Your Guide to a Safari in July
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
Africa is in all its glory in July, with both East Africa and Southern Africa offering superb conditions, sun-drenched days with very little chance of rain, and excellent wildlife viewing. This is the best time to enjoy traditional game drives and walking safaris, as animals gather around permanent watering holes. Safari goers will have the opportunity to see a superb selection of wildlife, including diverse bird species. In Uganda and Rwanda, July is also an excellent month for gorilla trekking, while in Tanzania and Kenya the Great Wildebeest Migration is in full swing.
If you want to enjoy a safari in July, we can help. As a leading luxury travel company based in Cape Town, South Africa, we excel at curating bespoke once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences. We have access to the best luxury lodges, tented camps, and boutique hotels, ensuring superb accommodations and the highest service levels. We also work to ensure a positive, lasting legacy in Africa by working only with select tour operators and accommodations that meet our high standards of conservation and sustainability. If you want to experience the delights of a safari in July, contact our Africa travel experts today.
“July is one of the best months for a safari in Africa, offering perfect weather conditions, incredible wildlife sightings, and the peak of the Great Migration,” says Sarah Morris of Ker & Downey® Africa. “It’s an unforgettable experience for those looking to immerse themselves in nature at its finest.”
Top July safari destinations
East Africa
Tanzania
A July safari in Tanzania offers an unparalleled experience as it coincides with The Great Migration in the Serengeti, one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. This is the prime time to witness dramatic river crossings as vast herds of wildebeest and zebra face crocodile-infested waters as they make the Grumeti River crossing. The dry season ensures superb conditions for traditional safari experiences like bush walks and game drives with excellent wildlife viewing. This is the time of year to see Big Cats, elephants, and rare rhinos.
Kenya
July marks the start of the Great Migration’s arrival in Kenya’s Masai Mara as they move from Tanzania’s Serengeti. Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras flooding the plains, with predators like lions and cheetahs in pursuit. The dry season offers clear skies and ideal conditions for game viewing, with big cat sightings particularly rewarding at this time of year. While in Kenya, enjoy authentic cultural interactions with the Maasai, including village visits, traditional dances, and learning about their nomadic lifestyle. The dry season means the Maasai are often moving their cattle, offering a genuine glimpse into their daily routines.
Uganda
A luxury safari in Uganda in July offers remarkable wildlife encounters. The month of July is prime time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with trails easy to navigate having fully dried from the rainy season, while the mild weather enhances the chance of close encounters with mountain gorillas. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers Big Game viewing, including tree-climbing lions, while Murchison Falls boasts thrilling boat safaris. If you want to visit Uganda, contact our team.
Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is at its peak in July, with clear skies and firm trails making it more accessible and comfortable. Beyond gorillas, Nyungwe Forest offers chimpanzee trekking and thrilling canopy walks, while Akagera National Park provides Big Five game drives for those seeking a more traditional African safari experience.
Southern Africa
Botswana
The Okavango Delta is in full flood in the month of July, creating a lush oasis where elephants, lions, and leopards gather around water channels. Mokoro (canoe) safaris glide through crystal-clear waters, offering intimate wildlife encounters. In Botswana’s Chobe National Park, large elephant herds and Cape buffalo gather along the banks of the Chobe River, making it easier to spot these mighty creatures. With wonderful weather conditions in July, Botswana’s national parks ensure an unspoiled safari playground.
South Africa
South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park and private reserves like Sabi Sand are at their best in July, with Big Five sightings frequent as animals gather around permanent waterholes. Combine safari adventures with Cape Town’s vibrant culture, wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, and a scenic drive along the Garden Route for the ultimate vacation experience. For thrill-seekers, shark cage diving in Gansbaai is a must.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe you can expect perfect conditions for game viewing in iconic parks like Hwange National Park and Zambezi National Park. Additionally, Victoria Falls is still quite full, offering breathtaking views, with helicopter rides providing an alternative perspective on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Zambia
South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are at their peak, with incredible game viewing opportunities, including leopards, lions, and elephants. Weather conditions are ideal during July for enjoying a range of activities, including game drives, bush walks, and hot-air balloon rides. Water levels along the mighty Zambezi River makes it ideal for white-water rafting and fishing.
