Best Time to Visit East Africa

December to March

December to March can be excellent for travellers looking for warm-weather escapes, beach combinations and selected wildlife routes. It is also popular for festive travel, honeymoons and long-haul travellers escaping winter in Europe or North America.

This period can work well for:

• Safari and beach holidays
• Zanzibar and Kenya Coast extensions
• Honeymoons
• Family holidays
• Selected Tanzania migration routes
• Gorilla trekking combinations

Festive season dates should be planned early because accommodation and flight demand can rise sharply.

April and May

April and May are generally quieter in many safari areas, though conditions vary by country and region. Some lodges may close for part of the green season, while others offer value and beautiful scenery.

This period may suit:

• Flexible travellers
• Photographers who like dramatic skies and green landscapes
• Guests who prefer fewer crowds
• Longer stays with good planning

It may not be ideal for travellers who want the most predictable weather or who are uncomfortable with rain affecting road conditions and daily plans.

November

November can be a shoulder period. In some areas, short rains may arrive, but conditions vary. It can be a good month for travellers who want a quieter safari and can remain flexible.

Gorilla Trekking Seasons

Gorilla trekking can be planned in Uganda and Rwanda at different times of year. Drier months may make forest trails easier, but mountain environments are never completely predictable. Rain is possible at any time in gorilla regions.

Permit availability, travel dates, comfort and regional routing should be considered early.

Beach Timing

The Kenya Coast and Zanzibar can be added to many safari routes, but beach conditions vary by season. Weather, seaweed patterns, wind, tides and regional rains can all influence the experience. If the beach is a major priority, tell us during planning so the route is shaped around it.

School Holidays

Families travelling from Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada often need to plan around school calendars. July, August, December and early January can be high-demand months. Booking early gives more choice.

Migration Expectations

The Great Migration is not a single event in one fixed place. It is a year-round movement through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. A strong migration itinerary should be seasonal, not generic.

If seeing a particular migration stage is important, the route should be built around likely seasonal patterns while still allowing for the natural unpredictability of wildlife.

Our Recommendation

Choose your dates around your priority.

If you want classic safari conditions, look at June to October. If you want safari and beach, consider the coast and flight routing carefully. If you want gorilla trekking, plan permit timing early. If you want value and fewer crowds, look at shoulder or quieter seasons.

Ask Rift & Tide Africa about the best time for your route.

Wildlife-filled days followed by Indian Ocean time when the rhythm and logistics make sense.