Best Destinations for an African safari in July

African Safaris in July

African safari in July – Where to Go & Why

Quick snapshot

Best for: peak-season safari in Southern and East Africa: the Okavango Delta in full flood, prime Namibia, and northern Serengeti as the migration concentrates in the north
Weather: dry season across much of Southern & East Africa with sunny days, crisp (sometimes cool) mornings and evenings. Winter Mediterranean climate in the Cape of South Africa so chance of rain/cooler weather.
Watch-outs: peak-season availability (book very early), cold early morning drives in Southern Africa, and windy conditions on some Indian Ocean islands

Top picks for July (best destinations)

Botswana (Okavango Delta) – full flood, peak wildlife viewing & peak demand
Namibia – prime time for a guided touring/safari route, with high demand
Tanzania (northern Serengeti) – migration action as herds gather in the north
Kenya (Masai Mara conservancies) – classic dry-season safari and big wildlife densities
South Africa – Consider KwaZulu-Natal as a warmer winter alternative to the Cape and Garden Route. Or head north to the sunnier drier Cederberg Mountains
Special interest: KwaZulu-Natal Sardine Run for marine spectacle.
Zambia / Zimbabwe – classic dry-season safari and great combinations with Victoria Falls

What’s happening in July

July is peak safari season in virtually all of our destinations. Across Southern and East Africa, the dry season is in full swing – which means animals concentrate around water sources and game viewing becomes more reliable and productive.

It’s also a headline month for two major “seasonal” experiences:

The Great Migration (Serengeti / Mara region)
July is a key period as herds congregate toward the northern Serengeti (and the broader Mara-Serengeti ecosystem). It’s a classic time for dramatic wildlife viewing — but the exact timing and location of the herds will always vary year to year, so planning and camp placement matters.

Okavango Delta in full flood (Botswana)
The Okavango Delta is in full flood now, and this is peak season. Availability becomes the biggest constraint — so booking early is essential if Botswana is your dream for July. Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold, even though days are sunny.

Namibia peak season
July is also peak season in Namibia, with similar availability pressure. It’s a superb time for landscapes and touring, but again you need plan early (ideally a year ahead).

KwaZulu-Natal and the Sardine Run
Between May and July, huge shoals of sardines move along the Wild Coast and southern coast of KwaZulu Natal the famed Sardine Run – often described as the marine equivalent of the wildebeest migration. KwaZulu-Natal is also a brilliant July destination for families because it can combine “bush, berg and beach” in one easy trip.

Gorilla trekking

The drier months of June to September are also a popular time for gorilla trekking so book early to get the coveted Gorilla permit.

South Africa touring
Cape Town is always worth considering, and July marks the start of whale season in Hermanus. If you want warmer winter temperatures, you may prefer KwaZulu-Natal over the Garden Route.

Islands
July/August are typically drier months in the the Seychelles and Mauritius , but they can be windy on the Eastern coast. Madagascar’s interior highlands can be chilly, though the northern coast stays balmy and hot – so focus more on Nosy Be at this time of year, rather than Ile Sainte Marie which is on the East.

Sky Safari in East Africa - wildebeest migration in the serengeti

Coastal Maputaland - romantic beaches — Maputaland. KwaZulu Natal. South Africa

Where to be cautious in July

Peak-season availability: Botswana, Namibia (and top East Africa camps) often sell out so plan very early
Cold mornings/evenings on safari in South Africa, Botswana and Hwange (Zimbabwe) : pack warmly for early drives on open vehicles
Seychelles / Mauritius / Mozambique: drier but can be windy (better for active beach days than “still, glassy sea”)