African Safari in August- Where to Go & Why

Quick snapshot

• Best for: peak game viewing in Southern Africa, the Okavango Delta at peak flood, Kenya’s Masai Mara migration season, and South Africa’s with glorious spring wildflower displays
• Weather: dry season dominates – sunny days, cool mornings, and generally excellent visibility; the Cape is moving toward spring (variable weather)
• Watch-outs: peak season demand and pricing (especially Kenya and Botswana), and winter rain risk continues in Cape Town/Garden Route

Top picks for August (best destinations)

• Botswana (Okavango Delta) – peak flood and arguably the best safari viewing of the year in Southern Africa
• Kenya (Masai Mara) – migration season, peak demand and pricing
• South Africa (Greater Kruger, KwaZulu Natal and Madikwe) – prime game viewing with warm, sunny late-winter days
• Special interest add-on: Cederberg & Namaqualand wildflowers August into early Sept.
• Namibia – outstanding peak-season touring and desert landscapes (book early)
• Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls + safari) – Falls flow subsides, visibility improves, and Zimbabwe-side viewpoints become increasingly rewarding

What’s happening in August (why it works)

August is one of the very best months for safari across much of Southern Africa. Dry-season conditions mean animals stay close to water sources, vegetation is thinner, and sightings are usually excellent and consistent.

In South Africa, the northern regions are delightful in August and September — warm (but not too hot) sunny days and comfortable evenings. It remains one of the best times for game viewing across the country.

The Cederberg comes out of winter first so this is the best option to combine with Cape Town if you want to see country as well as city. But whale-watching is also an option near Hermanus

In Botswana, the Okavango Delta  is at peak flood from July to August, and this is often considered the pinnacle of game viewing, with water-based activities, big concentrations of wildlife and superb guiding.

At Victoria Falls, the water flow is starting to subside. The Falls remain impressive, but the best views begin to shift more toward the Zimbabwe side. However Livingstone Island on Zambian side usually becomes accessible again in August.

In Kenya, the wildebeest and zebra migration should have arrived in the  Masai Mara. The herds typically linger until their return journey begins later in the year, making August and September a classic time to travel. But with the important caveat that it’s also peak season for pricing and availability. As well as high vehicle numbers in the Park. We recommend the adajacent private concessions for greater exclusivity.

Special interest: wildflowers in the Cape

August is known for impressive displays of  Spring wild flowers in the Cederberg & Namaqualand , often peaking from August into early September. The Clanwilliam Wildflower Show is typically in late August. Just remember: Cape weather is variable at this time of year:  it’s classic “in-between” spring weather.

Where to be cautious in August

• Peak season availability: Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya can book out far ahead
• Kenya: August to September is peak demand, peak pricing and peak vehicles. Look for private conservancies
• Cape Town / Garden Route: winter weather can linger (Garden Route is still great value, but rain risk is higher)

Trip ideas in August

South Africa – Cape to the Kalahari (self drive) or Spring Wildflower Tour or Winter Wonderland Offer

Namibia – Ultimate Namibia Small Group Tour

Botswana –  Ultimate Botswana Family Safari

Kenya  – Governors Rift Valley & Mara or Selenkay Adventure Camping & Migration Safari

Tanzania – Southern Horizons in Style

Zambia – South Luangwa with Bushcamp Co

Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Water & Wilderness

Malawi – Best of Southern Malawi

Uganda – Gorilla Luxury Fly-in Safari

Rwanda – Essence of Rwanda Gorillas and Game

Where not to go?

This is hard as it’s one of the best months for all of our destinations. But I would probably say the Garden Route.  Mainly because people often expect that they’ll be heading to the beaches. And it’s simply not beach weather in August. (Other than long strolls on the beach.)

Get an August safari recommendation tailored to your dates, budget comfort zone, and travel style.