Best destinations to visit in August in Africa
Best destinations to visit in August in Africa
August remains one of the strongest months for East African safaris, with dry conditions and active wildlife holding steady from July.
The wildebeest migration is often still crossing the Mara River in August, giving wildlife watchers another good window to catch the herds in motion. Southern safari regions in Botswana, Zambia and South Africa's Kruger area stay deep in their dry season too, with clear skies and reliable wildlife sightings, though nights remain cold. Cape Town and the wider Cape region are nearing the end of their rainy winter, with conditions gradually improving as the month goes on. North Africa stays hot inland, with its Mediterranean coast remaining the more comfortable option for travelers avoiding the interior heat. Warm layers stay useful for early mornings even in regions well into their dry season.
The destinations on our list for Africa reflect that continued dry season strength found across the continent's safari regions.
Lists by region
Country
South Africa
Where wildlife meets diverse landscapes
Varied and well developed for visitors, this country has safari, coast and city travel in one trip. Kruger National Park is dry in August and animals gather at rivers. Southern right whales visit the coast near Hermanus from about June to November. Cape Town is cool and can be wet.
Country
Kenya
Safari paradise meets coastal charm
Dozens of parks and reserves, plus Indian Ocean beaches, fit into one trip. Amboseli has elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro behind them. Samburu in the north has rare species such as the Grevy's zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Diani Beach has white sand and calm water for a rest after safari.
Country
Namibia
Desert wilderness meets wildlife wonders
Days are warm and dry in the desert. Nights can be cold, so pack a jacket. The red dunes of Sossusvlei and the dead trees of Deadvlei are clear in the sharp light. Swakopmund on the coast has sandboarding and quad bike tours. Roads are quiet and the skies are full of stars.
Town in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders
A common way to see the falls is to walk the rain forest path on the Zimbabwe side. Spray soaks visitors near the edge. The water is lower than in April and May, so views of the cliffs are clearer. The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Nature Reserve in Kenya
Maasai Mara
Endless savannahs echo with wildlife rhythms
The reserve is named for the Maasai people who live around it and for the Mara River. Wildebeest herds crowd the river banks before they cross. Lions, leopards and cheetahs are easy to find on the open plains. Hot air balloon rides drift above the grass at sunrise.
Island in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
This island off the coast of Tanzania has white sand beaches, coral reefs and the old town of Stone Town. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow lanes and carved wooden doors. Spice farm tours show cloves and vanilla. The weather is dry and mild.
National Park in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
The Ultimate Safari Adventure
The name comes from a Maasai word meaning endless plain. Wildebeest herds cross the Mara River in the northern Serengeti in August. Crocodiles wait in the water. Lions and cheetahs follow the herds across the grass. The park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
National Park in Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
Elephant Paradise with Baobab Backdrops
Herds of elephants gather along the Tarangire River from about June to October, when water elsewhere has dried up. Giant baobab trees stand across the hills. Lions rest in the shade of acacia trees. Zebras and wildebeest also come to the river to drink. Birdlife is rich, with more than 500 species recorded.
National Park in Namibia
Etosha National Park
Namibia's Wildlife Sanctuary
Dry, white and open, this park is built around a huge salt pan that is visible from space. Waterholes draw elephants, lions and black rhinos in the dry months. Floodlit waterholes at the rest camps let guests watch animals after dark. Roads are good enough for a hire car.
National Park in Botswana
Chobe National Park
Elephant Haven in Botswana
The park was created in 1967 and has one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. Herds come to the Chobe River to drink and bathe in the dry months. Boat safaris pass hippos, crocodiles and buffalo from the water. Game drives along the riverfront are busy with animals.
Nature Reserve in Botswana
Okavango Delta
Africa’s Uncharted Water Wilderness
Guides pole mokoro, traditional dugout canoes, through reed channels. Water from Angola's rains reaches the delta in the dry months, so channels are full in August. Elephants and hippos gather near the water. Camps on islands have tents with views of the floodplain. Evenings are quiet except for frogs and hippos.
National Park in Zambia
South Luangwa National Park
Walking Safaris and Wild Encounters
The park covers about 9,000 square kilometres along the Luangwa River. Hippos and crocodiles crowd the river as the water level falls. Walking safaris and night drives are popular. Leopards are seen often. Thornicroft's giraffe, a kind found only in this valley, feeds on the trees.
National Park in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Encounters in Ancient Forest
This ancient forest grows on steep hills in southwestern Uganda near the border with Congo. About half of the world's mountain gorillas live here. Trails are less muddy in the drier months from June to August. Rangers lead small groups to gorilla families. A permit is required for each trek.
National Park in Tanzania
Ruaha National Park
Untamed savannahs echo with ancient rhythms
Compared with the Serengeti this park is wilder and quieter, with only a few camps. It has large lion prides and many greater kudu antelope. The Great Ruaha River draws elephants and giraffes in the dry months. Baobab trees stand across the dry hills. Sunsets over the plains are wide and quiet.
National Park in Tanzania
Nyerere National Park
Untamed savannahs echo with wildlife symphony
The park lies in southern Tanzania along the Rufiji River. Boat safaris pass hippos, crocodiles and elephants at the water's edge. Walking safaris with armed rangers are also offered. Wild dogs are seen here more often than in many northern parks. Lakes and channels are good places for birdwatching.
National Park in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Majestic volcanoes rise over misty valleys
This park is smaller than Bwindi and only a two hour drive from Kigali. Visitors trek through bamboo forest on volcano slopes to see mountain gorilla families. A permit is required for each trek. Golden monkeys can also be seen. The grave of researcher Dian Fossey is a day hike away.
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