What are the best months for an African safari?

For East African safaris in places like the Serengeti and Masai Mara, plan your trip between June and October. During these dry months, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. If you want to see the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, visit between July and September. The weather is pleasant then too, with average temperatures around 75°F (24°C). Many travelers tell us these months gave them the best wildlife viewing experiences.

When is the best time to book a safari tour?

Book your safari 6-8 months ahead, especially if you're planning to travel during peak season (July to October). This gives you the best choice of accommodations and ensures you don't miss out on popular parks like the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The weather is most reliable during these months, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). February and March are also good options if you want to avoid peak season crowds.

What type of accommodation can I expect on a safari tour?

You'll find everything from basic tented camps to high-end lodges. Most places include three meals a day and the basics you need. In the Masai Mara, you might stay at the comfortable Mara Sopa Lodge or the more adventurous Sentrim Tented Lodge. Over in Samburu, popular spots include Sarova Shaba Lodge and Ashnil Samburu Lodge. Budget accommodations are simpler but clean, while luxury lodges offer extras like private decks and premium amenities.

What wildlife can I expect to see on a safari tour?

You'll have good chances to spot the Big Five - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. In the Masai Mara and Serengeti, you'll see huge herds of wildebeest during their migration, plus lots of zebras, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. One happy traveler shared: "We could see all the Big 5 and also other animals that we definitely cannot see in Japan. The wildlife viewing was incredible."

What's the typical daily schedule on a safari tour?

Your day starts early around 6:00 AM with a morning game drive - that's when animals are most active. You'll return to camp for breakfast around 9:30 AM. After lunch and some rest during the hot midday hours, you'll head out again around 3:30 PM for an afternoon drive. In places like the Masai Mara, morning drives are great for seeing predators hunt, while afternoon drives often end with beautiful sunset views. You'll have dinner back at camp after dark.

How long should I plan for a safari tour?

Plan for 7-14 days to really experience the parks without rushing. A two-week trip like G Adventures' Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari lets you explore several parks including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Masai Mara. If you're short on time, you can still see plenty of wildlife on a 4-5 day trip, like Bamba Travel's Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari.

How much driving time should I expect on safari tours?

Each day includes about 4-8 hours in the vehicle, split between morning and afternoon game drives. The actual driving varies based on wildlife sightings - you might stop often to watch animals or drive longer to find them. Moving between parks takes extra time - for example, going from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater is about a 3-4 hour drive. The vehicles are designed for safari viewing, but roads can be bumpy.

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Kenya AND Tanzania Classic Safari – Two Birds with One Stone **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"The safari was great. guided us to see wildlife, including the Big Five and more"
Rohan, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park,Maasai Mara National Reserve,Isebania,Serengeti National Park,Grumeti Game Reserve,Ikoma,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Arusha+8 more
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2 day South African Wildlife Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
4.7 (83 traveler reviews)
"The tent camping at Buffelsdrift game reserve was top notch. If I could give 10 stars I would."
Scott, traveled in February
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Oudtshoorn, Cape Town
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys
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US$310per person
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
4.5 (42 traveler reviews)
"Excellent customer service. He paid attention to all our needs and made sure we were safe at all times."
Josephine, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Negombo, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota,Colombo+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
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BH Lanka Tours
13% Off
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US$1,344per person
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Discover Sri Lanka Beauty - Small Group Tour 12 Days
4.8 (59 traveler reviews)
"The country is really beautiful with some wonderful friendly people. We saw lots of wildlife including some cheeky monkeys lots of elephants and a leopard."
Linda, traveled in February
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Tangalle,Mirissa,Galle,Colombo+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
ASY Tours Sri Lanka
9% Off
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US$1,265per person
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4 Day Red Centre Uluru to West MacDonnell 4WD Tour - to/from Alice Springs
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Alice Springs, Yulara, Uluru,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Kings Canyon,Watarrka National Park,Ormiston Gorge,Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Australia Northern TerritoryCentral AustraliaAustralian OutbackRed Centre+3 more
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English
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Autopia Tours
10% Off
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US$1,011per person
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Sri Lanka Intro Tour
4.6 (76 traveler reviews)
"Temple and city tour was amazing. The safari was the absolute highlight - saw elephants and deer up close."
Eugene, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Udawalawe National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
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Passage Holidays
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3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
4.6 (83 traveler reviews)
"Excellent!! Do it!!"
Dmn, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Sedgefield
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys
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US$403per person
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Sri Lanka Nature, Culture and Wild Adventure (Small Group)
4.7 (73 traveler reviews)
"The tour itinerary was well designed to cover historical monuments, local village exposure, wild life safari, natural scenic train travel, hill stations and beautiful beaches."
Sunil, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Colombo, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa,Minneriya National Park,Dambulla,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Tissamaharama,Mirissa,Galle+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
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Mango Vacations
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US$1,215per person
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Across The Best Sites Of Sri Lanka
5.0 (22 traveler reviews)
"Each stop on the itinerary was fascinating, offering insights into the country's culture, history, and nature."
Roman, traveled in January
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Chilaw, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee,Nilaveli,Pigeon Island,Polonnaruwa,Kaudulla National Park,Sigiriya,Dambulla,Kandy,Peradeniya,Nuwara Eliya,Nanu Oya,Ella,Yala National Park,Tissamaharama,Hikkaduwa,Galle+15 more
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Capital Lanka Tours
28% Off
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US$1,740per person
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Safari
Grand Tour Sri Lanka - Small Group Tour 14 Days
4.5 (34 traveler reviews)
"It is a good mix of cultural sites, wildlife experiences and more relaxing activities."
Ralph, traveled in January
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Negombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella,Yala National Park,Tangalle,Mirissa,Galle,Colombo+5 more
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All Ages Welcome
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ASY Tours Sri Lanka
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Big Five Classic Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.9 (273 traveler reviews)
"observe their behaviours in their natural environment was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity"
Deborah, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park,Kilimanjaro+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
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World Adventure Tours
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Taj Mahal and Wildlife with Royal Stay at Castles
4.8 (599 traveler reviews) award winner
"the tour was so well planned that we had no problems with the weather"
Claudia, traveled in June
Duration
11 days
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Luni, Sardargarh, Udaipur,Pushkar,Ranthambore National Park,Agra,Taj Mahal+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
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Swastik India Journeys
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US$682per person
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Splendour of Sri Lanka - (8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka)
4.8 (329 traveler reviews)
"Great tour it covered everything that was in the tour and could also be adjusted to fit the mood of our private group."
Lesley, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala National Park,Tissamaharama,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota,Hikkaduwa+7 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, German
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Beauty Lanka Travels
23% Off
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US$430per person
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Golden Triangle Tour With Ranthambore With Luxury 4 Star Hotels Group/Private
4.7 (156 traveler reviews)
"The arrangements were seamless, the team was professional and supportive."
Maria, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambhore National Park,Ranthambore National Park,Agra,Taj Mahal+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Golden Triangle with RanthamboreRanthambore National Park+1 more
Operated in
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World Travel Experiences
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US$680per person
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Splendour Of Sri Lanka (7 Days) Upgrade to Private Tour Available
4.8 (146 traveler reviews)
"Very varied itinerary something for everyone. Plenty of opportunities to go out into town on several of the overnight stops."
Shaun, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kaudulla National Park,Matale,Kandy,Peradeniya,Ramboda,Nuwara Eliya,Nanu Oya,Ella,Tissamaharama,Yala National Park,Udawalawe National Park,Mirissa,Galle,Negombo+13 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
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Beauty Lanka Travels
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