The best safaris are typically found in the southern and eastern regions of Africa and you have a wide range of options to choose from. Should you have the luxury of being able to visit more than one country, you can plan your trip around the best time of year to go, or the season that you would prefer. If your time or funds are limited, choosing the climate or wildlife you prefer will help you decide on a destination.

It is important to remember that each country has its peak season. Should you travel during this time, make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment and to save costs by booking early. For game-viewing it is usually best to avoid the rainy seasons. During this time the grass is high and water plentiful, meaning that the animals are more difficult to spot and they will not venture far to find food or water.

Safari Time – Where to Now?

South Africa

Time of year: June to September
What you can see: plenty of wildlife, including the Big 5

Namibia

Time of year: May to September
What you can see: a diversity of wildlife gathering at waterholes

Botswana

Time of year: June to September
What you can see: herds gather around the Okavango Delta, perfect for a canoe safari

Kenya

Time of year: July to October
What you can see: the annual migration of wildebeest and zebras, with the predators hot on their heels; it is also the dry season

Tanzania

Time of year: February and March
What you can see: the annual migration of wildebeest and zebras, who also have their young; high number of predators

Uganda

Time of year: December to March; June to September
What you can see: mountain gorillas

Zambia

Time of year: September to November
What you can see: elephants, buffalo, impala and zebras gathering in the Lower Zambezi Valley

Zimbabwe

Time of year: March and April
What you can see: Victoria Falls

The above is just a guideline. November to March is predominantly dry in southern Africa, but there are countries where rainfall varies throughout different regions. The Western Cape in South Africa, for example, experiences winter rainfall, giving you the perfect opportunity to combine the beach and the bush in summer; while Namibia has great birding opportunities at this time of the year. It is all a matter of taste, preference and time; but no matter where you go, you are sure to see something spectacular.

Originally published on Go Safaris.