June safari - start of the prime wildlife season

June safari highlights

June is the start of the best wildlife-viewing season in Africa. It's early winter in Southern Africa - heralding pleasant dry weather and good visibility as grass whithers and leaves drop. East Africa has emerged from the long rains, meaning drier weather and ongoing moderate temperatures. Tourist numbers and lodge prices have not yet increased to peak season amounts - this is a good time to travel!

Southern Africa

Southern Africa has entered the dry season - enjoying lower temperatures and a low chance of rain. The bushveld is thinning out, and wildlife viewing is now easier. Most wildlife areas now offer good wildlife viewing, and the disappearance of ground water means that seasonal camps and lodges are all operational. Famous walking safari areas like Luangwa Valley (Zambia) and Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) are fully operational and offer excellent experiences. In Botswana's Okavango Delta, the much anticipated annual floodwaters have arrived - adding boating and mokoro outings to your safari activities of game drives and walking safaris. This is when the Okavango is at its best!

Beaches, islands and bush-and-beach combos

All of Africa's coastal areas and islands have entered the dry season, meaning pleasant to hot weather with little chance of rain. From Mozambique's Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos to Seychelles, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, Lake Malawi, Lamu 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 - safari heaven!

Great Wildebeest Migration - the northerly trek continues

By June the long rains have abated somewhat, and the herds have spread out in central Serengeti, Tanzania. The front-runners reach Mbalageti River around this time and those bringing up the rear could still be as far back as Lake Magadi or in the southernmost corner of the Simiti and Nyamuma Hills. The herds are now often in long lines as they head north. Find out more about the Great Migration here.

Maasai Mara secret season

June is a wonderful time in Kenya's Maasai Mara. The longs rains are over, prime season crowds have not yet arrived and resident predators continue to target young animals. This is an excellent time for private wildlife viewing before the herds and tourists arrive.

Victoria Falls

Although the peak water level season has passed, June still offers a dramatic experience as the 'the smoke that thunders' spray towers above 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

With the end of the long rains, the primate trekking season opens up again. 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 in relative privacy - before the prime season commences. Read more about gorilla trekking and chimp trekking.