June marks the beginning of the tourist season in East Africa. The weather in June is moderate throughout the day, although it can get a little cold at night! If you’re wondering why June is the best time to visit East Africa, a logical explanation is that it marks the beginning of the dry season, which means the rain won’t disrupt your plans. Moreover, the vegetation is thin, making it easier to spot wildlife. Another plus of visiting East Africa in June is that the wildlife is usually gathered around bodies of water. Thus, you can easily locate them! Here’s why June is the best time to visit Africa:
1. Witness the Great Migration’s River Crossing at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
If you’re looking for a spot for the best safari in June, head over to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania! June marks the month when the wildebeests cross the Grumeti River as part of the Great Migration. Little do they know that the river holds a surprise for them; that is, the Nile Crocodiles! These crocodiles can go up to months to 3 years without food, and the last time they ate was the last migration season! So, they’re very hungry. Watch the Nile Crocodiles as they splash out of the water and hunt the wildebeests! It can be a bloody sight, so make sure you cover your eyes if you’re faint-hearted!
Great Migration’s River Crossing at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania,
Image Source: Africasafariexperts.Com.Au
2. Explore wildlife at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is immensely beautiful in June, after the end of the rainy season. Watch the Big 5 here on game drives! East Africa in June is the best for wildlife viewing! The Ngorongoro Crater itself is also very scenic and beautiful at this time of the year.
3. Watch tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions, which can be easily spotted in June! Yes, you heard it right! Lions that climb on trees and often sleep on the branches too. You can also spot elephants, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes and lots of lesser flamingoes.
Lions at Lake Manyara National Park,
Image Source: Mojhi.Com
4. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
A safari in June is the best way to spot wildlife in Tanzania. The Selous Game Reserve is another spot in Tanzania where you can watch the Big 5. The Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa and it’s one of the most pristine and unaltered places in East Africa. It’s also relatively unpopulated, giving you exclusive time with nature.
5. Spot rare wildlife species at Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Visit Tanzania in June and spot unusual and rare wildlife species at Ruaha National Park! The African wild dogs can be spotted easily here. In fact, Ruaha contains the third-largest population of African wild dogs! Other rare wildlife species that can be found here include striped hyenas, sable antelopes and greater kudus!
Wildlife Species at Ruaha National Park,
Image Source: Giftedadventures.Com
6. Go kitesurfing in Zanzibar and Kenya
June marks the Kuzi season of winds when steady and strong winds blow around the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania and Diani and Watamu Beaches in Kenya. These are some of the best kitesurfing spots in the world so don’t miss your chance and visit these spots in June!
7. Explore Zanzibar Island
Traveling in East Africa in June is a great idea because you get a “Bush to Beach” option! After you’re done with your safaris in Tanzania mainland, head over to Zanzibar Island and chill at its beaches! There are a lot of fun activities for you to participate in including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing!
8. Check out Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Visit Kenya in June and have a great time spotting wildlife at its various National Parks! The Samburu National Reserve is a scenic and beautiful natural reserve home to leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, zebras and hippos. All of these can be spotted easily in June!
9. Spot herds of elephants at the Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli National Park is great for wildlife viewing in June. You can spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras! The herds of elephants here are exceptionally huge, which is what the park is known for!
Amboseli National Park,
Image Source: Alltimesafaris.Com
10. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
This is one of the best places in Kenya to spot the Big 5! Visit Kenya in June and enjoy spectacular views of the Big 5 here. The wildlife is easier to spot and concentrated around water bodies. You can also spot cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests!
11. Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
This National Park is known for its black and white rhinos. While black rhinos are sometimes found in other parts of East Africa, white rhinos are exceptionally rare!
Other wildlife species you can spot here include hippos, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes and thousands of flamingos!
Lake Nakuru National Park,
Image Source: Ngorongorocratertanzania.Org
So, what are you waiting for? Visit East Africa in June and have a great time exploring all of these places! The weather is nice and moderate and there are barely any mosquitoes so your chances of getting malaria are extremely low too!
You can head over to our “Flights” section for more details about traveling to East Africa in June!
