Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia - all offer excellent water sports and toes-in-the-sand relaxation. Combining any of these paradise destinations with a bushveld safari makes for a perfect combination - for the safari of a lifetime.

Great Wildebeest Migration - Grumeti River crossings (Serengeti)

July is mating season in the Serengeti. You can find the herds in the Grumeti Reserve, in the west of the Serengeti, and moving past Fort Ikoma. Crossings of the Grumeti River are worth hanging around for, but the Serengeti is vast and relatively under-developed with lodges, so river crossings are harder to find. The herds graze their way northward toward the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This is a transborder event. Find out more about the Great Migration here.

Maasai Mara (Kenya) - awaiting the wildebeest herds

July offers superb wildlife encounters in the Maasai Mara as resident predators continue to target young animals. The big herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration are not far away, and some may reach the Maasai River in late July to attempt crossing.

Victoria Falls

July sees diminishing Zambezi River water levels and an excellent view of Victoria Falls. Although you will still see the spray that rises above the Falls - 'the smoke that thunders' - it no longer towers as high or prevents you from viewing the falls. Courageous visitors to Livingstone Island (Zambia) can swim out to the Angel’s Armchair (June-August) to enjoy a thrilling view from the lip of the Falls. The main river rafting season (August to December) has not yet started - enquire about high-water rafting opportunities. Most other activities are available. Read more about Victoria Falls seasons and other useful info.

Gorilla and chimp trekking

This is prime primate-trekking time in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo-Brazzavile and DRC. Trekking for mountain and lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other primates is a life-changing experience, and this is a good time to enjoy the company of our closest relatives. Read more about gorilla trekking and chimp trekking.