February can be an excellent month for an African safari, especially if you choose your destination around the season. In East Africa, it is one of the most exciting times to be in northern Tanzania, where the Great Migration herds gather across the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains and large numbers of wildebeest calves are born.
Across much of Southern Africa, February falls within the green season. Summer rain transforms the landscape, bringing lush vegetation, dramatic skies, migratory birds and plenty of young animals. Wildlife can be more dispersed than in the dry season, but areas such as Botswana’s Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi can be particularly rewarding at this time of year.
Where to go on safari in East Africa in February?
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Masai Mara | BEST | 12°C to 28°C | Approx. 100 mm |
| Tanzania | Serengeti | BEST | 15°C to 27°C | Approx. 94 mm |
| Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | GOOD | 7°C to 15°C | Approx. 141 mm |
| Uganda | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | BEST | 12°C to 22°C | Approx. 92 mm |
Tanzania
February is one of the standout months for a safari in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
At this time of year, the Great Migration is concentrated across the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. Vast herds of wildebeest and zebra spread across the short grass plains, taking advantage of the fresh grazing created by seasonal rain.
February is especially famous for wildebeest calving. Thousands of calves can be born over a relatively short period, and this abundance of young animals attracts predators including lions, cheetahs and hyenas. The result can be some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing of the year.
The scenery is also beautiful, with green plains and stormy skies creating excellent photographic conditions. A February safari can combine the Serengeti National Park with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Ngorongoro Crater.
Kenya
Kenya can also be a very good safari destination in February. Conditions are often warm and relatively dry in many of the main wildlife areas, making it a comfortable month for game viewing.
Although the main Great Migration herds are in Tanzania, Kenya has excellent resident wildlife throughout the year. Areas such as the greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Laikipia and Amboseli continue to offer rewarding sightings of elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and plains game.
Private wildlife conservancies can be particularly appealing. Depending on the conservancy, guests may be able to enjoy off road game viewing, guided walks and night game drives, with lower vehicle numbers at sightings than are often experienced in the national parks and reserves.
For more information, see our guide to Kenya wildlife conservancies.
Rwanda and Uganda
February is also a good month to consider gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, although conditions differ between the two countries.
Uganda is generally still within one of its drier periods, which can make trekking conditions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park more comfortable than during the wetter months.
In Rwanda, the first half of February can still be relatively dry, although rainfall often starts to increase as the country moves towards the main rainy season. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is possible year round, but trails can become muddier as rainfall increases.
Both countries offer much more than gorillas. A primate focused itinerary can include chimpanzee trekking, wildlife safaris and other forest experiences, making February an interesting option for travellers looking for a combination of wildlife and primates.
Where to go on safari in Southern Africa in February?
February is one of the wetter summer months across much of Southern Africa. The landscape is at its greenest, birdlife is excellent and many antelope species have young.
The trade off is that wildlife can be more dispersed because natural water is widely available. Some remote camps close during the rains and certain roads can become difficult, so choosing the right safari area is important.
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana | Khwai / Okavango | LOW | 17°C to 35°C | Approx. 97 mm |
| Madagascar | Andasibe-Mantadia | MIXED | 17°C to 28°C | Approx. 341 mm |
| Namibia | Etosha | MIXED | 15°C to 34°C | Approx. 99 mm |
| South Africa | Kruger | MIXED | 18°C to 34°C | Approx. 99 mm |
| Zambia | South Luangwa | MIXED | 18°C to 33°C | Approx. 206 mm |
| Zimbabwe | Hwange | MIXED | 14°C to 33°C | Approx. 114 mm |
Botswana
February is part of Botswana’s green season, and while this is not the classic dry season safari period, it can be particularly rewarding in the Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi.
Summer rain transforms the Central Kalahari Game Reserve into open green grasslands. Springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest and other herbivores gather around the fresh grazing, attracting predators in turn.
In the Makgadikgadi Pans, seasonal rain can attract large numbers of zebra and wildebeest, while wet conditions may also draw flamingos and other waterbirds to the pans. It is a very different Botswana experience from the dry winter months.
Zimbabwe
February falls within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Hwange National Park is green and beautiful, birdlife is excellent and there are plenty of young animals around.
Wildlife is more dispersed because natural water is readily available, so game viewing is generally less concentrated around permanent waterholes. Some seasonal camps may also be closed.
For travellers who enjoy dramatic skies, green landscapes and quieter safari areas, February can still be rewarding, but it offers a very different experience from Zimbabwe’s dry season.
Namibia
February is midsummer in Namibia and can be hot, especially in the interior. Rainfall is more likely in the northern and central parts of the country, while the south remains generally drier.
After good rain, parts of Namibia can become surprisingly green. Birdlife is excellent, but animals around Etosha are more dispersed because they are less dependent on permanent waterholes.
Road conditions can occasionally be affected by heavy summer storms, particularly on gravel roads, so itineraries need to allow for the season.
Zambia
February is deep in Zambia’s rainy season. Rivers and floodplains can be high, roads in remote wildlife areas may become difficult and many seasonal bush camps remain closed.
There are still lodges and areas that operate at this time of year, and the scenery can be spectacularly green. However, for a first safari to Zambia, we would usually recommend travelling during the drier months when a much wider selection of camps and activities is available.
South Africa
South Africa has several different climate zones, so February conditions depend very much on where you travel.
Cape Town and the Western Cape are enjoying warm, dry summer weather, making February a popular month for the city, Winelands and Garden Route.
Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves are in their summer rainfall season. The bush is lush and thick, temperatures can be hot and afternoon storms are possible, but birdlife is excellent and many animals have young.
Combining Cape Town with a short safari therefore works well in February, as long as travellers understand they are experiencing green season conditions in the northeast.
Madagascar
February is not usually our first choice for a Madagascar itinerary.
It falls within the hot, wet season and tropical cyclones are possible. Heavy rain can affect roads, internal travel and access to some national parks, particularly in remote areas.
For travellers whose priority is wildlife, national parks and overland touring, there are generally better months to visit Madagascar.
So, where is best for an African safari in February?
There is no single best destination because the right choice depends on what you most want to experience.
- For wildebeest calving and predator activity: Tanzania
- For excellent resident wildlife and private conservancies: Kenya
- For gorilla trekking and primates: Uganda and Rwanda
- For a Southern African green season safari: Botswana’s Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi
- For Cape Town combined with safari: South Africa
February is a month of contrasts. In East Africa, it offers one of the year’s great wildlife spectacles on the southern Serengeti plains. In Southern Africa, it is a lush and quieter time of year that rewards travellers who are comfortable with summer rain and want to see a very different side of the bush.
If you are thinking about travelling to Africa in February, 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.
