August safari - Africa's most popular month

August safari highlights

The prime safari season is in full swing - ensuring 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 from July to September than other months - early booking is essential.

Southern & East Africa - bushveld havens

This is it - Africa's most popular safari month. August sees Southern and East Africa offering stellar wildlife encounters. From the Big 5 haven of Greater Kruger in South Africa to the water wonderland of Botswana's Okavango Delta and the baobab-adorned predator-paradise of Ruaha in Tanzania. Perhaps you have always wanted to recharge your batteries in Zambia's birthplace of walking safaris - South Luangwa - or find rare desert-adapted elephants, lions and rhinos in the Namibian desertlands, or search for black leopards in Kenya's Laikipia? The options are vast, and we can help you select those that suit your preferences.

Great Wildebeest Migration - river crossings

In August the herds have made their way up to the northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and southern Maasai Mara (Kenya), and face their biggest challenge yet: the Mara River. This fast-moving river flows through the Maasai Mara into the Serengeti. Sometimes the herds plunge en masse off steep banks in their desperate attempts to get across the river, and the fall alone will kill many individuals. Others drown as they are crushed by the sheer volume of panicking wildebeest trying to scramble up the equally steep banks on the other side. Every death means dinner for crocodiles, birds and fish – such is nature’s bounty. And amidst the panic, the dust and the noise, the big cats and hyenas pick off the stragglers and the injured. Find out more about the Great Migration here.

Beaches, islands and bush-and-beach combos

Africa's coastal and island beaches are baking in excellent warm weather with low rainfall. From Mozambique's Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos to Seychelles, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe (it's humpback whale mating season), Kenya's 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 that superb bush-and-beach combo.

Victoria Falls

August on the Zambezi River offers excellent views of Victoria Falls - 'the smoke that thunders' - because the water levels are low, meaning less spray obscuring your view. Courageous visitors to Livingstone Island (Zambia) can swim out to the Angel’s Armchair (June-August) or the more famous Devil’s Pool (late August-December) to enjoy a thrilling view from the lip of the Falls. The main river rafting season (August to December) has arrived and thrilling adventure beckons. 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.