Our Recommendations for the Best Holiday Destinations in August
Countries to visit in August: Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia
Tanzania
August is a great month for wildlife safaris in Tanzania: the dry conditions cause the vegetation to thin out, offering great views of the animals gathering around the remaining water sources, while the temperatures are cooler so there’s less need for the animals to keep out of the midday heat. By August the northern parts of the Serengeti National Park has superb game viewing opportunities as the wildebeest and zebra migration is in full swing, with the herds crossing the crocodile infested Mara River in Kenya, as well as plenty of predators lurking around on the plains.
For those who want to experience a more remote and wilder national park, Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania is a hidden gem and August is the ideal time to visit. The park has four of the Big Five (there are no rhinos) and a great population of predators including lion, cheetah and wild dog. For bird enthusiasts, head to Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania, where the mineral-rich waters are a breeding ground for flamingos.
Recommended Safaris:
- 5 Days Best of Tanzania
- 6 Days Amazing Fly-in Southern Tanzania Safari
- 7-Day Northern Parks Tented Camp Safari
Kilimanjaro:
Kenya
A safari in the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve is a thrilling and unforgettable way to experience East Africa’s wide open plains, incredible wildlife and annual migration. By August, the vast herd is spread out across the Northern Serengeti and heading into the heart of the Maasai Mara Reserve. This is a prime time to see river crossings on the Mara River, where groups of wildebeest run the gauntlet of hungry crocodiles. There is a raw energy buzzing in the air and the greater Mara River system should provide memorable sightings.
The big five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo – live in the Masai Mara National Reserve so keep your eyes peeled, they are easier to spot during the dry season, when the vegetation is thinner and wildlife gathers around the waterhole. Other wildlife that can be seen includes zebras, giraffes, bush buck, Coke’s hartebeest, common eland and diverse bird species. The Masai Mara can be combined with other parks in Kenya, such as Tsavo National Park, Amboseli National Park, Nakuru National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy to create a spectacular safari experience.
Recommended Safaris:
- 3 Days Kenya Masai Mara Safari
- 5-Day Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha Safari
- 12-Day Kenya Big Five Safari
South Africa
August is a favourable time to visit South Africa, especially the Kruger National Park, situated in the northern part of the country, where the weather is pleasant and game viewing is excellent at the end of the dry season with animals and birds heading to water sources to drink, making it the best time to spot them.
The southern region of South Africa, including Cape Town, has its own unique appeal. The southern right whales migrate from the Antarctic to the warmer waters off the southern coast of South Africa. They can be seen in Walker Bay, where the town of Hermanus is one of the top spots, with luck you might see whales from the land or you can head out on a boat trip for a closer view. Along the Garden Route, between late August and mid-October, this Fynbos region is known for its vibrant displays of flowers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended safaris:
- 7-Day Game Drive and Safari Walk in Kruger
- 4-Day Big Five & Family Safari in Madikwe Game Reserve
- 4-Day Game Drive & Penguin Safari, Cape Town
Botswana
Botswana’s very best safari destinations to visit in August include the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. They are home to superb wildlife, all have a high concentration of elephants, and there are great viewing opportunities when the herds come down to the water sources to drink and socialise. If you are a birder, a real highlight between August and September is watching the beautiful southern carmine bee-eaters with their pinkish red plumage in Chobe National Park as they nest in the river banks.
August in the Okavango Delta is peak season and the lodges are at their busiest during this time when the water levels are high and the game is plentiful. When you move away from this wetland area into the drier areas of the Kgalagadi and Nxai Pan, you can find unusual animals like the black-maned Kalahari lions and unique landscapes.
Recommended safaris:
- 11-Day Hippo Camping Safari
- 10 Days Buffalo Safari
- 3-Day Camping Safari in Khwai Concession
- The Delta Miracle Trip
Namibia
Predominantly a desert country, August is the driest month of the year in Namibia. Etosha National Park and Ongava Reserve are both great places to explore at this time of year, when the game congregates around waterholes and the vegetation is sparse. Etosha National Park has numerous waterholes, which are either fed by natural springs or man-made bore holes. A game drive generally means driving from water source to water source, keeping your eyes peeled for any animals on the move or having a drink. Some of the camps have floodlit waterholes for night-time viewing, a thrilling experience, and you might be lucky to see a rhino come for a late night drink. Etosha National Park is well known for its black and white rhinos. Nearby, Ongava Reserve offers an exclusive wildlife-viewing experience and is home to some luxurious lodges and camps.
Recommended safaris:
- See what Safari World Tours has on offer.
Uganda
August is the perfect month for exploring in Uganda, known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, when the weather is dry providing the best conditions for game viewing and primate trekking.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park, is home to one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, the Murchison Falls. Queen Elizabeth National Park has rich wildlife including tree-climbing lions, elephant, buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippo, topi, waterbuck and leopard while Lake Mburo, Uganda’s smallest national park, is known for its 350 bird species. .The dry month of August is the peak time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track endangered mountain gorillas, a truly memorable experience.
Recommended safaris:
- 6 Days Best Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
- 9 Days Absolut Primates and Wildlife
- 3 Days Gorilla Tour in Uganda
Rwanda
August is the ideal time to visit Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is the only park in Rwanda that has endangered mountain gorillas, one of only three parks in the world. It is a fertile, forested haven for these rare primates who make their home on the steep slopes of this central African mountain range. Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, full of wonderful animals, including a small population of chimps and 12 other species of primates. On the warm low-lying plains in the north east of the country is Akagera National Park where you can experience a more traditional African safari. The mainly open savannah areas are ideal for spotting any of the big five while a boat trip on Lake Ihema is good for bird watching.
Recommended safaris:
Zimbabwe
The dry month of August is a great time to visit Zimbabwe, with clear blue skies, mild daytime temperatures and good game viewing as the wildlife seeks out water sources. The morning and evenings can be chilly so throw in a fleece! Some of the popular national parks to visit in Zimbabwe during this time include Hwange National Park, known for its big five animals and Mana Pools National Park with its large herds of buffalo and elephants and beautiful watery wilderness, and Matobo National Park, which offers different experiences such as a hike through ancient rock formations, tracking rhinos, and exploring caves containing ancient San rock paintings.
Recommended safaris:
- 10-Day Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari
- 10-Day Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari
- 11-Day Magical Camping Safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe
Zambia
Zambia’s cool and dry weather in August makes it one of the best months to go on safari in a number of the premier national parks. One of the most authentic safari destinations, this wild part of Africa is the home of the walking safari. South Luangwa National Park, with 60 animal species and over 400 different bird species, is one of the most popular parks in Zambia and the best place to experience a walking safari.
The Lower Zambezi National Park, on the mighty Zambezi River, is known for abundant wildlife, including buffalo, fish eagles, elephants, lions, leopards, hippos and crocodiles as well as water-based activities such as fishing, canoeing and boat cruises. Get off the beaten track in Kafue National Park, a huge park where herds can be seen on the plains, stalked by predators, or Liuwa Plains, which has more than 330 species of bird.
Recommended safaris:
- 12-Day Northern Zambia Mobile Safari
- 8-Day Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks Safari
- 10-Day Kasanka Bat Migration & Lower Zambezi Safari
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