Your Guide to a Safari in June
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
June is the start of the dry season in Southern and East Africa, when landscapes are still verdant from the recent rains and wildlife starts to gather around permanent watering holes, creating thrilling wildlife encounters.
This month comes just before the start of peak safari season, meaning visitors can enjoy a more discreet and private experience with fewer crowds while still enjoying a superb selection of stunning safari destinations and experiences to choose from, from the vast Serengeti National Park to the spectacular Kruger Park and the otherworldly Skeleton Coast.
If you’re thinking of planning a June safari, we can help. As a leading travel operator, we boast decades of experience in helping discerning travel enthusiasts plan bespoke safari experiences in Africa. We excel at curating unique safari experiences while ensuring guests leave a positive, lasting legacy in Africa by only working with luxury accommodations and operators that meet the highest standards of conservation and sustainability. No matter the season or month you want to visit Africa, our team is standing by to help. Contact our travel experts if you wish to learn more about a safari in June.
“June is a hidden gem for safari-goers, offering fewer crowds, incredible wildlife encounters, and perfect weather,” says Sarah Morris, General Manager, Private Clients. “It’s the ideal time to experience Africa in its purest form.”
Top June safari destinations
Tanzania
Tanzania’s vast Serengeti National Park comes alive with the Great Wildebeest Migration, with vast herds moving north toward the Grumeti River, where dramatic predator-prey interactions unfold. The Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife-rich haven and UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides exceptional sightings of the Big Five, while Tarangire and Ruaha National Parks shine with high concentrations of elephants and big cats. With clear skies, cooler temperatures, and fewer mosquitoes, June offers superb safari conditions in Tanzania.
Best parks
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
South Africa
With diverse experiences and fewer crowds, June is a prime time to explore South Africa’s best attractions. In Kruger National Park, thinning vegetation and scarce water sources draw animals to rivers and waterholes, offering excellent chances to see the Big Five. Beyond traditional safari experiences, Cape Town experiences cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, but there are still plenty of crisp, clear days perfect for city exploration and venturing further afield to the Cape Winelands. The Garden Route is quieter but still breathtaking, while Gansbaai offers thrilling shark cage diving, offering a superb opportunity to come face-to-face with these mighty apex predators.
Best parks
- Kruger National Park
- Sabi Sands
Rwanda
Rwanda in June offers ideal conditions for an epic gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park. With drier trails and clearer skies, trekking to see the majestic mountain gorillas in their native habitat is easier and more comfortable. In Akagera National Park, game drives offer sightings of the Big Five, hippos, and abundant birdlife, while the stunning Nyungwe Forest is perfect for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks.
Best parks
- Volcanoes National Park
- Akagera National Park
- Nyungwe Forest
Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer excellent gorilla trekking conditions, with drier trails and clear visibility ensuring a more comfortable experience. In the Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drives reveal tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hippos, while Murchison Falls National Park showcases dramatic waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Kibale Forest is perfect for chimpanzee trekking, while birdwatching is spectacular across the country.
Best parks
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kibale Forest
Kenya
A highlight of a trip to Kenya is the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara. In June, the vast herds move from Tanzania’s western Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara in awe-inspiring columns up to 4 kilometers long. The crocodile-infested Grumeti River crossing is a highlight of this spectacle, with incredible predator-prey interactions taking place. Beyond the Great Migration, Amboseli National Park is a Kenyan safari must, with its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds roaming the plains, while Laikipia and Samburu offer unique species like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes.
Best parks
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Masai Mara National Park
Botswana
June marks the flooding of Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta, creating a unique safari experience and the ideal time to enjoy Mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) safaris. Explore the waterways teeming with wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, as well as wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and elephants that gather along the delta’s banks. Alternatively, head to Chobe National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds. With cooler temperatures in June in Botswana and clear skies, you are guaranteed to enjoy a superb safari experience.
Best parks
- Chobe National Park
- Central Kalahari National Park
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Okavango Delta
Namibia
You will enjoy stunning desert scenery, adventure activities like dune climbing, and superb wildlife viewing opportunities in Namibia in June. In Etosha National Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa, wildlife congregates around waterholes, making it easier to spot majestic animals like elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes. The cool, clear weather is also ideal for exploring the dramatic landscapes of Sossusvlei’s red dunes and the otherworldly Skeleton Coast. The breathtaking mountainous region of Damaraland, a unique wilderness destination, is alive with sightings of desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, ensuring thrilling wildlife encounters.
