Where to go on safari in July

The dry season is in full swing and this is generally the best time to for game viewing in the majority of Africa. The Great Migration continues to move north in the Serengeti towards the Mara river, large herds of elephants are making a pilgrimage in Tarangire. In southern Africa the bushveld continues to dry up with wildlife becoming more and more concentrated around water sources and what little food is still available. The Indian Ocean region in Mozambique, the Seychelles and Mauritius are also perfect at this time of year if some quality beach time is high on your agenda.

Zambia

The largest, although least well-known of Zambia's National Parks, Kafue is a land of abundant wildlife and amazing landscapes, making it the ideal spot for a multi-centre safari within the same park. The area around the Kafue River offers excellent game viewing, whilst further north the Busanga Plains will have drained by now, offering access to this stunning area where sunrises and sunsets are especially dramatic.

Zimbabwe

For a Victoria Falls and safari combination July really does work well. Victoria Falls is at its peak around May time and game viewing is at its peak around the dry September/October time. Slap bang in the middle means you get a great experience for both. A lot of water is still flowing over the falls and game viewing in many of the safari areas is getting better and better as it goes into the dry season.

Tanzania

In the north, the Great Migration continues to move northwards through the Serengeti towards Kenya and the Mara river. It is the beginning of the famed river crossing season which starts between late June through July, depending on the rains. Some say that this is the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth with the vast herds crossing crocodile infested rivers and predator filled plains as they continue on their never ending circular journey, year after year.

Meanwhile in the southern reserves of Tanzania, there are far less people, but the wildlife is still prolific. This is especially true in Tarangire where large herds of elephants are making a pilgrimage. If you need an elephant fix, then Tarangire in July should be a serious contender.

Kenya

As the Masai Mara braces itself for the impending arrival of millions of wildebeest, zebra and the Great Migration, it can be easy to forget other regions of Kenya which are just as worthy a visit. In particular, Kenya’s northern private conservancies such as Laikipia, Lewa and Samburu, the later of which is home to the Samburu ‘Special Five’ – five near endemic species to this particular region of Kenya.

Take a look at our guide on where, when and how to see the Wildebeest Migration.

Malawi

July sees Malawi in the midst of it’s dry, winter season. With dry, cooler weather than in Malawi’s summer months, this is probably the best time of year to go if seeing wildlife is high on your cards. A lot of the water has dried up so wildlife tends to congregate around the more permanent water sources making it much easier to find. There’s also less mosquitos which is always a bonus.

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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