August is one of the most popular months for an African safari, and for very good reason. Across much of East and Southern Africa, the dry season is well established, vegetation is thinner and wildlife becomes increasingly dependent on permanent water. This can make animals easier to locate and create some outstanding game viewing.
It is also firmly peak season in many destinations. Popular camps, migration areas and gorilla permits can book well in advance, so early planning is important. For travellers who prioritise wildlife, however, August offers an exceptional choice of safari regions.
Where to go on safari in East Africa in August?
August is one of the strongest months for East Africa. Conditions are generally dry and comfortable, roads are easier to navigate and the Great Migration is active across northern Tanzania and the greater Masai Mara ecosystem.
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Masai Mara | BEST | 11°C to 25°C | Approx. 80 mm |
| Tanzania | Serengeti | BEST | 13°C to 25°C | Approx. 24 mm |
| Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | BEST | 8°C to 15°C | Approx. 73 mm |
| Uganda | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | BEST | 12°C to 22°C | Approx. 88 mm |
Kenya
August is one of the most exciting months in Kenya, particularly in the Masai Mara ecosystem.
Large numbers of wildebeest and zebra are usually spread across the Mara and surrounding areas, depending on rainfall and grazing conditions. Mara River crossings may occur during August, but they should never be treated as guaranteed. The herds can gather near a crossing point for hours or days before changing direction, and their movements vary from year to year.
Even without a river crossing, August delivers excellent wildlife viewing. Resident predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs remain active, while elephants, giraffes and plains game are encountered throughout the ecosystem.
Private conservancies around the Mara can be especially appealing during this busy month. They generally have lower vehicle numbers than the national reserve and, depending on the conservancy, may offer guided walks, night game drives and off road wildlife viewing.
Tanzania
August is also an important month for the Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration in Tanzania.
The herds are generally concentrated in the northern Serengeti National Park, with movement back and forth around the Mara River and the border with Kenya. Some herds may cross into Kenya while others remain in Tanzania, so the exact location changes constantly.
River crossings can be dramatic, but they are unpredictable. Northern Serengeti remains extremely rewarding even when no crossing takes place because the concentration of wildebeest, zebra and predators can be exceptional.
Elsewhere in Tanzania, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are also in strong dry season form, making August an excellent month for a wider northern circuit safari.
Rwanda and Uganda
August is one of the best months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. Rainfall is generally lower, trails tend to be firmer and daytime temperatures are comfortable for trekking.
These are rainforest environments, so showers can still occur at any time and waterproof clothing remains essential. The main seasonal advantage is usually easier trail conditions rather than a guarantee of completely dry weather.
Uganda can also be combined with chimpanzee trekking and wildlife areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kibale Forest. Rwanda works particularly well for travellers combining Volcanoes National Park with Akagera National Park or adding gorilla trekking to a wider East African safari.
Where to go on safari in Southern Africa in August?
August is peak dry season across much of Southern Africa. Rain is uncommon in the main inland safari regions, vegetation is sparse and wildlife becomes increasingly dependent on permanent rivers, lagoons and waterholes.
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana | Khwai / Okavango | BEST | 13°C to 27°C | Approx. 0 mm |
| Madagascar | Andasibe-Mantadia | BEST | 10°C to 22°C | Approx. 81 mm |
| Namibia | Etosha | BEST | 11°C to 28°C | Approx. 0 mm |
| South Africa | Kruger | BEST | 13°C to 26°C | Approx. 7 mm |
| Zambia | South Luangwa | BEST | 15°C to 28°C | Approx. 0 mm |
| Zimbabwe | Hwange | BEST | 12°C to 26°C | Approx. 0 mm |
Botswana
August is one of Botswana’s finest safari months. The dry season is firmly established, mornings can still be cold and daytime temperatures are usually pleasant.
In the Okavango Delta, floodwaters from Angola are spread through many parts of the system. Water levels vary by location and from year to year, so different camps can experience very different conditions at the same time.
This contrast between dry winter weather and seasonal floodwater creates a beautiful safari environment. Depending on the camp and local water levels, activities may include game drives, boating and mokoro excursions.
Chobe and the Linyanti region are also excellent in August as wildlife gathers in increasing numbers along permanent rivers and channels.
Zimbabwe
August is an excellent safari month in Zimbabwe. Hwange National Park is especially rewarding as wildlife becomes increasingly dependent on permanent and pumped waterholes.
Elephants can gather in impressive numbers, while buffalo, lions, wild dogs and a wide range of plains game are also regularly encountered.
Mana Pools is another strong August choice, with dry conditions concentrating wildlife along the Zambezi floodplain and surrounding areas.
Victoria Falls has lower water than earlier in the year, which means less spray and clearer views into the gorge and across more of the rock face.
Namibia
August is one of the best months for a Namibia safari. Conditions are dry, skies are generally clear and wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent as animals gather around permanent waterholes.
It is also a very good month for a wider Namibia circuit combining Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha.
Days begin to warm compared with the coldest winter months, although desert and inland mornings can still be very cold, especially before sunrise.
Zambia
August is an outstanding month in Zambia. The dry season is well established and wildlife becomes increasingly concentrated around rivers, lagoons and permanent water.
South Luangwa National Park is particularly rewarding, with excellent conditions for both game drives and walking safaris.
Kafue National Park offers a very different safari experience, with vast landscapes and fewer visitors in many areas, while the Lower Zambezi combines strong wildlife viewing with boating, canoeing and other river based activities depending on the lodge and local conditions.
South Africa
August is one of the best months for a safari in the northern regions of South Africa, especially in Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves.
The bush is dry and relatively open, natural water is limited and wildlife gathers around rivers and waterholes. This can make animals easier to locate, while mornings and evenings remain cool enough to need warm layers.
Cape Town and the Western Cape have a very different winter climate. August can bring rain, cooler temperatures and shorter days, but clear sunny spells are still possible.
August is also part of the whale watching season along the southern coastline, making South Africa particularly appealing for travellers wanting to combine safari with a marine wildlife experience.
Madagascar
August is a very good month to visit Madagascar. The dry season is well established, road conditions are generally reliable and most national parks are accessible.
It is an excellent time for itineraries focused on lemurs, forests and national parks, although evenings can be cool in the central highlands.
August is also one of the strongest months for humpback whale watching around parts of Madagascar’s coastline, particularly around Sainte Marie and the east coast. This makes it possible to combine land based wildlife with a memorable marine experience.
So, where is best for an African safari in August?
August is one of the easiest months in which to find excellent safari conditions across a wide range of African destinations.
- For the Great Migration: Kenya and northern Tanzania
- For gorilla trekking: Rwanda and Uganda
- For the Okavango Delta: Botswana
- For walking safaris: Zambia
- For elephants and waterhole wildlife: Zimbabwe
- For Etosha and desert landscapes: Namibia
- For Kruger combined with whale watching: South Africa
- For lemurs and humpback whales: Madagascar
The main trade off in August is demand. This is peak season in many safari areas, so availability can be tight and prices are generally higher. Booking well in advance gives you a much better choice of camps, lodges and locations.
If you are thinking about travelling to Africa in August, we can help you compare the different destinations and choose the areas that best suit your interests, travel style and budget. You are welcome to book a phone or Zoom conversation with us to start exploring the possibilities.
