Safari in August

August is one of the best months to visit Africa, with countries in both Eastern and Southern Africa in their dry season. Vegetation is sparse during August, meaning it’s much easier to spot wildlife as animals gather around permanent watering holes. The Great Migration is now in Kenya’s Masai Mara, while gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is at its peak, with dry trails making for a more comfortable and easier trek and sparser vegetation making it easier to spot the majestic mountain gorillas. South Africa is also superb during August, with wonderfully sun-drenched days ideal for traditional game drives in Kruger National Park or for a city break exploring the wonders of Cape Town. Finally, Namibia is superb for those seeking a lesser-known safari destination and a quieter, more exclusive experience during the peak safari season. 

If you would like to enjoy an August safari, we can help. We have been pioneering luxury safaris to Africa for decades and boast unparalleled knowledge of the best safari destinations, experiences, and luxury accommodations. We work to ensure every safari we plan leaves a positive, lasting legacy by adhering to high standards of conservation and sustainability. Our bespoke itineraries ensure you enjoy a safari that ideally matches your desired vacation, from your choice of destinations, safari experiences, and accommodation. Contact us today to start planning your August safari in Africa. 

“August is one of the best times to visit Africa, with incredible wildlife encounters and comfortable weather conditions, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking adventure and luxury,” says Sarah Morris of Ker & Downey® Africa.

Kenya

Kenya has lasting appeal as a prime destination for an August safari. The dry conditions and sparse vegetation make it easy to spot majestic animals, including the Big Five, in iconic parks like the Masai Mara and  Amboseli National Park. In Kenya’s Masai Mara, August is a prime time to witness The Great Migration as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River, attracting predators like lions and crocodiles. 

Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is at its prime for gorilla trekking, with clear trails and less foliage, making it easier to spot the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. August is also ideal for spotting golden monkeys. In addition to gorilla trekking, you can explore Rwanda’s diverse landscapes with scenic drives to Lake Kivu or enjoy cultural experiences with the local Iby’Iwacu community.

South Africa

With clear skies and cool temperatures, the dry winter season creates prime conditions for wildlife viewing. Game reserves like Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands teem with elephants, lions, and leopards congregating around watering holes, making sightings frequent and spectacular. After thrilling game drives, journey to Cape Town, a city that dazzles this time of year. August brings cool, crisp air and the chance to see vibrant wildflowers blooming along the West Coast. Explore the iconic Table Mountain, sip award-winning wines in nearby vineyards, or stroll along Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, brimming with chic boutiques and restaurants. It’s also an ideal time of year for whale spotting.

Namibia 

Enjoy an extraordinary journey through some of Africa’s most otherworldly landscapes in Namibia during August. Enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park, where vast salt pans attract herds of elephants, lions, and rare black rhinos. The towering red dunes of Sossusvlei glow at sunrise, creating a breathtaking backdrop for scenic drives or hot-air balloon safaris. The surreal beauty of Deadvlei and the rugged Skeleton Coast offers unforgettable photographic opportunities. Cap the experience with a visit to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town known for its German heritage and adventure activities.

7 day sample African safari itinerary in August  – gorilla trekking and Big 5 safari  

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

• Arrive in Kigali: Fly into Kigali International Airport.
• Enjoy a private transfer to your luxury hotel for check-in and rest.
• Explore Kigali: Depending on your arrival time, take a city tour to visit sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets.

Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Private transfer to Volcanoes National Park: Take a scenic drive (approximately 2.5–3 hours) to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, home of the mountain gorillas.
• Lunch: Arrive at your luxury lodge or camp, enjoy lunch, and take in the beautiful surroundings.
• Relax or optional activity: If time allows, you can take a nature walk or visit the local Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
• Overnight: Stay at a luxury lodge or tented camp of your choice near Volcanoes National Park 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Early morning: Have breakfast and head to the park headquarters.
• Gorilla trekking: Start the gorilla trekking adventure early in the morning, where you will hike through the dense jungle to find a gorilla family. The trekking can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.
• Spend time with the gorillas and observe these majestic creatures up close, a truly magical experience.
• Return to lodge: After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy the lodge amenities. You might also want to participate in a local cultural experience.
• Overnight: Stay at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

• Breakfast: Early breakfast at your lodge.
• Private charter flight to Serengeti: Transfer to Kigali Airport for your flight to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
• Arrival and transfer: Upon arrival at the airstrip in Serengeti, transfer to your lodge or camp for check-in.
• Lunch: Have lunch and relax at your lodge.
• Afternoon game drive: Embark on your first game drive in the iconic Serengeti. You’ll start to see the vast plains and incredible wildlife, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and possibly the famous Great Migration depending on timings.
• Overnight: Stay at your choice of luxury safari lodge in the Serengeti.

Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

• Early morning safari: Head out for an early morning game drive to spot wildlife in the cooler hours of the day.
• Breakfast in the wild: Option for a bush breakfast while enjoying the scenery.
• Midday rest: Return to your lodge for a break and lunch.
• Afternoon safari: After lunch, enjoy a second game drive to continue exploring the park. The Serengeti is known for its diversity of wildlife, and you’ll likely encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
• Overnight: Stay at your Serengeti lodge.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your lodge.
• Morning game drive: Before departing, enjoy a short morning game drive in the Serengeti.
• Travel to Ngorongoro: After the morning game drive, head to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters and a UNESCO World Heritage site (about 3–4 hours drive).
• Lunch: Check-in at your choice of luxury lodge located on the crater rim and enjoy lunch with stunning views.
• Optional afternoon activity: You can take a short visit to a Maasai village or relax at your lodge.
• Overnight: Stay at a lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim 

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Departure

• Early morning crater safari: After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This area is known for its incredible concentration of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, buffalo, elephants, and lions.
• Picnic lunch: Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the crater while taking in the views of the wildlife.
• Return to lodge: After the game drive, head back to your lodge for a short rest.
• Departure: Depending on your flight, you can either transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight home.

We have been pioneering sustainable travel experiences in Africa for decades. As a leading safari travel company, our team boasts in-depth knowledge of Africa’s top safari destinations. We have personally vetted and handpicked the most exclusive luxury lodges, tented camps, and hotels to ensure service excellence and the utmost comfort. All our safari experiences and accommodations have conservation and sustainability front and center, ensuring guests leave a positive, lasting legacy in Africa. If you wish to enjoy a luxury safari experience in August, we can help. Contact us today and let us curate a tailored safari experience.