Safari PlanningOne of the most common questions we hear from British and European travellers is simple: when should I go on safari? The answer depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, and how much you want to spend. East Africa — spanning Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda — offers incredible wildlife experiences year-round, but each month brings something different.
Here’s your complete month-by-month breakdown to help you plan the perfect safari from London, Amsterdam, Paris, or anywhere in Europe.
The southern Serengeti comes alive as over two million wildebeest give birth in a matter of weeks. Predator action is at its peak, making this one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on the planet. Temperatures are warm but manageable, and direct flights from London Heathrow to Kilimanjaro make access straightforward. Budget around £3,500–£5,000 per person for a seven-day Tanzania safari during this period, including flights from the UK.
This is East Africa’s long rains season — and the best-kept secret for budget-conscious European travellers. Lodge rates in Kenya and Tanzania can drop by 30–40%, and you’ll share the parks with far fewer tourists. Uganda and Rwanda remain excellent during this period, as gorilla trekking operates rain or shine. A seven-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari can start from around £2,800 per person in the green season, a significant saving compared to peak months.
May sees the tail end of the rains, and by mid-June East Africa enters its long dry season. The Great Migration herds begin their northward journey through the western Serengeti corridor, with dramatic river crossings starting in late June. This is a sweet spot for European visitors: shoulder-season pricing meets increasingly spectacular wildlife. Flights from London to Nairobi are often competitively priced, with return fares from around £450.
If you’re reading this in August, you’ve picked the most popular time. The wildebeest migration reaches the Masai Mara in Kenya, and the famous Mara River crossings draw wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. This coincides perfectly with European summer holidays, making it the busiest — and most expensive — period. Expect to pay £4,500–£7,000 per person for a week-long Kenya safari. Book well in advance, as the best lodges and camps fill up months ahead.
For a quieter alternative during July and August, consider Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls offer superb game viewing without the Mara crowds, and gorilla permits in Bwindi are easier to secure than Rwanda’s during peak season. A ten-day Uganda safari with gorilla trekking typically costs £3,800–£5,200 per person from London.
September and October are arguably the best-value months for European travellers who want peak-season wildlife without peak-season prices. The migration is still in the Mara, the weather across East Africa is dry and sunny, and accommodation rates begin to soften. Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park is phenomenal in October, with vast elephant herds gathering around the shrinking Tarangire River. Direct flights from Heathrow and Schiphol make this an easy long-weekend-plus-holiday option.
November brings the short rains, refreshing the landscape and offering lush, green photography. By mid-December, the rains ease and East Africa enters its festive safari season. Christmas and New Year safaris are increasingly popular with European families, and many luxury camps offer special holiday programmes. A festive-season Kenya or Tanzania safari for a family of four typically runs £12,000–£18,000 including flights from London, with early booking essential.
Unlike savannah safaris, gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park operates throughout the year. Uganda’s permits cost $800 compared to Rwanda’s $1,500, making it the more affordable option. The driest months — June to September and December to February — are the easiest for hiking, but trekking is possible in any month. From Europe, Uganda is accessible via Entebbe with connections through Amsterdam, Istanbul, or Addis Ababa.
Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration in August, seeking green-season value in March, or planning a festive family adventure in December, Nature Nest Safaris can tailor the perfect East African itinerary around your dates and budget. We specialise in crafting bespoke safaris for European travellers, with expert advice on flights, visa requirements, and the best experiences for every season.
Ready to plan your safari? Contact Nature Nest Safaris at book@naturenestsafaris.com or call +256 777 131 912.
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