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Top Destinations for a Safari in January

Discover the top destinations for a safari in January, including the best safari experiences & thrilling wildlife encounters.

Written by

Ker & Downey® Africa

January is southern and eastern Africa’s rainy season, with animals dispersing over vast areas thanks to the plentiful fresh water supply. However, Tanzania and Kenya still offer superb game-viewing opportunities. The vast Serengeti is bursting with life in January, with a large number of predators giving rise to some thrilling wildlife interactions, as is the breathtaking Maasai Mara which is at its peak.

South Africa in January is simply sublime. At the peak of its summer season, the weather is sun-drenched, making it ideal for enjoying quality time outdoors and combining a safari experience with a city break to explore Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands.

Finally, Rwanda and Uganda both enjoy largely dry weather during the month of January, making for pleasant weather for gorilla trekking experiences.

January safari destinations

Tanzania

January is a great time for a safari in Tanzania, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It’s also calving season in the Southern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs, offering some thrilling predator-prey interactions. Birdwatchers can enjoy seeing migratory birds in full plumage during January. Although there may be occasional heavy rains, they rarely disrupt game drives and instead enhance the scenery as it starts to burst into life.

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Kenya

Kenya boasts dry weather and excellent wildlife viewing in parks like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu National Reserve during January. The short rains have ended, leaving lush landscapes that attract large herds of animals to watering holes. Amboseli is particularly stunning in January, with clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards are active, and it’s a great time for spotting other majestic animals like elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Some popular safari areas can get busy during January, but booking with us can ensure an exclusive and private experience with access to beautiful destinations away from the crowds.

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Uganda

January is considered one of the best times for a safari in Uganda, as it falls during the dry season, making conditions ideal for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. The dry weather improves trail conditions, with less mud, making it easier to navigate, and increases the chances of spotting gorillas and chimpanzees. Queen Elizabeth National Park is at its peak, offering traditional safari game drives with sightings of tree-climbing lions, elephants, and buffaloes. Murchison Falls National Park is another highlight, with boat safaris along the picturesque Nile to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the river banks, with the lush landscapes a photographer’s dream.

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Rwanda

January is ideal for gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The weather is generally dry and sunny -although there can be an occasional downpour – making it easier to navigate the lush mountain forests and view gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s also a good time to visit Akagera National Park for traditional game drives, where you can spot animals like elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos. Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest offers excellent chimpanzee tracking during this period, with clear forest paths and fewer crowds.

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South Africa

It’s summer in South Africa during January, bringing lush, green landscapes and newborn wildlife, particularly among antelope species. This is prime predator activity in Kruger National Park and private reserves like Sabi Sands, as lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunt young prey, giving rise to thrilling wildlife encounters. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting migratory birds in full breeding plumage. The scenery is beautiful in South Africa, and fewer tourists make for a more peaceful safari experience. The wonderful, warm weather and sun-drenched days also make it ideal for driving the spectacular Garden Route, touring the Cape Winelands, and visiting Table Mountain.

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What are the benefits of a luxury safari in January?

  • Great Wildlife Viewing – January offers excellent game sightings, especially during calving season in destinations like the Serengeti, where visitors will delight in seeing adorable newborns. Predators are more active too, hunting young prey, providing visitors with thrilling predator-prey interactions.
  • Lush Landscapes – The post-rain greenery enhances scenery and photography, making Africa’s landscapes stunning and vibrant. January is a great month for a photographic safari. 
  • Fewer Crowds – January can be less crowded in some destinations, offering a more intimate safari experience with better access to top wildlife spots.
  • Birdwatching – January is a prime month for seeing migratory birds, with many species in full breeding plumage, making this an ideal time for bird enthusiasts to spot rare species. 

7 day sample African safari itinerary in January

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Relax after your journey and enjoy a welcome dinner expertly crafted with local produce.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

  • Morning drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
  • Enjoy a private guide game drive and spot lions, zebras, and giraffes.
  • Return to your luxury lodge for sundowners and dinner.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

  • Travel to Lake Manyara National Park for a morning game drive.
  • Spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and hippos, and visit a local Maasai village in the afternoon before returning to your luxury lodge. 

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

  • Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Enjoy a full-day safari with sightings of the Big Five, including black rhinos and elephants.
  • Return to your luxury lodge for dinner.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

  • Drive to the Serengeti and enjoy a thrilling game drive.
  • January is calving season, with wildebeest and zebras giving birth, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs.
  • After a thrilling day, return to your luxury tented camp in the Serengeti.

