Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Top destinations for a safari in January
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seeking January safari inspiration? Browse some of our luxury safari packages below to learn about some of the experiences you can enjoy.
As a leading luxury travel company in Africa, all our luxury safari packages can be tailored to meet your precise requirements, from your choice of destination to your preferred safari experiences and luxury accommodation. Nothing is too much trouble for our team. Contact our safari experts to book your January safari to 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In January, you’ll encounter a wealth of wildlife during your African safari, particularly during the green season. Here’s what you can expect:
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.
In January, Africa offers some of the best wildlife experiences, thanks to the green season and calving season. Here are some top experiences:
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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