Best Time to Visit Africa for a Safari — a UK Traveller’s Guide
When to go, around the UK school holidays
There’s no single best time for a safari — only the best time for what you want to see and how you want to travel. The good news for British travellers is that Africa rewards visitors all year; it’s a question of trade-offs.
Here’s how the seasons play out, from a team that plans trips through all of them.
Dry season vs green season
The dry winter months (roughly May–September) bring classic safari conditions — sparse vegetation and animals gathering at water — and conveniently coincide with the UK summer holidays. The green summer months (November–March) bring lush landscapes, newborn animals, superb birding and often better value.
“Ranger Buck put together a great itinerary at fantastic facilities! Wonderful service from beginning to end.”
— Ranger Buck guest
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best month for a South African safari?
For classic Big Five viewing, May–September — which overlaps the UK summer holidays. April and October (half-term) offer a lovely balance of weather, wildlife and value.
When is the Great Migration?
River crossings in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti are typically best from July to October.
Is the green season worth it?
Yes — lush scenery, newborn animals, great birding, fewer crowds and often better rates, and welcome sunshine during the UK winter.
Around the UK holidays
The summer holidays land squarely in peak game-viewing season; Easter and October half-term are excellent, quieter windows with good weather and value. Christmas and New Year suit those wanting green-season sunshine while it’s cold at home.
Migration and Victoria Falls timing
For the Great Migration river crossings in Kenya and Tanzania, aim for roughly July–October. For Victoria Falls in full flow, February–May. We’ll line these up with your wider trip.
- Big Five viewing — dry season (May–Sept), incl. UK summer.
- Great Migration crossings — Jul–Oct.
- Victoria Falls at full power — Feb–May.
- Best all-round balance — April & October (half-term).
Example of a Safari Itinerary
This is just one example — every Ranger Buck trip is tailor-made, so yours will be planned around you.
DAY 1
SAXON HOTEL VILLAS & SPA
Bed and Breakfast
1 Night
DAYS 2-6
CHEETAH PLAINS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
4 Nights
DAYS 6-8
DELAIRE GRAFF LODGES & SPA
Bed and Breakfast
2 Nights
DAYS 8-11
THE SILO HOTEL
Bed and Breakfast
3 Nights
What Your Safari Package Includes
A Ranger Buck package typically takes care of a great deal before you arrive:
- Premium lodge, camp or hotel accommodation.
- All meals, and most drinks, throughout.
- Twice-daily game drives with expert guides.
- Park and conservation fees.
- Internal flights and all transfers in your itinerary.
- Your whole trip in the Travel Key app, with 24/7 support.
Explore More Safari Options
Curate Your Own
Personalised Travel Itinerary
Curate Your Own Personalised Travel Itinerary
We specialise in creating completely personalised travel itineraries tailored to your personal needs and expectations. Simply click on the button below to chat to one of our ecosafari specialists and lets start planning your very best African safari to your very favourite destination.
+27 83 653 5776
+27 83 653 5776 (WhatsApp)
info@rangerbucksafaris.com
16 Lourie Close, Meyersdal Eco Estate,
Alberton, Gauteng
16 Lourie Close, Meyersdal Eco Estate, Alberton, Gauteng
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