Posted by Safari in June is a way to enjoy some exclusiveness in nature and the wild for adventure lovers around the world. The mind wants to get out of the monotony and enjoy the charm of nature during the safari in June. In fact, June peaks indicate the start of the safari sand eason, through July and August high visitors still have a month left.
South Africa’s monsoon rear-view mirrors, temperatures, and humidity are low, and all of these systems go into another cracker safari season.
Thin shrubs begin to foliage, the earlier green grasses and shrubs return to dry stalks, and it is now much easier to find these unfinished leopards and lions.
Weather in Africa in June
June is a surprisingly decent time to travel to South Africa, despite being right in the middle of the rainy season. The temperature drops to 7°C at night from an average daily high of 18°C. Subtropical regions receive more rainfall, which results in a thick layer of foliage there, while the desert and urban areas get lots of sunshine.
With the exception of tropical regions like the Garden Route, most of the country may expect lovely, warm, sunny days. While the mercury might reach 32°C in the hottest safari locations, coastal Cape Town can anticipate seeing mild highs of 18°C. It gets warmer, dryer, and brighter the further inland you travel. Highs in Johannesburg are barely 12°C, while nighttime lows can be very low.
Don’t be fooled by cold nights and mornings, especially in high elevations and close waters – and bring warm clothing for that time of your safari day. But for the rest of the day, short sleeves are still the norm, with comfortable temperatures in the mid-to-late decades (Celsius).
Also, expect more dust in the air than in the wet season, so be sure to bring protection to your camera equipment.
Many of those unhealthy mosquitoes and other insects have disappeared, and even though the risk of malaria is low during the cold dry months, we recommend taking precautionary measures during this time.
Best Safari Destinations in June You Can Make
As temporary groundwater sources dry up, the lack of rainfall (beds, walleyes, multi-perennial rivers, etc.) results in animals falling into dense water sources such as perennial rivers, dams, and deep pools.
Many species, such as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, and zebras that fan out over the wet months in the wider, distant backcountry, are now beginning to return to the proximity of tourist lodges – bringing with them predators.
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 to make the safari in June.
Of course, these seasonal rituals will be the exception – including Cape Town and the Garden Route, where the Mediterranean climate brings warm and cool weather in June (though at the time of writing, the region is experiencing severe drought).
By contrast, East Africa is still enjoying its original wet season, with cooling off often in the afternoon during the safari in June.
1. South Africa
June is a great time to visit the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa – before the start of the local school holidays and the main international safari season in June.
We recommend private reservations on the west side of the park, where privacy and lack of crowds add to the experience and great guides increase your chances of finding the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo).
In South Africa, we also recommend giving Madikway Game Reserve a safari in June. 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 during the safari in June.
Tao Pan Camp eats cheetahs from the pool at Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Batalawan
2. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana
June is also a great time to visit Botswana anywhere. The annual flood boat is entering the Okavango Delta from its source in the Angolan Highlands at the time of the safari in June.
Although they are not yet at their peak, there is enough water to experience the magic of this amazing land water Drying temporary water sources from the monsoon rains across Botswana means that wildlife has begun to converge on permanent water sources such as the Chivi River and perennial rivers to feed the northern flood plains while the safari in June.
In Zambia, floodwaters have been reduced from rainfall streams in most parts of the country for 3-5 months of the year, and areas such as Luangwa Valley and Kafue National Park are now open for business.
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.
3. East and Central Africa
That magnificent splendor, The Great Wildebeest Migration, continues northward through the western corridor of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and crosses the dramatic Grumeti River during the safari in June.
Kenya’s Masai Mara is a good bet (any time of the year), though migration is not yet in place, the resident predator and predator species are plentiful and tourist groups have not arrived yet.
Click here for a month-by-month description of the world’s greatest show.
4. National parks in Uganda
Tracking for mountain gorillas, chimps and gold monkeys is now maximum in Uganda’s Bibindi Irrevocable National Park and Kibale National Park, and Rwanda Volcano National Park, with views over mountains and volcanic lakes forever.
For trekking lowland gorillas, head to Odjala-Kokoua National Park in Congo and enjoy this humble monster of the dry season, as well as other specialties like bongos, forest buffalo, and forest elephants.
For bird watchers, June 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.
5. Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of the most stunning wilderness places on the earth is the Okavango Delta, which is located in northern Botswana. Dramatic panoramas may be seen in the water landscape. North-western Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, a large low gradient alluvial fan more generally referred to as an “inland delta.”
The Okavango Delta is a swampy environment strewn over northern Botswana like a fan and teeming with species. The Permanent Okavango River Basin Commission and the Okavango Delta Management Plan work together to cooperatively manage the Okavango delta system.
The Delta is home to both dry and “wet” safari resorts, which essentially provide a range of activities, due to regions of flooding. You may see the animals from many angles by going on game drives, bush walks, boat safaris, or even on local traditional mokoros.
6. Descent the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The world’s biggest caldera is the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater, which was formed more than 2 million years ago, is now a caldera that is home to a variety of resident animals, including elephants, lions, zebra, and antelope.
One of the greatest spots to watch rhinos in Tanzania is also here. Driving down the crater walls is one of the nicest things to do in the region, even though the safari experience within the crater is fantastic.
7. Mountain gorillas, Rwanda
Currently, there are just about 1,000 mountain gorillas living in the wild. Only Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are home to them. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a wonderful choice for individuals who want to combine a safari-like experience with gorilla trekking.
After hiking into the bush, you will get the chance to spend an hour with one of Rwanda’s 12 habituated gorilla families. It’s a very exciting and humbling experience, so soak it all up and appreciate it.
