East Africa is home to some of the most exciting and fascinating vacation activities and makes it a unique destination that cannot be replicated the world over. East Africa is filled with so many amazing experiences that would take you close to a lifetime to experience and each time of the year offers visitors a different experience.
Depending on the time of year you spend in East Africa you'll have access to a specific type of experience or rather the best time to experience these activities. February is a great time to break away for a tropical holiday as you miss the end of year holiday crowd and can often take advantage of low prices due to a decline in travel.
So what can you expect once you land in East Africa in February?
February is a wonderful time to visit because it is one of the ‘dry’ months. This is the perfect time for wildlife watching, as bushland is not dense, and visitors are not disturbed by rainfall. As this is not the high season, tourists can enjoy cheap flights, bookings, and accommodation, and have a great trip without facing huge crowds. With around 30 degree Celsius during the day, this month serves as the ideal time for water activities and swimming. The evenings are pleasant and warm and make the trip both enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Watching The Great Migration
February is a great time to witness the Great Migration, as the Ndutu plains are filled with wildebeest calving. In the calving season, wildebeests, zebras and other migratory animals give birth to their offspring. Tourists might be able to spot a wildebeest birth, which is a rare and unique sight!
Around 8000 baby wildebeests are born each day, as well as thousands of zebras and gazelles.
⦁ The migration stays put for a while. Herds don’t move much right after the births.
⦁ At this time, the biggest fight for survival kicks in as predators go for the newborns. This spectacle might be an attraction for some tourists. Lions, hyenas, and leopards move into the region to prey on young and vulnerable calves.
⦁ Herds can be spotted around Lakes Ndutu and Masek, and between Matiti Hill, Ndutu, Naabi Hill, the Goll kopjes to the east, and Olduvai Gorge.
Wildebeest crossing Serengeti during the great migration.
Image Source: Unplash.Com
Animal Watching
⦁ Bird watching is excellent as migratory birds are present due to the pleasant, warm weather. Tourists can spot exotic birds like lilac-breasted rollers, white-headed vultures, flamingos, ostriches, willow warblers, and northern wheatears.
⦁ As this is the game fishing season, tourists can find species such as the striped marlin, swordfish, sailfish, kingfish, dorado, and barracuda etc.
Tanzania
⦁ This is a wonderful time for hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro, when the slopes are dry, and it is not as busy as the peak season. While some lucky tourists may encounter snow if they climb up to higher altitudes.
⦁ February is the tail end of whale Shark Season in Mafia Island. At this peaceful island, visitors can have the extraordinary experience of swimming, snorkelling, or diving in the pristine waters, surrounded by colourful flora and fauna, including the large, breathtaking whale shark. Swimming with these beautiful creatures is a safe excursion and an exciting experience that no one should miss!
Sharks Swimming
Image Source: Pixbay.com
⦁ Because there are few tourists, visitors could have enriching interactions with the locals in areas such as the Ngorongoro Crater.
⦁ Tourists may be able to head over to the Island of Zanzibar attend the Zanzibar International film festival, also known as the ‘Festival of the Dhow Countries’, where they can attend screenings, workshops, or discussion panels, and enjoy the displays of art and culture!
Kenya
February is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast. Mombasa, Watamu, Malindi, Lamu, Diani, and Nyali are the best beaches and islands to visit. Tourists can find marine creatures such as manta rays, dolphins and turtles.
Nyali Beach
Image Source: Pixbay.com
- At this time, the levels of rain are very low in the Masai Mara, so game viewing is excellent, and tourists can easily spot wildlife at water sources.
- February is one of the most ideal timings for adventure-loving travellers to climb Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa.
- Tourists can visit Nairobi and the central highlands, which are cool at night and receive moderate amounts of rain, making the weather perfect for a city trip.
- The Rift Valley receives very little rainfall, so this is the perfect time to plan a trip to the scenic Lake Naivasha, the cliffs of Hell’s Gate, Lake Elmenteita, or the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park, where they can spot rhinos.
Travel in East Africa is an excellent idea. Tourists should book East African flights and travel arrangements online, and have a great vacation in East Africa during February!
