Where to go on safari in June

June is the turning point across safari-Africa. Most of the rains have left and Africa begins to enter its dry, winter season. This presents a problem for travellers wanting to go to Africa as the choice almost becomes overwhelming with destinations offering superb safaris and wildlife viewing as the bush continues to become increasingly sparse and wildlife becoming more concentrated around permanent water sources.

Madagascar

As the summer rains fade in to the dry of winter, roads become passable once more and the whole of Madagascar is open to explore. Enjoy visiting some of the more popular parks without the crowds of August and September, as well as having the chance to drive, virtually alone, up the West Coast to visit the iconic Tsingy de Bemerehana National Park.

Mozambique

June has 3 main things going for it in Mozambique. The weather is usually lovely with very little rain and great day time temperatures. Also at this time it’s the start of when the whales heading up on their migration. They head from the Antarctic up the East coast of Africa to calf in the warm waters, heading up through Tofo and on upwards to the Bazaruto archipelago. Combined with the whales migrating up it’s also a great time for diving as the seas is nice and calm.

Tanzania

The Serengeti is the main popular attraction in Tanzania in June with the Wildebeest Migration pushing towards the western corridor regions and the wildebeest and antelope rutting in its fullest. It’s not the quietest time to experience the bush - this is one of the highest densities of plains game in the world, as males battle for dominance and breeding rights to females, this is an ongoing saga with plenty of drama… and don’t forget about the abundance of predators waiting to seize their opportunity with all the distractions and fighting disrupting the vast herds.

Take a look at our complete Wildebeest Migration guide of where, when and how to see them.

South Africa

As the bush begins to dry and foliage decreases, June is the beginning of winter in South Africa. With the northern regions providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially around the Kruger National Park and Kwa Zulu Natal areas coming into their prime at this time of year. Usually the months between June and October provide the best conditions for a safari. This is also the best time to go on longer, walking safaris as the weather has cooled, rains have dissipated, and the bush is opening up making wildlife viewing easier.

The southern Cape regions are a stark contrast to the north – this is when the Cape has most of its rains with much cooler temperatures. However, this shouldn’t put you off as this is just the start of the Cape’s whale migration season where pods of humpback and southern right whales skim the continental shelf of Africa as they make their way north from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic.

Botswana

The Okavango Delta is in full flood, with the entire Delta region in exceptional condition, making June a great time to ride a mokoro (traditional canoe) through the flooded plains. A mokoro allows you to experience close encounters with large numbers of hippos, elephants and to weave your way through herds of zebra who have come down to the waters to drink. Game viewing is good around the Chobe and Linyanti regions as the herds migrate away from the Makgadikgadi Pans which have begun to dry up.

Rwanda

The start of the dry season in the ‘Land of a thousand hills’. Little rainfall, few visitors and dry ground all culminate for fantastic conditions to experience a mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Apart from the magnificent gorillas, Rwanda has a true bounty of wildlife; chimpanzees, golden monkeys, a huge array of colourful birds and with the ‘big five’ Akagera National Park in east Rwanda, it makes this small yet beautiful country a fantastic all round destination.

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.