8. Birdlife in the Kenyan Lakes, Kenya
With more than 1,100 different kinds of birds to be found there, Kenya is recognized as one of the top destinations for bird aficionados. While there are many places to see birds in Kenya, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru in the Rift Valley are some of the best.
Freshwater Lake Lake Naivasha is located northwest of Nairobi. Flamingos are well-known for flocking to the beaches of Lake Nakuru in large numbers. Picture of Kenya’s Loldia House
9. Chobe River, Botswana
The most pristine safari location in the world is Botswana. The world’s largest concentration of elephants—roughly 120,000—live in the Chobe National Park. Animals gather on the Chobe River during the dry season, making for amazing game-watching.
Visitors get the opportunity to view the animals from a distinctive perspective while staying aboard a river boat. The animals visit the river to drink, bathe, and play since water is what they are most interested in. You are still there on the boat at night after the park has closed, and it seems like you have the entire reserve to yourself.
10. Canoe safari in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools is a national park in Zimbabwe’s north that is well-known for its wildlife and Zambezi River-related activities. Game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris, to mention a few, are just a few of the many safari activities available at Mana Pools.
A canoe safari is one of the most amazing safari experiences. It’s an exciting way to get on the water and observe elephants, crocodiles, and hippos from the water.
11. Habituated chimpanzees, Uganda
One of the top destinations in Africa for encounters with primates in Uganda. Although most travel plans to Uganda focus on the mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, it is also worthwhile to visit the habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.
Similar to the mountain gorilla adventure, you hike through Kibale Forest with your expert guide and ranger in small groups of no more than six. After you locate the chimpanzee family, you will spend an hour with them observing their intriguing behavior and relationships.
12. Big Five in private game reserves, South Africa
Around 20 national parks and several smaller private game reserves may be found in South Africa. Some of the most well-known places in the nation include the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Thanda, and Madikwe Game Reserve, and they all provide the Big Five safari experience (sightings of the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
A South Africa safari is fantastic because it can be combined with various activities and locations to create a varied holiday. For a superb southern Africa itinerary, you could simply put in a few days in the sophisticated metropolis of Cape Town or a trip to visit the impressive Victoria Falls.
13. Walking safari in South Luangwa, Zambia
One of the most spectacular safari parks is South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. It’s not surprising that the South Luangwa is usually always included on a Zambia safari given that it is home to the greatest number of leopards in all of Africa as well as a profusion of wild dogs, elephants, hippos, and giraffes.
The walking safari originated in South Luangwa. On foot, you also have the chance to notice the more minute details that are sometimes missed on a game drive, such as the flora and animals.
14. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is among the most famous of the wonderful national parks and reserves in East Africa. You may go on game drives in the Serengeti and observe the plethora of local species, including elephants, hippos, antelope, lions, and leopards. The wildebeest migration takes place in the Serengeti, in addition to the local animals.
The Serengeti’s grasslands are crossed by more than 1.5 million wildebeest, who then enter the Masai Mara National Reserve. An unforgettable safari experience is seeing the herds, especially during the calving season and river crossings.
Why are safari guides important and what do they do?
In the African jungle, a safari guide serves as your host. Years have been spent learning everything there is to know about beauty, safety, and animals. They are authorities in their profession and have the power to make or ruin your safari trip. They’ll keep track of the animals, respond to your inquiries, describe what you’re seeing and feeling, and make sure nothing goes wrong.
A top-notch safari guide in Africa will:
- On every leg of your travel, be sure you’re safe.
- For a sustainable and environmentally friendly safari, take into account the animals.
- Bring you on a walking safari to get a close-up look at the animals.
- Track animals using their droppings, noises, and other clues.
- They’ll astound you with their bushcraft expertise. You may compare them to any manual.
- provide you with the most amazing hospitality.
- They should talk about their local knowledge of the place.
- Get you off the beaten path so you can see something spectacular.
- Keep even children amused and secure in the wilderness.
Final thought
Choose from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda since they are all enjoying their peak safari season at this time of year. East Africa is the top safari location in June. Despite being in Africa, be prepared for the chilly mornings and evenings.
Best safaris in East Africa in June – The dry season, when most sub-Saharan African safaris start to occur, makes June the ideal month to travel on an East African safari. Animals prefer to gather near water sources during this period of water scarcity, making them easier to see.
Highly sought-after avian jewelers such as green broadbills and Green-breasted pitchers breed and are easy to detect during the safari in June.
Other Recommended Reading
- 7 African Small Cats – Profile | Facts | Description | Habitat | Traits
- Khwai River Lodge – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- 12 Magnificent African Safari Animals – List | Ecosystem | Travel
- Chitabe Camp Botswana – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- 15 African Nocturnal Animals You Would Encounter in the Safari
- Victoria Falls River Lodge – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- Impala Animal – Facts | Profile | Description | Diet | Habitat | Traits
- Tongabezi Lodge – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- Dung Beetle – Facts | Traits | Profile | Ecology | Behavior | Function
- Inverdoorn Game Reserve – Amenities | Highlights | Review
- Gomoti Plains Camp – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- African Wild Dogs – Profile | Facts | Pet | Traits | Behavior | Prey
- Stanley’s Camp Botswana – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- 10 Reasons Travelers Choose Namibia Vacation On the Top
- 22 Curious Facts About The Okavango Delta
- Ndutu Safari Lodge Serengeti – Reviews | Amenities | Contacts
- Galapagos Safari Camp – Reviews | Amenities | Highlights
- Okavango River – Facts | Delta | Basin | Map
- Lewa Safari Camp Kenya – Reviews | Location | Activities
- Mombo Camp Botswana – Rates | Amenities | Reviews | Contacts