Best parks
- Etosha National Park
- Skeleton Coast
- Damaraland
Our top June safari packages
Seeking June safari inspiration? Explore some of our safari packages in Africa below and discover some of the experiences and destinations you can enjoy during the month of June.
As a premier luxury travel company in Africa, we excel in creating bespoke safari experiences. All our safaris are carefully curated to include your preferred destinations, experiences and choice of luxury accommodations. Contact our luxury safari consultants if you wish to enjoy a safari experience in June.
What are the benefits of a luxury safari in June?
A luxury safari in June offers several standout benefits, making it an ideal time to experience Africa’s top wildlife destinations in comfort and style:
- Prime wildlife viewing – June marks the start of the dry season in many iconic safari destinations like Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya. During the month of June, animals gather around permanent water sources, making it easier to spot wildlife with increased predator-prey interactions.
- The Great Wildebeest Migration – This is one of the best months to enjoy a Great Wildebeest Migration safari, as the vast herds move from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park towards Kenya’s Masai Mara and the Grumeti River crossings – considered one of the highlights of the Great Migration.
- Mild and comfortable weather – During June, days are typically cool and clear, especially in Southern Africa. At this time of year, there are also fewer mosquitoes, making it the ideal time for those seeking a malaria-free safari experience.
- Exclusive, crowd-free experiences – June is still the shoulder season – just before the peak season and the school summer holidays, meaning fewer tourists and a more exclusive experience.
If you wish to enjoy a luxury safari in June, our team can help. We specialize in creating luxury safaris in Africa that are tailored to your precise liking with your desired destinations, safari experiences and choice of luxury accommodations. Contact us today to learn more about our tailored travel safari experiences in Africa.
7 day sample African safari itinerary in June – Tanzania and the Great Migration
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Enjoy a private transfer to a luxury lodge of your choice on the outskirts of Arusha.
- Relax after your journey and enjoy views of Mount Meru.
Day 2: Fly to Western Serengeti – Grumeti Reserve
- Take a private scenic flight to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti.
- Check into a luxury tented camp near the Grumeti River.
- Afternoon game drive to witness wildebeest herds, predators, and river crossings.
Day 3: Grumeti River Safari – Great Migration
- Enjoy a full-day game drive following the migration herds as they brave the Grumeti River.
- Watch dramatic crocodile-infested river crossings and predators like lions and cheetahs in action.
- Optional bush breakfast along the riverbank.
Day 4: Grumeti Private Reserve – Walking Safari
- Embark on a guided walking safari for a more intimate experience with the wildlife and landscape.
- Learn about tracking animals, smaller wildlife, and the region’s ecosystem.
- Afternoon game drive or sundowner experience overlooking the vast Serengeti plains.
Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Big Cats
- Experience a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, with aerial views of the Great Migration.
- Champagne breakfast in the bush after landing.
- Big cat tracking in the afternoon – lions, leopards, and cheetahs follow the herds closely.
Day 6: Serengeti Plains – Predator Action
- Game drives focusing on predator-prey interactions.
- Spot hyenas, lions, and leopards hunting as wildebeest move through the area.
- Optional community visit to engage with local Maasai communities.
Day 7: Farewell to Serengeti – Return to Arusha
- Final morning game drive soaking in the beauty of the Serengeti.
- Fly back to Arusha.
- Optional lunch and shopping at Shanga for handmade local crafts.
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.
We excel in creating bespoke safari itineraries with your choice of destinations, safari experiences, and luxury accommodations. Contact our team today and let us arrange an incredible safari experience in Africa in June.
Plan your luxury June safari vacation with Ker & Downey® Africa
We have been pioneering luxury safari experiences in Africa for decades. With in-depth knowledge of the African continent and access to the best safari experiences and luxury accommodations, we excel at creating once-in-a-lifetime safaris that are tailored to your precise needs. We also work to ensure you leave a positive lasting legacy in Africa by working with operators and accommodations that meet our high standards of conservation and sustainability. If you wish to enjoy a luxury safari in June, we can help. Contact us today to book your bespoke safari in Africa.
June safari holiday: FAQs
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Is June the dry season in Africa?
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Is June the peak season in Africa?
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What's the weather like in Africa in June?
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What should I pack for a safari in June?
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What are the top safari destinations in Southern Africa in June?
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How much does a luxury safari in Africa in June cost?
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Is there good game viewing on a safari in June?
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Is June a good time to witness the Great Migration?
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