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Summer Safari Holiday in Africa

Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Summer Safari Holiday in Africa

A summer safari in Africa during the months of June, July, and August is often considered the best time to visit, offering superb weather conditions and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Key safari events like The Great Migration and whale watching are also in full swing. Whether you plan on enjoying a summer safari holiday with family, a group of friends, or your significant other to celebrate a special occasion, a summer safari experience will not disappoint, with bucket-list adventures to be had in countries like South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

As a leading luxury safari travel company, we excel at creating bespoke safari experiences tailored to your precise preference, from thrilling game drives to immersive cultural experiences. We work with handpicked luxury lodges, camps, and hotels that meet the most exacting standards to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Start planning your summer safari vacation. Contact us today, and let us create a bespoke safari itinerary.

What are the top benefits of an African safari in summer?

There are multiple benefits of a summer safari vacation in Africa, including:

The summer months of June, July and August are prime wildlife viewing times as it is the dry season in many parts of Africa, causing animals to gather at waterholes and rivers, making wildlife sightings more frequent and predictable. The sparse vegetation during these months also makes spotting elusive species, like leopards or wild African dogs, easier.
The summer months are also ideal months for witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti and the spectacular Mara River crossings in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The northern hemisphere’s summer months (June, July, and August) are technically winter in Southern Africa, bringing cooler and drier weather, ideal for outdoor pursuits. The lower humidity levels also make it a much more comfortable experience. Finally, due to the drier and cooler weather, there are far fewer insects, lowering the risk of malaria in some safari destinations.
The summer season often coincides with traditional ceremonies, such as those in the Masai Mara or San communities in southern Africa, offering superb cultural experiences for safari enthusiasts.
The long summer holidays represent the ideal time for family getaways, and Eastern and Southern Africa represents a superb destination, with an excellent selection of luxury lodges, hotels, and tented camps that cater to the needs of families with young children.

Sample summer safari itinerary

Day 1-3: Arrival & Kruger National Park, South Africa

Activities:
- Fly into Cape Town and explore this fascinating city, including a whale watching experience
- Transfer to Kruger National Park via private plane and check into a private lodge in the Sabi Sands Reserve.
- Experience morning and evening game drives with expert rangers to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
- Indulge in a bush dinner under the stars and relax with spa treatments at the lodge.

Summer Safari - Kruger National Park

Day 4-6: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

Activities:
- Fly via private plane to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- Take a guided walking tour of the falls.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, spotting hippos and crocodiles.
- Optional activities: Helicopter flight over the falls or bungee jumping for adventure enthusiasts.

Summer Safari - Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Zambia

Day 7-8: Chobe National Park, Botswana

Activities:
- Transfer to Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant population.
- Embark on boat safaris along the Chobe River to see herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife.
- Participate in a land safari for closer encounters with predators like lions and leopards.

Summer Safari - Chobe National Park Botswana

Day 9: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Activities:
- Fly via private plane to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the wetlands on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe).
- Observe unique bird species and aquatic wildlife.
- Visit local villages for cultural experiences with indigenous communities.

Summer Safari - Okavango Delta Botswana

Day 10: Departure

Activities:
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final safari walk.
- Fly to Johannesburg for your onward journey.

This itinerary offers an unforgettable mix of iconic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and luxurious relaxation.

Summer safari holiday in Africa

Plan your luxury summer safari holiday with Ker & Downey® Africa

As a luxury safari travel company in Africa, we excel at creating incredible safari holidays tailored to your precise needs. From our homebase in Cape Town, South Africa, we create once-in-lifetime safari experiences powered by our in-depth knowledge and expertise. We have access to an incredible selection of luxury lodges, ultra-exclusive hotels, and tented camps, handpicked and personally vetted by us to ensure the utmost luxury and exclusivity. Contact us today and let us create a bespoke summer safari holiday.

Start planning your trip

Autumn safari holiday: FAQs

What will the weather be like during the summer season in Africa?

The summer months of June, July, and August provide ideal weather for safari adventures across much of Africa, with mild daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, it’s always important to consider the specific region and its climate when planning your trip.

Is summer the peak season in Africa?

Yes, safari season is in full swing during the months of June, July, and August in Africa as these months align with the dry season, offering ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and other safari activities. The summer is often considered the perfect time to visit Africa for a safari. Contact us today to book your luxury safari in Africa.

What are some of the best destinations to visit for an African summer safari holiday?

