Time and Place: Best African Safari Destinations in November, December and January 2025
If you’re planning a safari, in Africa, November links the dry season and the start of the Green Season; December is a busy time for travelers and wildlife; and January brings long, beautiful days for immersive bush and beach experiences.
Why Go on an African Safari in November, December or January?
The rains are coming. You can smell it in the air, see it in the wildlife, tetchy after the long, dusty dry months. You can feel it in the quiet, expectant pause. What a time to be alive. What a time to go on safari.
The animals are on the move, leaving the waterholes and rivers and following their ancient pathways in search of fresh, green grazing. Soon they will start calving.
And of course, where the antelope go, the predators follow. During these months, visitors often witness game migrations, predator action and lush, green scenery as the rains settle in.
Top Safari Destinations in November
November is an off-peak period, which makes it a splendid time for a safari. There are fewer crowds, giving you the luxury of unlimited time – and quiet – at sightings, excellent deals and abundant wildlife sightings. This month, game viewing is superb as wildlife begins to migrate.
Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls
In Southern Africa, the floodwaters in the Okavango Delta start receding, leaving behind isolated pools that attract birds and wildlife.
The Zambezi River is lower, too, and less water is crashing over the Victoria Falls. But it’s an ideal time to swim in the Devil’s Pool, an adrenaline rush like no other. Whitewater rafting is also at its best.
For a luxury safari experience, consider our 7-Day Fly-In Chobe and Okavango Delta Luxury Safari, which includes stays at Muchenje Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park and the exclusive Setari Camp in the Delta.
South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Game viewing is excellent in Kruger National Park. Make the most of your safari in November and combine your trip with a visit to the Falls.
“The trip was so well planned. Everything was perfect and so well organised. The lodges, arrangements, transfers and most importantly the safaris were of top quality. Our trip was custom made and Shann from Safari.com made sure that everything was as per our requirements … We had the most amazing time. I would highly recommend Safari.com to plan your next safari.”
@Rohitlalwani_16 journeyed to Kruger, Victoria Falls and Chobe
East Africa’s Great Migration in Tanzania
In November, the Great Wildebeest Migration moves from Kenya’s Masai Mara to Tanzania’s Southern Serengeti, making it the best place to experience the awe-inspiring event at this time of year.
Take advantage of the luxury of fewer tourists on our 10-Day Bush and Beach Safari, visiting Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Zanzibar.
Our client gives us a five-star review:
“Outstanding travel company & team – will make your adventure unforgettable. Absolutely grateful to safari.com and especially Sara who assisted me with two trips around Africa. The first one … covered South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia … No need to say, that the second trip around Kenya and Tanzania I have arranged with Sara who … understands what would be the best travel experience to offer to the client. Highly appreciate Sara’s professionalism and feel ready to trust her my third adventure around Africa!”
Nadezhda K
Top Safari Destinations in December
In December, traveler numbers start to pick up, which means more travelers round the camp fire at night to swap stories with. It’s a great time for lush environments, diverse wildlife and beaches.
Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania
The Green Season has moved up a gear and in the Central Kalahari in Botswana, the desert transforms into a lush oasis, attracting large antelope herds and predators.
South Africa’s Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal combine Big 5 safaris with beach holidays. Kenya also offers excellent wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara and beautiful coastal experiences.
Our 7-Day Luxury Bush and Beach Safariin KwaZulu-Natal takes you from the ultra-luxe The Oyster Box hotel in uMhlanga to Phinda Forest Lodge, in Phinda Private Game Reserve.
“I would usually book my trips myself. Lucky for me I sent off an enquiry to Safari.com and received Mel’s wonderful help. Mel responded quickly and made me feel comfortable with Safari.com. organising my trip.”
Kylie, Australia
Top Safari Destinations in January
With the new year come new opportunities for adventure. As the rains ease, it’s prime time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and calving season in East Africa.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
January is the first dry period. Hiking conditions are easier and there is a lower risk of malaria, though it is sensible to still take precautions.
In the Serengeti, January is calving season, which draws a wealth of predators, providing thrilling viewing opportunities. In neighbouring Kenya, Amboseli National Park offers exceptional views of Mount Kilimanjaro and excellent wildlife sightings in quieter settings.
Botswana’s Deception Valley and Makgadikgadi Pans
In the Central Kalahari, animals congregate around the pans in Deception Valley, which was named after the blue-clay riverbed. It looks like it’s filled with water, but in reality it hasn’t seen water in more than 15,000 years.
Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans have outstanding birdwatching opportunities in January, especially with flocks of flamingos. Our 11-Day Botswana Luxury Safari takes you through Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
Plan Your African Safari Now
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