Best Places to Visit in Africa in June

June is the start of the winter season in Africa. But “winter” in this part of the world is different from the kind of winter you’re used to. During this time of the year, game viewing is a popular activity. The weather is also perfect, although evenings can get very chilly. If you’re thinking of going to Africa in June, but wondering which places to go, here are some destinations to consider.

The Serengeti

If you want to witness the most remarkable animal migration in the world, head to The Serengeti. From June, migrating wildebeest herds will start to arrive in the central Serengeti, where they will begin to prepare for the most challenging part of their journey, river crossings. In the next month or so, herds will start marching towards the north, digging into the banks of the Grumeti River and playing at the silent water. Fresh grazing is waiting for the hungry wildebeests to devour on the other side, and once the tension is over, they start to cross in groups before the storm breaks.

The Okavango Delta 

Botswana is another excellent destination to consider when visiting Africa in June. It’s home to the Okavango Delta, a vast inland river delta known for its sprawling grassy plains. When you visit Okavango Delta in June, you’ll have a greater chance of spotting all manner of wildlife activities, thanks to the thinning vegetation. If you partake in a luxury Botswana safari you’ll gain the benefits of this. It’s also an ideal time to take up water and land-based activities. But since it’s a high peak season, make sure you book your trip as early as possible.

The Ngorongoro Crater 

Although the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not technically part of the Serengeti National Park, it’s worth a visit if you’re doing a tour of Tanzania in the area. Lying at the eastern edge of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s largest and intact volcanic caldera. In addition, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has the highest big game density in Africa, making it one of the best destinations for a safari. Since the wildlife stays by the crater all year round, there’s no good or bad time to visit. But temperatures are less humid in June, making it ideal for a safari holiday.

Zanzibar 

June is the start of the long and dry season in Zanzibar, making it an ideal time to visit. Located off the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar is famous for its palm-fringed beaches with turquoise waters and colourful coral reefs. June is also a great time to visit if you are into water sports like kite surfing. Wind speeds can go up to around 35 km/h, perfect for kite surfing. Beyond the protected reefs, the wind can also whip up the seas, especially on the southern coast, which are roughest in June or July.

Masai Mara

In June, Kenya’s Masai Mara is relatively quiet and one of the safest spots in Africa. But there are still a few wild animals to see. As the wildebeests migrate from Serengeti, they will only arrive in Masai Mara around August. However, the Mara is already gearing up for their return, with grasses growing tall and predators sharpening their stalking skills. Buffalo, giraffe, and elephants remain in the area all year, and big cats are plentiful and easy to locate.