Day 6: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

  • Spend the day exploring the Southern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born on their Great Migration journey. 
  • Enjoy morning and evening game drives for the best wildlife sightings.
  • Return to your luxury camp for a bush dinner under the stars.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning private scenic flight from the Serengeti to Arusha.
  • Optional visit to a local market for souvenirs before your departure.
  • Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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Plan your luxury January safari holiday with Ker & Downey® Africa

As a leading luxury travel company, we excel at creating bespoke safari experiences in some of Africa’s most exquisite destinations. From our base in Cape Town, South Africa, our safari travel experts create once-in-a-lifetime luxury safaris tailored to meet the precise needs of each client. We focus on arranging sustainable safari holidays that leave a positive, lasting impact and only work with the most luxurious lodges, tented caps, and hotels, each personally vetted by us. If you want to enjoy a luxury safari in January, contact us today.
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January safari holiday: FAQs

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What’s the weather like on a safari in January?

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The weather will depend on which country in Africa you are visiting. Generally, most countries are in the green season, meaning you can expect warm temperatures and cooler evenings. In East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) and Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe), January is the wet season, with short rains and lush landscapes. Rain showers are typically brief and don’t disrupt safaris. Key highlights of a safari in January are calving season and birdwatching as migratory birds can be seen.
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What should I pack for an African safari in January?

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You should pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors to blend with the environment. As there can be occasional summer rains during January, bring a light waterproof jacket as well as light layers for when the temperature cools at night. You also should bring comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes along with a pair of sandals for around your luxury lodge. Make sure that you pack high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, insect repellent with DEET, and malaria medication (if you are visiting high-risk areas). It’s also a good idea to bring a camera, binoculars, and a power bank for electronics. Finally, bring a refillable water bottle and a small daypack for use during safari experiences.
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Can I visit Kruger National Park in January?

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Yes, January is an excellent month to visit Kruger National Park in South Africa, one of the largest safari parks in Africa. During the summer rainy season, Kruger National Park is lush and green, making for picturesque scenery and enjoying the park when its natural beauty is at its best. January is also the calving season, meaning you will likely see adorable newborn animals and thrilling predator-prey interactions.
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What countries can I visit in East Africa in January?

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Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda are all popular countries to visit for a safari in January. If you want to visit Africa in January, we can help. Contact our luxury travel specialists today.
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What wildlife will I encounter on safari in January?

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In January, you’ll encounter a wealth of wildlife during your African safari, particularly during the green season. Here’s what you can expect: Baby animals – January is calving season, so you’ll see many adorable young animals, such as wildebeest, zebras, and antelope. Big Five – Expect to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, especially in game-rich parks like Kruger, the Serengeti, and the Masai Mara. Birdlife – With migratory birds present, January is excellent for birdwatching, including species like flamingos, raptors, and waterfowl. Predators – Big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards are active, particularly during the calving season, while wild dogs are also more visible. Gorillas – In Rwanda and Uganda, January is an excellent time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with mild weather and clearer trails. No matter what wildlife you want to tick off your bucket list, we can help. Contact our African safari specialists and let us help you plan a bespoke safari to Africa in January.
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What are some of the best African wildlife experiences in January?

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In January, Africa offers some of the best wildlife experiences, thanks to the green season and calving season. Here are some top experiences: Gorilla Trekking – Visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable experience with mountain gorillas in lush, green surroundings. Calving Season in the Serengeti – Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti as thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Predator Action in Masai Mara – The Masai Mara offers incredible predator sightings, with lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting young prey during the calving season. Elephant Herds in Amboseli – See large herds of elephants against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around water sources. Birdwatching in Kruger – January is an excellent time for birdwatching in Kruger National Park, where migratory bird species like flamingos, raptors, and waterfowl are abundant. Safari in Ngorongoro Crater – Spot the Big Five in the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, with a diverse array of wildlife, including rhinos, buffalo, and elephants, all in the lush, green environment of the crater.
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Why choose us for a safari in January to Africa?

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As a leading luxury travel company, we have been pioneering safari experiences in Africa for decades. We focus on creating bespoke safari experiences that leave a positive, lasting legacy in Africa, working with luxury accommodations and tour operators that adhere to our high standards of conservation and sustainability. If you want to go on a safari in January, we can help. We excel at creating bespoke safari experiences in some of Africa’s most breathtaking destinations. Let us create a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in Africa. Contact us today to book your January safari experience.
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