Is February a good time to visit Africa?
Tired of winter’s icy grip? While the northern hemisphere shivers through February, East Africa beckons with sun-drenched savannas and wildlife spectacles to take your breath away. Trade in your winter coat for safari gear and discover where to go for an exceptional safari in February.
Tanzania Safari in February
A Tanzania safari in February is generally warm and dry in the north, with southern Tanzania seeing more rainfall. February is considered shoulder season in Tanzania – that sweet spot where wildlife viewing is still good, crowds are fewer, and rates are more competitive than during the peak. Read more about when to visit Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park
The southern Serengeti in February offers the magical opportunity of a lifetime. Around 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during this period, a truly remarkable spectacle to witness. The air vibrates with new life and the tension of opportunistic predators following closely, hoping for their next meal. It might be hot, and you may experience the occasional short rain shower, but it will take a lot more than that to dampen this incredible experience.
Ngorongoro Crater
The natural amphitheater of the Ngorongoro Crater offers an incredible wildlife-viewing experience year-round. Ngorongoro in February is mostly warm and sunny, with the occasional afternoon shower. The crater floor is a photographer’s dream – crystal clear air lets you capture every detail. When the afternoon showers come, this verdant landscape is transformed into a glistening paradise.
Kenya Safari in February
The weather in Kenya in February is hot and dry, making it an excellent time to see wildlife as they tend to gather around any remaining water sources. Bird lovers can look forward to the arrival of migratory species from Asia and Europe at this time.
Masai Mara
While the thundering hooves of the Great Migration may have moved south, February in the Masai Mara holds its own magic. The landscape strips down to its essence, the grasses are short and the wildlife congregate around the remaining water sources, making the animals easier to find.
Amboseli National Park
Clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro and fantastic elephant sightings are what you can expect in Amboseli if you plan your Kenya safari in February. The weather is hot and dry, forcing the wildlife to congregate at water sources, making them easier to find.
Best Beaches in Africa in February
Kenya Beaches
Before the March rains arrive, Kenya’s beaches enjoy warm and sunny weather in February, making this the best time to visit Kenya beaches for a beach break pre- or post-safari. This is the ideal time to visit for waters sports like diving and snorkelling as the waters are calm and clear.
Zanzibar in February
Step into the tropical dream that is Zanzibar in February. Coral reefs teem with life beneath crystal waters – excellent for diving and snorkelling. This month falls within the best time to visit Zanzibar, as the water temperatures are warm and conditions are calm. The weather is hot and humid in anticipation of the long rains arriving in mid-March.
Uganda Gorilla Adventures in February
February falls within the best time of year for gorilla trekking in Uganda as it falls within the dry season when trails are less muddy.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
February gifts visitors with some of the most perfect hiking conditions in Bwindi. The earth is firm beneath your boots, the skies are bright and clear for epic photography, and the forest vegetation is just thin enough to be able to observe the gorillas almost unobstructed.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The park transforms into a wildlife-spotting paradise as animals gather around shrinking water sources, making February an excellent time for game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The absence of dense, lush vegetation means the animals are also easier to see.
Our Best Safari in February
For the ultimate safari in February, we recommend combining a classic safari in Kenya’s famous Masai Mara with some Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
If you’re thinking about travelling to East Africa, we’d love to help. Our safari experts and in-camp teams are standing by to bring you the trip of a lifetime. Simply get in touch with us at any time, and we’ll be glad to assist you.
