East Africa is a year-round destination, but the timing of your trip can make all the difference—especially if you’re chasing wildlife sightings, clear skies, or specific natural events.
Kenya
Kenya’s dry seasons—June to October and January to February—are prime time for safaris. The Great Migration crosses into the Maasai Mara from late July to October, offering dramatic river crossings and predator action. If you prefer fewer crowds and lush scenery, the short rains in November still allow for good game viewing.
Uganda
Uganda’s highlights, especially gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are best experienced during the dry months of June to August and December to February. Trails are less slippery, and wildlife is easier to spot in open clearings. Birdwatchers might prefer March to May, when migratory species arrive, though this is wetter.
Tanzania
For classic safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, aim for June to October. This is peak wildlife viewing season, with dry landscapes forcing animals to gather around water sources. The calving season in southern Serengeti—January to February—is a photographer’s dream, as thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators. The Zanzibar coast is best from June to October or December to February for sunny beach days.
Rwanda
Rwanda’s mountain gorillas can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons of mid-December to early February and June to September offer easier hiking in Volcanoes National Park. The wetter months still have trekking permits available and fewer visitors, which can make for a more intimate experience.
General Tips
• Dry season (June to October) = best wildlife viewing across all four countries.
• Shoulder months (November, March–May) = fewer tourists, lower prices, greener landscapes, but more rain.
• Event-based travel: Time your trip for the Great Migration in Kenya/Tanzania or gorilla trekking in Uganda/Rwanda.
By aligning your visit with the dry season—or a major wildlife spectacle—you’ll get the clearest skies, easiest access to parks, and the most rewarding encounters with East Africa’s incredible wildlife.