Posted by Safari in August can easily be named the busiest safari season on the African calendar – and there are many good reasons to consider a safari in August as one of the best. Wildlife sights have reached their peak, and the Northern Hemisphere holiday season is upon us.
National parks and wildlife archives have been booked for months, even years, and prices are at their highest. Forget discounted or last-minute businesses; This is when lodges and hotels make their profit.
Temperatures and humidity levels have dropped substantially from the height of the rainy summer, and dark times can be chilly – especially if you live near bodies of water and at higher altitudes.
Be sure to pack those scarves, gloves, and beanies for a game drive. From mid-morning and most of the daylight, short sleeves are ideal, with temperatures in the mid to mid-to-late period (Celsius).
Many of these worrisome mosquitoes and other pests have largely disappeared, and even though the risk of malaria is low during the cold, dry months, we suggest you take precautionary measures during Safari in August.
The lack of rainfall and seasonal groundwater sources means that animals are collected in permanent water sources such as perennial rivers, dams, and deep pools.
Best Safari Destinations in August You Can Make
Many species – such as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, and zebras that fanned the widespread, distant backcountry during the wet months – have now returned to the vicinity of the tourist lodge – bringing with them predators during Safari in August.
This concentration of wildlife close to water sources makes their movements more predictable which means your guide will have an easier time finding them for you.
Added to this is the fact that many trees and shrubs have their leaves and grasses dry on the stalks – so it’s easier to see animals than a lot of rain.
Of course, these seasonal rituals will be the exception – including Cape Town and the Garden Route, where the Mediterranean climate brings wet and cool weather in August that lasts up to Safari in October.
1. South Africa
August is a great time to visit the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa for all the above reasons. But be aware that even though the local school holidays are over, international visitors are at a disadvantage at this time of year.
To avoid the crowds, we recommend the private archive at the west end of the park, where the privacy enhances the experience, and great guides will increase your chances of finding the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo).
In South Africa, we also offer a safari for the Madikwe Game Reserve in August. Not only is it a malaria-free zone, but it’s also a great place to look for the Big 5 and other endangered species such as leopards, wild dogs, and brown hyenas.
August is also a great time to visit Botswana anywhere.
The annual flood boat has flooded the Okavango Delta from its source in the Ongawan Highlands, and the waters of this wonderland are breathtaking.
Rainfall throughout Botswana has dried up seasonal monsoon water sources, and wildlife feeds on northern water sources, such as the Chivi River and perennial rivers during Safari in August.
In Zambia, it is leopard-centered in the Luangwa Valley and Kafue National Park is in full safari mode.
Seasonal bush camps in the South Luangwa National Park are a special treat for weekly safari travelers and walking safari enthusiasts.
Zimbabwe’s safari season is also in full swing, with Havaje National Park attracting large numbers of elephants, lions, and other species that are attracted to pump water, and Mana Pools National Park offers some of the best elephants and wild dog breeds.
And then there is Victoria Falls for both Zambian and Zimbabwe, which are open for business all year round and are a must for any serious Africa-fanatics.
2. Deserts in Dubai
Many tourists who visit Dubai in the summer question if they can still go on a desert safari. In the late afternoon, a desert safari guide will take you up from your hotel or another place of lodging in Dubai.
The car will head for the stunning Arabian Desert. Without any dune-bashing, they will transport you straight to the tent in the desert. The desert safari is available from 8 am to 11 am in the morning and from 4 pm to 9 pm in the evening.
The Evening Desert Safari from Arabian Adventures, which combines dune driving with animal viewing, is the ideal way to experience the finest of the desert in the summer. A desert safari may be planned at any time of the year, but the summer months of July and August offer some incredible savings. August in the Dubai Desert Safari is cooler and less humid than in the metropolis. There will be available because there are several businesses.
Some of the preferable desert safari locations are:
- Arabian Desert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Thar Desert in Jaisalmer, India.
- Sahara Desert in Bahariya, Egypt.
- Oman’s Muscat: Wahiba Sands.
- Black Rock Desert in Nevada, United States of America (USA).
- Chihuahuan Desert, White Sands National Monument, USA.
