Walking Wild: A Month-by-Month Guide to Africa's Best Safari Destinations
Embarking on a walking safari in Africa is a journey into the heart of the wilderness, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. This comprehensive guide to the best walking safari destinations in Africa, sorted by month, is an essential resource for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn to the majestic wildebeest migration in Tanzania's Serengeti, the remote walking trails of Zambia's Luangwa Valley, or the unique opportunity to trek alongside gorillas in Rwanda, our month-by-month breakdown ensures you choose the optimal time and location for an unforgettable African safari experience. Discover the diverse landscapes of Africa, from the lush deltas of Botswana to the rugged terrain of Zimbabwe, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime with our expert recommendations.
Walking through the plains of Africa is a life-changing experience
January
Destination: Southern Serengeti, Tanzania & Botswana's Kalahari Reserves
Why: The rainy season brings lush landscapes, setting the stage for the birthing seasons of migrating wildebeest, antelope, and zebra, leading to thrilling predator/prey interactions.
February
Destination: Serengeti, Tanzania & Kalahari, Botswana
Why: Despite the rains, it's a great time for the Serengeti and Kalahari migrations and calving seasons, offering green landscapes and peak gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
March
Destination: Uganda, Rwanda & Serengeti, Tanzania
Why: Ideal for gorilla trekking in drier conditions and witnessing the end of birthing seasons in the Serengeti and Kalahari. Also a prime time for chimpanzee sightings in Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest.
April
Destination: Serengeti, Tanzania & Kruger National Park, South Africa
Why: The Serengeti sees wildebeest on the move, while Victoria Falls is in full flood. Kruger National Park begins its walking safari season as temperatures fall and vegetation thins out.
May
Destination: Kruger/Sabi Sands, South Africa; Botswana; Namibia
Why: Shoulder season in southern Africa offers good safari deals. Witness wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River in the Serengeti and enjoy dry weather in Mozambique and Lake Malawi.
June
Destination: Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Serengeti, Tanzania
Why: Start of the dry, cool safari season with highlights like wild dog denning and river crossings in the Serengeti. Gorilla trekking is favorable in Uganda and Rwanda.
July
Destination: Serengeti/Masai Mara and South Africa
Why: Peak time for Serengeti/Masai Mara river crossings and big cat sightings. Ideal for gorilla tracking and whale watching along South Africa's coast.
August
Destination: Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique
Why: Good for gorilla tracking, viewing the Masai Mara wildebeest herds, and enjoying dry weather for safaris in southern Africa. Namibia's KUSKA Carnival is a highlight.
September
Destination: Botswana, Zambia, Kenya
Why: Big game safari season with high elephant concentrations, gorilla tracking, and dramatic scenes in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
October
Destination: Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Kruger & Sabi Sands, Etosha, and Masai Mara
Why: High animal concentration around water sources in southern Africa's driest month. Wildebeest herds begin moving towards the Serengeti.
November
Destination: Zambia, Victoria Falls, and Serengeti
Why: Kasanka National Park's fruit bat migration and Liuwa Plains' wildebeest arrivals. Lower levels at Victoria Falls allow for unique experiences like swimming in Devil’s Pool.
December
Destination: Botswana’s Kalahari, Namibia, Zanzibar, Cape Town
Why: Ideal for wildlife in Botswana’s Kalahari, newborn seal pups on Namibia's Skeleton Coast, and enjoying the dry, sunny season in Zanzibar and Cape Town.
In addition to these monthly highlights, here are some specific walking safari destinations to consider throughout the year:
Zimbabwe Safari Adventure: Home to Mana Pools National Park, known for its remote game viewing and exceptional guides.
Best time: May – October
Classic Zambia Safari: Features South Luangwa National Park, the birthplace of walking safaris.
Best time: April – August.
Botswana Under Luxury Canvas: Covers the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, with a mix of walking, mokoro (canoe) trips, and luxury camps.
Best time: May – October.
Northern Tanzania: Includes the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, offering unique perspectives away from the crowds.
Best time: June – October.
Remote Zambia Walking Safari: A genuinely wild experience in North Luangwa National Park.
Best time: April - August.
South Africa: Offers diverse environments and high chances of encountering the Big Five on foot.
Best time: May – October.
Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda: Challenges you with mountain treks to see the majestic mountain gorillas.
Best time: December – February and June – September