Africa, Guides, Safari, Wildlife and Where to go when

Where to go on safari in August

Some great suggestions where to have the best safari experiences in August

Alex

Operations & Marketing Development

Published on

30 Sept 2020

Updated on

29 Jan 2021

August is the heart of the dry season with the best game viewing opportunities throughout the continent. The Great Migration is moving towards Kenya for the famed Mara River crossings, which is considered to be one of the finest wildlife spectacles on the planet. But don’t forget about Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks and in Zimbabwe, Hwange and Mana Pools all of which are simply superb during these months.

Sao Tome and Principe

August is a magnificent time of year to visit Sao Tome and Principe - whale watching is superb, with numerous species such as humpback, orca and many dolphins being spotted along the north eastern shores. The good weather means some great opportunities to explore these wonderous little islands but for something a little bit different and cultural: A genuine epic street theatre, the Auto de Floripes or Feast of St Lawrence. This is the number one cultural attraction in Principe and it involves the entire population of the island in the re-enactment of the battle between Christians and Moors. It happens one day a year and goes on all day.

South Africa

Not your usual safari-destination but driving through South Africa’s Fynbos along South Africa’s famed Garden Route between late August through to mid-October is remarkable. It is awash, painted with brightly coloured flowers. Fluorescent oranges, pinks, purples, yellows and white stretching as far as the eye can see – it’s a vivid display of colour and signifies the arrival of Spring in the area.

There are over 4,000 species of flowers in the area – no wonder it’s been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you get to the Hopefield Fynbos Show, make sure you try ‘waterblommetjiebredie’ which is a dish usually consisting of a meat and the waterblommetjie flowers found in the marshy areas in the Western Cape.

Zimbabwe

August is regarded as peak safari season across much of Africa, with visitors heading from all over the world flocking to enjoy the amazing game viewing that the cooler temperatures and dry conditions allow for. In many destinations these factors also mean large crowds, high prices and challenges finding space, even when booking months in advance. Zimbabwe's re-birth as a top African safari destination has added another dimension to where you can go, so experience this amazing destination now, before the crowds return and prices are pushed up to equal their neighbouring countries.

Hwange and Mana Pools are just an example of the marvellous wildlife destinations in Zimbabwe, with the latter now becoming more accessible in August due to falling water levels and being filled with immense herds of game and the predators which follow.

And of course, don’t forget about the wonderous Victoria Falls which Zimbabwe shares with Zambia.

Cao Grande In Sao Tome Copy — Cao Grande - Sao Tome

Garden Route In Flower — The famed Garden route, south africa in full bloom

Mana Pools Elephant — elephant sightings are special in Mana pools, zimbabwe

Zambia

Kafue National Park is Zambia’s hidden gem even though it is the largest in the country. This magnificent wildlife area of Busanga Plains is inaccessible outside of June to October due to high water levels. Traveling at this time of year can be richly rewarding with intense wildlife sightings and interactions between predator and prey. Balloon safaris are also possible here what more could you possibly ask for…

Kenya and Tanzania

The height of the Great Migration river crossing in northern Serengeti, Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. One of the greatest wildlife shows on earth is in full swing and if this is high on your bucket-list then you will need to book early as it’s a very popular time of year in both Kenya and Tanzania.

You will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster during the river crossings; as the suspense builds you can almost feel the trepidation until one wildebeest has the courage to make a dash for the other side. There’s no doubt that you will be filled with excitement, heartache, adrenaline and joy as you witness mass herds of wildebeest and zebra frantically plunging through crocodile infested river waters, with the survivors still needing to outwit and outpace the large number of predators who lie in wait on the other side.

Southern Tanzania offers something a little different. If you’re wishing to avoid the crowds the vastness of Selous and Ruaha offer a remote and wild safari experience. These often overlooked destinations have spectacular wildlife and offer a true sense of being in the heart of the African wilderness.

Take a look at our Wildebeest Migration guide.

Mayukuyuku Camp Aerial View — Mayukuyuku Camp, Kafue - Zambia

Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration — the famous river crossing of the mara river, kenya

Explore Bush Fire Micky Hoyle Copy — lose yourself in the remoteness of the northern serengeti, tanzania

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

Planning a safari holiday? Give our friendly experts a call on 01768 603 715 or fill in our enquiry form.

Check out these

Amazing safari holiday ideas for August

São Tomé and Príncipe Island Escape

Sao Tome
Principe

12 days
From £3,915 ^pp.

Classic South Africa

Cape Town
Franschhoek
Swellendam
Plettenberg Bay
Amakhala Game Reserve

17 days
From £4,055 ^pp.

Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

Hwange National Park
Lake Kariba
Mana Pools

10 days
From £7,025 ^pp.

Zambia & Malawi Luxury Honeymoon

Vic Falls
South Luangwa
Lake Malawi

13 days
From £10,335 ^pp.

Luxury Serengeti Migration Safari

Manyara
Ngorongoro
Serengeti

11 days
From £8,050 ^pp.

Speak with our safari experts today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315

Enquire Now

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Alistair

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024

Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024

Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024

Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024

Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024

Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024

Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024