3. East and Central Africa
August sees the Great Wildebeest migration to the northern Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and faces one of their biggest challenges: crossing the Mara River to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
And while the burning minimum spells are mesmerizing, they are probably responsible for transporting the largest number of dead and killing thousands of valedictorians.
Sometimes the cattle are drowned on steep shores on their creeks after crossing the river or drowned by a lion, and many people are killed alone.
They are trying to piece together equally steep banks on the other side by the sheer volume of unlucky Hollywood to sink in as others sink during Safari in August. Every death means dinner for crocodiles, birds, and fish – that is the grace of nature.
And in panic, the dust and the noise, the big cats and the hyenas pick up the stragglers and the wounded.
Be careful that the riverside, aside from the huge sails, also attracts a large number of tourists, who gather at strategic points to see this view.
There is no classification system, such as privately-operated wealthy guests in the swing of open Land Rovers to get the best view by engaging in mini-vans with pop-up roofs with budget back-packers during Safari in August.
4. Tanzania
Tanzania provides a wide range of possibilities in August. At this time of year, the Serengeti National Park is quite popular due to the Great Migration, which is taking center stage as daily river crossings take place in the park’s northern Lamai/Kogatende region. The epicenter of the elephant migration in the area is Tarangire.
These two migrations together is a well-liked and excellent strategies. The Serengeti and Masai Mara are where most people go on safari at this time of year, after the Wildebeest Migration, despite the fact that the Selous is a far larger reserve. Thus, you benefit from both the finest sightings and the absence of tourists in a sizable area of the reserve.
5. Namibia
Wildlife gathers at the permanent waterholes in the pan as winter tightens its hold on Namibia’s arid terrain. Namibia at this time of year is stunning. Hides at water sites place safari-goers right in the middle of the activity from late May to late September. The cattle have no option but to quench their thirst as the lions anxiously wait.
The best safari location in the nation, Etosha National Park, is a great addition to any itinerary in Africa at this time of year since wildlife watching there is at its height. With gorgeous weather and bright skies in August, trips to the desert and to the Skeleton Coast are quite rewarding.
6. Malawi
The dry season, which lasts from May to October, is the ideal time to travel to Malawi. It’s a chilly time of year with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 33°C, brilliant sunshine, and crisp evenings. The nine national parks and wildlife reserves in Malawi are the best places to go on safari since they span such a wide range of topography and plant life, adding to the variety of safaris available all across the country.
In April and May, Malawi starts to dry out, bringing with it more sunshine and constant temperatures ideal for seeing wildlife emerge throughout Liwonde National Park. The dry season, which lasts from May to October, is the ideal time to travel to Malawi. The weather is cooler, there is plenty of sunshine, and the scenery is lush and green.
After a few days in the dry bush, cool off on Lake Malawi’s beaches by sailing, snorkeling, or just relaxing with a beverage. One of the world’s most diverse populations of cichlids—colorful tiny fish that delight snorkelers—can be found in Lake Malawi.
7. Botswana
The busiest months for wildlife watching in Botswana are August and September. This month, the Moremi, Chobe, and Linyanti regions are truly world-class. Elephant density in the Chobe and Linyanti areas is unmatched in Africa at any time of year.
Furthermore, during the seasonal Okavango floods, water rushes onto the floodplains and streams. Reduced dry land areas concentrate game, while readily available water supplies draw scatted species. In August, safari visitors may take a boat or mokoro safari to explore the waterways and get a new perspective on this unique mosaic of ecosystems.
8. Angola
After the winter and right before the beginning of the rainy season, this virgin location offers a genuine jungle excursion with lots of species to observe. There is a lot of crime in Angola. Small-time stealing armed robberies and carjacking are examples of common crimes. Violent crime is far more likely to occur at night. Never go on a nighttime or solo walk.
In Angola, the greatest area to go on a safari is Kissama National Park. It is highly accessible, even for short-day visits, especially for those who do not have enough time for a safari because it is located around 75 kilometers from the capital city.
