Where to go on safari in February

With a few exceptions, most of sub-Sahara Africa is in its heavy rain season – Kenya and Tanzania are two of these exceptions.

Tanzania

This is a very exciting and emotive season during the Wildebeest Migration in the southern Serengeti. It’s the height of the calving season with over 500,000 wildebeest born during this month, along with the tens of thousands of zebra foals and antelope being born which means predator activity is at a premium, attracting cheetah, lion, leopard and hyena. February in Tanzania is a opportunity time to maximise your chances of seeing predators hunting.

Kenya

February is a great time to visit Kenya with the Masai Mara and Amboseli being particularly excellent. Amboseli will be carpeted in green grasses with Mount Kilimanjaro as a dominating backdrop, perfect for searching for the famously large herds of elephants in the region.

The Masai Mara is also particularly productive at this time of year. The grasses of the Mara will be shorter, making wildlife spotting easier. Young will also be being born making daytime predator activity easier to see. In fact, most of Kenya is excellent for a safari experience at this time of year.

Botswana

Nxai Pan and the Makgadigadi are the places to be in Botswana during February, as the rains will have transformed the fossil and salt pans. Wildlife flourishes with freshly filled waterholes and carpets of green grasses, which in turn draw huge herds of migrating zebra, wildebeest, as well as elephants and buffalo. This is also the time of year to see huge migratory flocks of flamingos in the region with water sources being covered in a carpet of pink.

In the Central Kalahari masses of springbok are attracted to the water sources, making a feast for the black-maned lions and cheetah in the region.

Zambia

Although many camps across the country close during Zambia's rainy "Emerald Seasons" a handful of those in the South Luangwa remain open and offer an amazing experience for seasoned safari-goers looking to get a different perspective on the park. The focus at this time is on game drives, as well as boat trips on the swollen Luangwa River. There are plenty of dramatic sightings to be enjoyed as the wildlife battles with the elements and the park turns lush and green with seemingly endless standing water - a stark contrast to the dry, dusty valley it becomes in the dry season.

South Africa

This is a fantastic time to visit Cape Town and the surrounding winelands. The daytime temperatures are lovely and warm making way for lots of alfresco dining. You have also missed the Christmas crowds which can make Cape Town feel rather busy. There are a number of wine festivals in and around Stellenbosh and Franschhoek at this time.

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

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