Best Destinations for an African safari in June

African Safaris in June

African Safaris in June – Where to Go & Why

Quick snapshot

Best for: prime safari in Southern Africa (Greater Kruger and beyond), Victoria Falls with better visibility, Zambia/Zimbabwe with shoulder pricing, and Tanzania’s Serengeti as the migration moves north
Weather: dry winter conditions in much of Southern Africa with crisp mornings, sunny days, cooler nights; East Africa is in one of its drier, more comfortable periods for travel
Watch-outs: cold early mornings/evenings in many safari areas; Cape Town/Garden Route can be wet and windy in winter

Top picks for June (best destinations)

Greater Kruger (South Africa) – the start of prime safari season as water sources shrink and game concentrates
KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) – a warmer winter safari alternative to Kruger, plus great variety
Botswana – heading into peak season with excellent wildlife viewing, often with better value before late June/July rates
Zambia & Zimbabwe (with Victoria Falls) – strong shoulder-season safari conditions + Falls still high with improving visibility
Tanzania (Serengeti + Zanzibar) – migration moving north through the western corridor; Zanzibar beach lodges reopen after the rains
(Optional add-ons: Uganda gorilla tracking in a drier period; Mauritius surfing; Madagascar coastal focus.)

What’s happening in June

June marks the beginning of prime safari season in the Greater Kruger Park. Dry winter weather sets in, waterholes begin drying out, and wildlife becomes more concentrated and easier to find. The mornings can be chilly – but there’s something wonderful about crisp air, the green-ish bush after the rains, and a warming drink on your early drive (Amarula in hot chocolate is hard to beat!)

If you’re not a fan of cold mornings, consider KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal regions and game reserves they’re noticeably warmer than Kruger in winter and can make a very appealing alternative.

July to July is a time when it’s best to focus more on the northern provinces of South Africa (though a visit to Cape Town is recommended year-round)

June is also the lead-in to peak safari season in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia . The bush camps in Hwange have all reopened, and now you often get near-peak conditions with shoulder-season pricing in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia, before the highest rates kick in July. (Botswana high season pricing mainly starts in June now.)

At the Victoria Falls, water flow is still high and impressive, but by June the spray has usually subsided substantially, meaning better visibility for photography.

In Tanzania, the Great Migration is typically heading north through the western corridor of the Serengeti. And it’s a good month to combine safari with the coast: many Zanzibar beach lodges that close during the long rains (April/May) reopen for the drier season.

In East Africa more broadly, June and July are among the driest periods, which can make activities like gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda more comfortable than wetter months.

From now through until August is a great time for surfing in Mauritius, though the temperatures are relatively cool now. Similarly the interior highlands of Madagascar could be distinctly chilly from June to early August. But the coastal temperatures remain balmy throughout the year so we would focus on the coastal areas.

Elephant drinking from pool at Phinda, Kwazulu Natal safari holidays

tree-climbing lions on safari in Lake Manyara

Where to be cautious in June

Madikwe / Eastern Cape game reserves (South Africa): can feel very cold in June/July if you dislike winter temperatures
Garden Route (South Africa): winter weather can bring rain and wind; it’s still lovely, but it’s very outdoor-dependent (ie. fewer “rainy day” alternatives than in Cape Town)
Madagascar highlands: great for certain activities, but temperatures can be cool inland (Madagascar southern highlands can be distinctly chilly June to early Aug)
Botswana Delta evenings: nights can be cold – pack properly for early mornings and night drives