Angola’s breathtaking natural beauty is among the top reasons to visit. We might remark that the nation is fortunate to have such a magnificent environment. There are many different types of sceneries there, including white-sand beaches, green hills, tropical jungles, sandy deserts, magnificent waterfalls, and more.
9. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a wonderful place to visit in August because of the bright days, pleasant daytime temperatures (dipping below 10C at night), and abundant wildlife. When it comes to wildlife viewing, Zimbabwe is at its most beautiful between July and October. Huge herds gather in lakes, artificial waterholes, and rivers when the natural waterholes in the parks dry up.
Traveling to Zimbabwe in August is a fantastic idea because most of the parks have exceptional animal sightings and dry weather. Use our month-by-month Zimbabwe climate information and planning advice to organize a safari. All year long, Zimbabwe is a great safari location, but the months of June to September are the greatest. Since it falls during the dry season, it’s a great opportunity to watch the animals gathered near waterholes.
There are 25 safaris available in Zimbabwe, with lengths ranging from 1 to 16 days. December is the busiest month for these excursions. The best experiences may be found in Hwange, Gonarezhou, and Mana Pools National Parks, as well as Victoria Falls, adventure activities, safaris, and renowned beauty.
10. Zambia
The best walking conditions in Africa are during the height of the safari season when there is abundant game viewing and milder, drier weather. Zambia is less crowded and ideal for seasoned safari travelers since it is still a “safari secret.” The Luangwa, one of the greatest walking regions in Africa, is now offering fantastic walking safaris and frequent game drives. The Lower Zambezi is a beautiful park at this time of year and a crowd favorite.
Kafue National Park is a different park that should be considered for the August holidays. The Busanga Plains in Kafue may only be visited from June to October because the wet summer months make them impassable. Game drives and hot-air balloon rides are highlights, and exciting game sightings will give you enough to celebrate as you float down to earth for your Champagne brunch after the trip.
11. Rwanda
With the end of the rainy season for Uganda’s Bibindi Irrigation National Park and Kibale National Park and Rwanda’s volcanic national park, gorillas, chimps, and gold monkeys, scenes of mountains and volcanic waters are now gone forever.
Here are our top accommodations for gorilla trekking, Big 5 game drives, hiking volcanoes, and other safari activities in Rwanda. Gorilla Trekking Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu Rwanda, and Volcanoes National Park, are some of the top wildlife places for safaris in Rwanda.
For trekking lowland gorillas, head to Odjala-Kokoa National Park in Congo to catch up with these humble monsters of the dry season, as well as other specialties like bongos, forest buffalo, and forest elephants.
For bird watchers, August is plenty of time in Uganda and Rwanda. The brief rains have come to an end, and the Albertine Rift Endemics have to survive here.
What is the price of a safari?
A safari is often not inexpensive. For most individuals, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the cost reflects that. Your safari’s price may differ significantly as well, depending on its location, when you travel (low season, shoulder season, or peak season), how opulent it is, and how long you stay.
- A cheap African safari costs about $300 per person per night.
- An average African safari costs between $600 and $800 per person per night.
- A luxurious African safari costs each guest between $1,000 and $1,300 per night.
- A high-end African safari may cost more than $2,000 per person each night.
The cost of your international flights and the cost of a bush flight between camps, which may range from $200 to $400 per person for each trip, are normally not included in this pricing.
Depending on when you visit Botswana, Brave Africa is a mid-range African safari that costs between $500 and $750 per night/person. The price may change from time to time.
Final thought
Your choice of safari and, ultimately, your budget will determine where you go on an African safari in August. A legitimate contender for the most unforgettable safari experience on the continent, the Great Migration starts to travel from northern Serengeti into Kenya in East Africa.
Rwanda is the best place to go gorilla trekking since the days are clear. Southern Africa is having a fantastically fantastic August. Particularly Botswana and Zambia provide what we believe to be top-tier safari adventures.
If you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa or take a Big Five African safari in August in the Kruger National Park, timing is everything. Our suggestions are based on our in-depth understanding of the popular vacation seasons in Africa. Highly sought-after avian jewelers such as green broadbills and Green-breasted pitchers breed and are easy to detect during a Safari in August.
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