Our top July luxury safari packages
Seeking July safari inspiration? Explore some of our safari packages in Africa below and discover some of the experiences and destinations you can explore.
As a premier luxury travel company in Africa, we excel in creating bespoke safari experiences that match your preferred experiences and choice of luxury accommodations. Contact our luxury safari consultants if you wish to visit Africa in July.
What are the benefits of a luxury safari in July?
It’s peak safari season, so you can expect a superb roster of benefits while on a luxury safari in July. Some of the many benefits include:
- Peak wildlife viewing – July is the dry season across Africa’s top safari destinations, meaning vegetation is sparse and the lack of rain forces animals to gather around permanent water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.
- Ideal weather conditions – During July you’ll enjoy cool, dry days with minimum chance of rain, meaning a more comfortable safari experience, especially for enjoying outdoor pursuits.
- The Great Migration – The largest overland migration is in full swing in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, as thousands of wildebeest and zebras move in columns of up to four kilometers long. During July you can expect to see the dramatic Grumeti River crossings, leading to some incredible predator prey interactions.
- Superb photographic conditions – The golden light during the month of July ensures perfect conditions for wildlife and landscape photography.
- Diverse choice of destinations – With safari season at its peak in July, you will benefit from a spectacular selection of safari destinations and experiences. Think sunset river cruises, Champagne breakfasts in the bush, and hot-air balloon rides over animal-rich plains.
If you want to discover the benefits of a safari in July, we can help. Contact our luxury safari travel consultants today and let us curate a bespoke safari just for you.
7-Day African Safari Itinerary July – Tanzania & the Great Migration
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Private transfer to a luxury lodge in Arusha
- Relax with a spa treatment and gourmet dinner
Day 2 – Fly to Serengeti National Park (Grumeti Region)
- Private charter flight to the Western Serengeti (Grumeti)
- Check into an exclusive tented camp handpicked by our team
- Afternoon game drive to witness wildebeest herds gathering near the Grumeti River
- Sundowner drinks overlooking the plains
Day 3 – Great Migration & Grumeti River Crossing
- Full-day game drive following the vast herds on The Great Migration.
- Witness dramatic wildebeest crossings at the Grumeti River, often with crocodile encounters
- Picnic lunch in the bush
- Gourmet bush dinner under the stars, expertly prepared by your lodge’s culinary team
Day 4 – Serengeti (Central Region)
- Fly or drive to the Central Serengeti for Big Cats and predator action
- Stay at a luxury lodge recommended by our team
- Game drives focusing on lion prides, cheetahs, and leopards
- Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a Champagne breakfast
Day 5 – Fly to Ngorongoro Crater
- Scenic flight to Ngorongoro and check-in at your luxury accommodation
- Afternoon crater rim walk with a local Maasai guide
- Sunset drinks overlooking the crater floor
Day 6 – Ngorongoro Crater Safari
- Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater – known for its incredible wildlife density.
- Big Five sightings, including rare black rhino
- Breakfast picnic near a hippo pool
- Return to your luxury lodge for a relaxing afternoon or spa treatment
Day 7 – Departure
- Scenic drive back to Arusha
- Optional visit to a local coffee plantation
- Lunch before your international departure or extension to Zanzibar for a beach escape
Plan your luxury July safari vacation with Ker & Downey® Africa
As a premier luxury travel company in Africa we excel at curating bespoke safari itineraries in some of Africa’s most magical destinations. We have been pioneering unique adventures across the African continent that challenge, connect, and build legacies for decades. Our team is incredibly passionate about creating once-in-a-lifetime safaris that showcase the best of Africa and its majestic wildlife and vast wilderness. If you want to enjoy a safari in July, we can help. Contact us today and let us curate a memorable safari experience.
Safari in July: FAQs
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Is July peak season in Africa?
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What's the weather like in July?
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Is it white water rafting season in July?
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Is July a good month to visit Victoria Falls?
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How far in advance do I need to book a safari in July?
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Why choose us for a luxury safari experience in July?
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