Destinations

Kenya, country in East Africa famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. Its Indian Ocean coast provided historically important ports by which goods from Arabian and Asian traders have entered the continent for many centuries. Along that coast, which holds some of the finest beaches in Africa, are predominantly Muslim Swahili cities such as Mombasa, a historic centre that has contributed much to the musical and culinary heritage of the country. Inland are populous highlands famed for both their tea plantations, an economic staple during the British colonial era, and their variety of animal species, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses.

Climate

• June, July, August, September & October – These are the coldest months. Early morning temperatures at higher altitude are typically 10°C/50°F. It is advisable to pack warm clothing, as morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country.

• November & December – 'Short rains': A period of unpredictable, short rains between November and December that lasts about a month. The rain is sometimes heavy, but mostly falls in the late afternoon or evening, and will seldom have a negative impact on your safari.

• January & Februay – During these months, a dry spell in the rainy season occurs with less rainfall. How long the spell lasts and when it takes place exactly is unpredictable.

• March, April & May – 'Long rains': These months get the most rain. It’s very cloudy, especially in the highlands, including Aberdare NP and Laikipia Plateau. Humidity is higher and will be particularly noticeable in the coastal regions.

Uganda is populated by dozens of ethnic groups. The English language and Christianity help unite these diverse peoples, who come together in the cosmopolitan capital of Kampala, a verdant city whose plan includes dozens of small parks and public gardens and a scenic promenade along the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. The Swahili language unites the country with its East African neighbours Kenya and Tanzania. pack warm clothing, as morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country.

Lions and leopards are now present mainly in animal preserves and national parks, but they are occasionally seen outside these places. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles inhabit most lakes and rivers, although the latter are not found in Lakes Edward and George. Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and small forest elephants appear only in the extreme west. Elephants, buffalo, and the Uganda kob (an antelope) are limited to the west and north, while the black rhinoceros and giraffes are confined to the north. Zebras, Topis, elands, and roan antelopes live in both the northeastern and southern grasslands, while other kinds of antelopes (oryx, greater and lesser kudu, and Grant’s gazelle) are found only in the northeastern area.

• June, July & August – June and July are the driest months in the south, but it can still rain. Unlike the south, these months are part of the Wet season in the north. The far north, including Kidepo Valley, is semi-arid and can experience droughts some years.

• December, January & February – Most of the south has less rainfall, but still more when compared to June and July. The north has a clear Dry season with little rain.

• March, April & May – There is more rainfall throughout the country during these months, with a clear peak in April in the south. Most days have some sunshine as well. The rain can make travel more difficult.

• September, October & November – These months are comparable to March, April and May but, on average, there is a bit less rain.

Rwanda, landlocked republic lying south of the Equator in east-central Africa. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Rwanda is often referred to as le pays des mille collines (French: “land of a thousand hills”). The capital is Kigali, located in the centre of the country on the Ruganwa River.

Rwanda’s main tourist attraction: the mountain gorilla, protected in Parc National des Volcans (also known as Parc des Birugna). For sheer diversity of animal life, however, no other region can match the resources of the Akagera National Park. This picturesque park contains significant populations of buffalo, zebra, impala, and other range animals, as well as baboons, warthogs, lions, and hippopotamuses. Rare species, such as the giant pangolin (an anteater), are also part of Akagera’s diverse fauna.

• June, July & August – In the east of the country, afternoon temperatures are usually around 27°C/81°F. In the mountain parks it is a lot colder. Nyungwe has daytime temperatures of around 21°C/70°F, and Volcanoes NP is even colder with temperatures around 16°C/61°F.

• September – Early September is still dry, but sometime this month the rains may begin. Temperatures remain the same. The mountain parks will receive quite a bit of rain in September.

• October, November & December – ‘Short rains’: Nyungwe and Volcanoes NP tend to be very wet throughout the rainy season. Daytime temperatures in Nyungwe are about 19°C/66°F and in Volcanoes NP it drops to 15°C/59°F. The rains probably won’t interfere with your safari in Akagera.

