Dry Season vs Wet Season: When to Visit East Africa for a Safari

Planning an East African Safari? One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make is when to go. East Africa is a year-round safari destination, but your experience can vary greatly depending on the season. The region has two main weather periods: the dry season and the wet (or green) season.

Each offers its own set of pros and cons when it comes to wildlife viewing, crowds, landscape beauty, and cost. Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, tracking mountain gorillas, or photographing lush landscapes, this guide will help you understand the differences between East Africa’s dry and wet seasons and choose the one that’s right for you.

 

Which Countries in East Africa Are Covered?

This article focuses on the safari conditions in:

  • Kenya
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Rwanda

These countries form the core of East Africa’s safari circuit, offering everything from vast savannahs and the Big Five to tropical forests and gorilla encounters.

East Africa’s Seasons at a Glance

Dry Seasons

  • Long Dry Season: June to September
  • Short Dry Season: December to February

Wet Seasons

  • Long Rains: March to May
  • Short Rains: October to early December

Note: Rainfall patterns may vary slightly by region and altitude.

 

The Dry Season: Peak Safari Time

Best For:

  • Game drives
  • Gorilla trekking
  • Photography
  • First-time safari-goers

 

What to Expect:

  • Sparse vegetation; easier wildlife spotting
  • Animals gather around waterholes
  • Roads and trails are dry and more accessible
  • Minimal mosquito activity
  • Cooler mornings and nights, sunny days

Country Highlights in Dry Season:

  • Kenya & Tanzania: Prime time for the Great Migration (July–September), especially river crossings
  • Uganda & Rwanda: Ideal gorilla and chimpanzee trekking conditions in June–August and December–February

 

Pros

  • Best wildlife visibility
  • Comfortable weather
  • Fewer insects
  • Peak for Great Migration river crossings

 

Cons

  • Higher prices (peak season)
  • Popular parks can be crowded
  • Gorilla permits sell out quickly

 

The Wet Season: The Green, Quieter Alternative

Best For

  • Lush scenery
  • Birdwatching (migratory species)
  • Budget travelers
  • Photography in vibrant landscapes

 

What to Expect in East Africa Safaris

  • Lush, green landscapes
  • Intermittent afternoon showers (not all-day rain)
  • Fewer tourists
  • Young animals (calving season in some areas)
  • Slippery trekking trails in forested areas

 

Country Highlights in Wet Season

  • Kenya & Tanzania: Calving season in Ndutu/Serengeti (Feb); less crowded safaris in April–May
  • Uganda & Rwanda: Forests are denser; trails muddy but gorilla tracking still possible

 

Pros

  • Discounted lodge rates and packages
  • Fewer tourists = more intimate experiences
  • Beautiful backdrops for photography
  • Birding paradise (Oct–April)

 

Cons

  • Wildlife harder to spot (thick vegetation)
  • Some roads/trails may be impassable
  • Gorilla trekking can be physically challenging in muddy terrain

Month-by-Month Summary Table

Month Season Type Pros Considerations
January Dry Good for gorillas & game viewing Warmer; some light rain possible
February Dry Calving in Serengeti; fewer crowds Dusty in some parks
March Start of Wet Lush scenery begins Trails begin to get muddy
April Wet (Long) Great birding; low season deals Heavy rains; some lodges close
May Wet (Long) Greenest landscapes Accessibility issues in remote areas
June Dry Start of peak safari season Book early for gorilla permits
July Dry Great Migration crossings begin High season pricing
August Dry Prime safari weather Popular parks crowded
September Dry Excellent for game drives and trekking Start of short rains late in the month
October Wet (Short) Green landscape, good for birds Short rain showers begin
November Wet (Short) Less crowded, scenic Rain may disrupt some activities
December Dry (Short) Good travel weather, festive season Peak season rates

 

Key Safari Experiences by Season

Great Migration (Kenya & Tanzania)

  • Best Time: July to October (river crossings in Mara and Serengeti)
  • Calving Season: Late January to March (southern Serengeti)

 

Gorilla Trekking (Rwanda & Uganda)

  • Best Time: June to September and December to February
  • Wet Season Trekking: Still possible, but more physically demanding

 

Birdwatching (All Countries)

  • Best Time: October to April (European and North African migrants)
  • Wet Seasons: Offer the most species diversity

 

Price & Crowds: When to Save or Splurge

Factor Dry Season Wet Season
Lodge Prices Highest (especially Jul–Sep, Dec) Up to 30–50% cheaper
Permit Availability Lower (book months ahead) Better chance of availability
Crowds High in popular parks Fewer tourists
Road Conditions Excellent Challenging in some areas

Packing Tips by Season:

Dry Season

  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
  • Fleece or jacket for cool mornings
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Dust-proof camera protection

 

Wet Season

  • Waterproof hiking boots & rain jacket
  • Quick-dry clothing
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • Extra socks and gaiters for gorilla trekking

 

So, When Should You Go to East Africa Safaris?

  • Want guaranteed game viewing & ideal weather?
    Go in the dry season (June–September or December–February)
  • Looking for lower prices, greener landscapes & fewer crowds?
    Try the wet season (March–May or October–November)
  • Traveling for gorilla trekking?
    Stick to dry seasons unless you’re well-prepared for muddy hikes
  • Passionate about birds or photography?
    Consider the wet season for vibrant scenery and bird diversity

The rainy season is from February to June and November to mid-December. For better photos, visit during the dry season, from July to October and December. You can find plenty of birds in East Africa between January and March. The best destinations for bird-lovers include Kenya, Tanzania,Uganda, and Kenya.

Both the dry and wet seasons offer incredible safari experiences in East Africa and the best time to go depends on your personal travel style, budget, and bucket-list goals. Whether you’re photographing the Great Migration, locking eyes with a mountain gorilla, or cruising past hippos on a river, there’s never a “bad” time to experience East Africa only different ways to enjoy it.