Safari Calendar 2025
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
Planning a safari adventure in 2025? With so many safari experiences and destinations, choosing where to go can be time-consuming.
From our headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa, we’ve been curating luxury safari experiences in Africa for decades. Our safari experts boast in-depth knowledge of the continent, including the finest destinations and most exclusive safari experiences for 2025.
All our luxury safari lodges, camps, and hotels are carefully handpicked and vetted by our safari specialists, ensuring an ultra-exclusive experience that leaves a positive legacy in Africa.
Here, our safari specialists share their top tips on the best places to go on safari in 2025, helping you plan your next unforgettable adventure.
Safari calendar 2025
January and February
Travel to Tanzania to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, where large herds of wildebeest gather on the vast plains to give birth to their young. This once-in-a-lifetime spectacle attracts large numbers of predators, including cheetahs, hyenas, and lions, creating thrilling displays of wildlife action. The Serengeti is teeming with life during these months, making it the perfect place for traditional game drives and bush walks.
Alternatively, head to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, which is in its green season. The seasonal rains at this time of year attract young animals, newborns, and migratory birds, offering exceptional viewing opportunities for bird enthusiasts. The Okavango Delta is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring animals, offering nature enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Africa’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
March and April
March and April mark the green season in Zambia and Zimbabwe, with incredibly lush landscapes in the South Luangwa National Park and Hwange National Park providing incredible opportunities for stunning wildlife photography.
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, located in the country’s eastern river valley, is known as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It boasts 60 different animal species and more than 400 bird species, including the grey crowned crane, saddle-billed stork, and the African fish eagle.
In Namibia, March and April are ideal months to see black rhinos in Damaraland, which is home to the largest population in Africa. Beyond its rugged landscapes and fascinating wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants, Damarland is also known for its rock paintings and engravings, considered to be some of the best preserved rock etchings in Africa.
May and June
If you want to witness the Big Five, plan an adventure in May and June to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. During southern Africa’s winter months, the weather is cooler and drier making for a more comfortable safari experience. The vegetation is also sparse at this time of year, making wildlife easier to spot as they gather around watering holes and river banks. Experience thrilling safari adventures, including game drives, hot-air balloon safaris, bush walks, and horseback riding safaris.
Alternatively, head to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where the riverways are at their peak. May and June are ideal for exploring the region on a traditional mokoro, which provides an alternative perspective on Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
July and August
During the months of July and August, vast herds of wildebeest make the dramatic Mara River crossing in Kenya’s Masai Mara as part of the Great Migration – a must-see event for your 2025 safari calendar. The Mara River crossing is considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth and the climax of the Great Migration, with many animals succumbing to fast-moving currents or falling prey to predators like crocodiles.
July and August are also ideal months for a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda and Uganda. The drier months make tracking these incredible animals in the Volcanoes or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest far more accessible as the paths are less slippery, and the gorillas tend to favor lower altitudes at this time of year, shortening trekking times.
September and October
September and October are prime months for guided bush walks in the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia. This spectacular park is renowned for being the birthplace of the walking safari, offering dramatic topography, unspoiled vegetation, lush valleys, and sweeping landscapes best explored on foot. The wildlife here is diverse and abundant, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras, and 14 different species of antelope.
Alternatively, mark your safari 2025 calendar for an adventure in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert. During the months of September and October, the Kalahari begins to bloom, offering scenic landscapes and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
November and December
November and December are a wonderful time to visit South Africa and enjoy a city break in Cape Town, coupled with exploring the famed Garden Route. During these months, the weather is at its best. In Cape Town, you can enjoy a host of refined experiences, including gourmet dining, designer shopping, and thrilling shark cage diving experiences. November and December are also ideal for a whale watching safari, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness migratory southern right whales and humpback whales breaching the ocean waters. Beyond the city, adventures on Table Mountain, the Winelands, and along the Garden Route await.
For those seeking an idyllic beach escape, head to Mauritius for an ultra-luxurious getaway in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Located off the eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius boasts beautiful beaches, azure waters, and lush mountainous interiors, best enjoyed during the winter months. Summit the peak of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Brabant, sink below the waves and explore colorful marine life, or swim below a cascading waterfall.
How can we help you discover the best places to go on safari in 2025?
We are an award winning luxury travel company that has been pioneering luxury African travel experiences for decades. Our knowledge of Africa, including the best safari destinations and the most exclusive luxury lodges, tented camps, and hotels, is unmatched. We excel at curating bespoke itineraries tailored to each traveler’s unique needs. If you need assistance planning your 2025 safari calendar, our luxury travel experts are here to help. Contact us today and let us create a bespoke safari experience to add to your safari calendar 2025.
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