Some of the best destinations to visit for an African summer safari include:

South Africa, including Kruger National Park
Tanzania, including the Serengeti National Park
Botswana, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park
Kenya, including the Masai Mara National Reserve
Zimbabwe, including the Hwange National Park
Namibia, including Etosha National Park
Rwanda, including Volcanoes National Park
Uganda, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

No matter where in Africa you wish to experience a luxury safari vacation during the summer months, we can help. We have access to world-class lodges, camps, and hotels in Africa and will craft a bespoke itinerary just for you. Contact us today.

What type of safari experiences can I enjoy in summer?

You can enjoy a superb selection of safari experiences during the summer months of June, July, and August. Just some of the safari experiences we can arrange for you include:

Game viewing safari drives
Walking safaris
African bush walks
River cruises
Hot air-ballon safaris
Horseback riding safaris
Whale watching safaris (Cape Town, South Africa)

Is the summer period a good time for a safari in Africa?

Yes, the northern hemisphere’s summer period is often considered the best time for a safari in Africa, with lower rainfall and cooler temperatures that make it the ideal time for enjoying outdoor pursuits, including traditional safari activities like nature walks and game drives. During June, July, and August, you can also enjoy some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, thanks to sparser vegetation and low rainfall, which forces animals to congregate around waterholes and rivers. If you want to visit Africa and enjoy a luxury safari experience, contact us today.

Which destination is best during the summer, East Africa or Southern Africa?

Both East Africa and Southern Africa are wonderful destinations to visit during the northern hemisphere’s summer months. During the summer months, East Africa is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, making this a must-visit destination for many, while Southern Africa offers iconic destinations like the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and Victoria Falls. Our team of luxury safari specialists can help to create a tailored itinerary to Africa based on your precise needs, making recommendations on the best places to visit. Contact us today to book your summer safari experience in Africa.

What to pack for a summer safari holiday in Africa?

With warm days and cooler evenings during the summer months in Africa, you will want to pack a mixture of light, layered clothing and long-sleeved tops in neutral colors to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting insects. You should also pack a warm jacket for early morning and late-night game drives, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, insect-repellent, suncream, and a backpack for carrying essentials while on safari experiences. When you book a safari holiday with us, we will provide details on what to pack based on your unique safari experience. Contact us today to book your safari trip to Africa in summer.

What type of animals can I see on an African safari during the summer months?

Expect to see some of Africa’s most majestic animals during the summer months. The precise animals you will see will depend on your destination, however, just some of the animals you can expect to see include:

The Big 5 – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo
Cheetahs
Hynenas
Wild dogs
Giraffe
Zebra
Hippos
Wildebeest
Warthogs
Birdlife, including flamingos and birds of prey
Crocodiles

Can I see the Great Migration during a summer safari holiday?

Yes, the northern hemisphere’s summer season is ideal for seeing the Great Migration. During the start of summer, the herds are in the western corridor of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, preparing to cross the Grumeti River, which makes for some fantastic viewing opportunities.

By July, the herds start heading through the northern Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. This is characterized by the famous Masa Mara river crossing.

In August, the vast herds graze on the lush plains of the Masai Mara, attracting large numbers of predators, providing some incredible safari action.

If you want to witness the Great Migration at any time of year, we can help. Contact us today.

Can I enjoy a gorilla trekking experience during the summer in Africa?

Yes, you can enjoy a gorilla trekking experience during the summer months of June, July, and August in Africa. The dry weather makes for an easier trekking experience as the paths are less muddy and slippery compared to the rainy season, and treks are often shorter as the mountain gorillas often stay at lower altitudes during the dry season. If you want to enjoy a gorilla trekking experience while on a summer safari getaway, contact us today.

Can I enjoy a whale watching safari during the summer?

Yes, June to November is considered the peak season for whale watching in South Africa, offering a breathtaking opportunity to witness these majestic marine giants in their natural habitat. South Africa’s extensive coastline and nutrient-rich waters make it one of the world’s premier destinations for observing these incredible creatures, particularly Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, and Bryde’s Whales. Contact us if you wish to include a whale-watching experience during your summer safari.

How much does a summer safari vacation in Africa cost?

The cost of a summer safari vacation experience in Africa will be determined by multiple factors, including your choice of safari experience and lodge, length of stay, and desired experiences. As a leading luxury travel company in Africa, we specialize in bespoke luxury safari experiences. Contact us today if you want to learn more about a summer safari vacation.

Do I need to worry about malaria during a summer safari in Africa?

No, you do not need to worry about malaria during a summer safari in Africa. In southern and eastern Africa, June, July and August are the dry months, which means fewer mosquitoes are present, minimizing the risk of malaria. However, it is still advisable to take precautions in some areas, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially at dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most active. We can also arrange safari experiences in malaria-free parks for peace of mind. Contact us today to arrange a summer safari adventure in Africa.