January lands in the middle of two very different seasons across Africa, one dry and sunny, the other green and rainy, depending on where you go.
East Africa sits in its short dry spell this month, which lines up with wildebeest calving season in the Serengeta and Ndutu area, drawing wildlife watchers hoping to see newborn animals. Cape Town and South Africa's Cape region enjoy a dry, sunny summer in January, similar to a Mediterranean climate. Further north, safari regions in Botswana and Zambia are deep into their green season instead, with lush landscapes and fewer crowds, though wildlife can be harder to spot once water is no longer scarce. North Africa stays mild this time of year, better suited to walking cities and markets than the summer heat allows.
The destinations on our list for Africa reflect that same split between dry season safaris and quieter, greener alternatives.
