Best destinations to visit in January in Africa
Best destinations to visit in January in Africa
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.
Lists by region
Country
Egypt
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
January has cool dry days and chilly nights, which makes it a comfortable month for walking among the tombs of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and the huge columns of Karnak. Nile cruise boats run between Luxor and Aswan with guests on the sun deck in pleasant weather.
Road in South Africa
Garden Route
Scenic vineyards and coastal cliffs
January is warm and sunny on this scenic coast in South Africa, but it is also a busy holiday month. Rooms and hire cars should be booked early. Popular stops include Tsitsikamma National Park, the Wilderness lakes and the beaches at Plettenberg Bay. Dolphins are often seen from the shore.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
A lively coastal city lies below the flat top of Table Mountain, with beaches and vineyards close by. January is mid summer with long, sunny days, so beach time and hikes are easy to plan. Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach are popular day trips.
Country
Kenya
Safari paradise meets coastal charm
Kenya is named after Mount Kenya, which the Kikuyu people call Kirinyaga, meaning mountain of whiteness, while in January the country has dry sunny weather between the short and long rains. Game drives in Tsavo are dusty but animals gather at waterholes while Diani and Lamu have warm calm beaches.
Country
Tanzania
Wild safaris meet tropical beaches
Tanganyika and the island of Zanzibar joined in 1964 to form Tanzania, a country where wildebeest herds graze on the southern Serengeti plains with newborn calves in January. Rain showers keep the countryside green and lodge rates lower, while Lake Manyara has forest, hippos and birds.
Country
Namibia
Desert wilderness meets wildlife wonders
Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Kalahari Desert, Namibia has a hot rainy season in January, when summer storms turn the plains of Etosha green and animals have their young. Climbers go up Big Daddy dune at Sossusvlei before sunrise to avoid the heat, while the coast stays cool and foggy.
Country
Botswana
Safari paradise with diverse landscapes
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remains of an ancient lake that dried up thousands of years ago while in January summer rains fill them so zebra herds move to fresh grass at Nxai Pan. This green season has fewer visitors and lower lodge rates while the Okavango has baby impala and nesting birds.
Country
Zambia
Wild safaris meet thundering waterfalls
On the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls has rising water in January as the rains build towards the peak flow around April, so the spray and roar grow each week. Elsewhere the bush is green and lodge rates are low, while South Luangwa has birds and newborn impala.
Nature Reserve in Kenya
Maasai Mara
Endless savannahs echo with wildlife rhythms
Compared with the busy months of July to October, this reserve in southwest Kenya is quieter in January. Most of the wildebeest herds are in Tanzania then, but resident lions, elephants and giraffes are easy to find. Lodges often have lower prices and fewer vehicles at sightings.
Nature Reserve in Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Nature's Untamed Sanctuary
A highland area in northern Tanzania includes the Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera with wildlife all year. The southern plains near Ndutu are where wildebeest herds give birth, usually in January and February. Lions and hyenas follow the herds. The crater floor is a good place to see black rhinos.
City in South Africa
Stellenbosch
Wine, Heritage and Mountain Views
Governor Simon van der Stel founded this town in 1679 beside the Eerste River. White gabled Cape Dutch houses and old oak trees remain in the centre. Nearby wine estates offer tastings. January is a warm month for lunches outdoors. The university gives the town a youthful feel.
Island in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
Weather is hot and mostly dry in January. The Indian Ocean is warm enough for long swims. Beaches on the north and east coasts have white sand and clear water. Stone Town has old Swahili houses, carved doors and spice markets. Dhow boat trips and snorkelling are easy to arrange.
Country
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
Creole cooks in the Seychelles grill red snapper and serve it with rice, coconut curry and spicy chutney at seaside cafes after a day on the sand. January has warm humid weather with passing showers and green hills, so beaches such as Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue are bright between storms.
Town in South Africa
Franschhoek
Wine, Mountains and Gourmet Living
A small town in a narrow valley has dozens of wine estates within a short drive. French Huguenot settlers arrived in the late 1600s. Their influence remains in street names and food. Summer days are warm and dry. The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop on hop off route between estates.
National Park in Kenya
Amboseli National Park
Elephants Against Kilimanjaro's Backdrop
A national park in southern Kenya lies just north of the Tanzanian border, directly facing Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife is easy to see on the open plains during the short dry spell in January and February. Mornings are often clear enough to see the snow capped summit. Large elephant herds feed in the swamps.
Town in South Africa
Knysna
A Coastal Gem on the Garden Route
Unlike nearby beach towns, this one sits beside a large lagoon. A narrow sea entrance runs between two cliffs called the Knysna Heads. Oysters, boat cruises and waterfront restaurants are popular in the warm weather of January. Forests and hiking trails lie just inland from the water.
Town in Namibia
Swakopmund
Coastal charm meets desert horizons
A seaside town where desert dunes lie beside the cold Atlantic has a calm feel and German colonial buildings. The coast is much cooler than inland Namibia in January. Visitors try sandboarding, quad biking and boat trips to see dolphins and seals. Cafes serve German style cakes.
National Park in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's Rooftop Adventure
Climbers follow the Swahili saying pole pole, which means slowly, to help the body adjust to altitude. Routes are walked with licensed guides and porters from nearby communities. January and February are among the drier months on the mountain, with clearer views. The summit stands at 5,895 metres and is very cold.
National Park in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Encounters in Ancient Forest
This forest in southwest Uganda is thought to be over 20,000 years old and became a national park in 1991. About half of all mountain gorillas live there. Trekking is easier in the drier weeks of December to February, although the steep paths can still be muddy.
Desert in Botswana
Kalahari Desert
Endless dunes whisper ancient desert secrets
San trackers lead guided walks in Botswana's Kalahari and share skills their communities have used for thousands of years. January is in the green season, when the plains are covered in fresh grass. Springbok and gemsbok often have young at this time. Days are hot, so walks start early.
National Park in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Majestic volcanoes rise over misty valleys
A park of about 160 square kilometres in northwest Rwanda covers five of the Virunga volcanoes. Guided treks take small groups to mountain gorilla families in bamboo and forest. Golden monkeys and the hike to Dian Fossey's old research camp are other options. Paths are usually less slippery from December to February.
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