• January & February – There tends to be a drier spell between the short and long rains. The exact timing is unpredictable. In Nyungwe and Volcanoes NP it will still be very wet and it can rain anytime.

• March, April & May – ‘Long rains’: these are the wettest months. It tends to rain most days, although seldom for the whole day in the drier east part of the country. In Nyungwe and Volcanoes NP, it can rain for days.

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has a landscape defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods. The massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its fossilized river valleys and undulating grasslands, is home to numerous animals including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs. 

• May – The temperatures are relatively cool, typically 10°C/50°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.

• June, July & August – Be sure to pack winter clothing because morning game drives will be cold. The average morning temperature is 6°C/43°F. Night temperatures can drop below freezing, especially in the dryer Kalahari areas. Afternoons will be more pleasant, with temperatures around 25°C/77°F.

• September & October – The heat gradually builds, and it can get very hot in October (38°C/100°F), but the average temperature remains around 34°C/93°F in the afternoon.

• November & December – Clouds start to appear, bringing cooler temperatures and an occasional late afternoon shower. This pattern of change continues in December, with typical temperatures between 20°C/68°F in the morning and 33°C/91°F in the afternoon.

• January & February – These are the wettest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon, and sometimes continuous rainfall for days. Daytime temperatures are around 32°C/90°F, and the humidity is between 50% and 80%.

• March & April – Rainfall decreases and it steadily cools. This trend continues through April, which has lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The nights tend to be cooler, but the days are very temperate at 30°C/86°F.

Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. The capital, Windhoek, and coastal town Swakopmund contain German colonial-era buildings such as Windhoek's Christuskirche, built in 1907. In the north, Etosha National Park’s salt pan draws game including rhinos and giraffes 

• May – It is the end of summer. The rains have stopped, but the scenery is still lovely and green. The nights aren't cold yet, and daytime temperatures are, on average, around 24-28°C/75-82°F.

• June – The nights are getting cold and can drop below 10°C/50°F. In desert areas, it can be freezing. Daytime temperatures are still pleasant around 20-24°C/68-75°F.

• July & August – The average maximum temperature is 21-25°C/70-77°F. The average minimum temperature is around 7°C/45°F but can fall to below freezing at night in the deserts and higher areas. Be sure to pack warm clothing for morning game drives.

• September & October – September is a lovely month. It isn’t too hot yet, but the chill in the mornings is becoming less. It is dry, and the skies are clear. During October, the green vegetation is fading, and the heat gradually builds up.

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Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, lying between latitudes 15° and 23°S, and longitudes 25° and 34°E. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast. Its northwest corner is roughly 150 meters from Namibia, nearly forming a four-nation quadripoint. Most of the country is elevated, consisting of a central plateau (high veld) stretching from the southwest northwards with altitudes between 1,000 and 1,600 m. The country's extreme east is mountainous, this area being known as the Eastern Highlands, with Mount Nyangani as the highest point at 2,592 m.

The highlands are known for their natural environment, with tourist destinations such as Nyanga, Troutbeck, Chimanimani, Vumba and Chirinda Forest at Mount Selinda. About 20% of the country consists of low-lying areas, (the low veld) under 900m. Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest and most spectacular waterfalls, is located in the country's extreme northwest and is part of the Zambezi river.

• April & May – This is the end of summer. Temperatures are relatively cool, typically around 10°C/50°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon. The nighttime temperatures start to drop. By May, the rain is almost gone.

• June, July & August – Be sure to pack warm clothes because early morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold. The average morning temperature is 6°C/43°F. Afternoons will be more pleasant with temperatures around 25°C/77°F. Parks at lower altitude will be warmer.

• September & October – The heat gradually builds and peaks in October. The first rains sometimes fall in late October, bringing relief from the very dry conditions. The lower-lying areas get very hot with temperatures of 32°C/90°F and well above.