River Crossing Migration

August

August is one of the most spectacular months for a safari across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar. The dry season is at its peak, making wildlife sightings more frequent and dramatic. In Kenya and Tanzania, the Great Migration reaches its climax as thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested rivers. Uganda offers a rare opportunity to trek through the misty forests of Bwindi and stand face-to-face with mountain gorillas. And if relaxation is on your mind, Zanzibar invites you to its sun-kissed beaches and cultural treasures.

From Big Five safaris to filming expeditions, birdwatching, and luxury honeymoons, August presents the perfect conditions for an unforgettable East African journey.

Why August is Perfect for an East Africa Safari

Aspect

Why It’s Ideal

Great Migration & Predator Action

Witness thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River, with lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles on the hunt.

Clear Skies for Photography

Dry season means bright, golden sunlight—ideal for capturing stunning wildlife and landscape shots.

Gorilla Trekking at its Best

Gorilla Trekking at its Best

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Season

August has stable weather, making it one of the best months to climb Africa’s tallest mountain.

Unforgettable Luxury Safaris

Peak season for exclusive lodges, offering premium service and unique wildlife encounters.

Zanzibar’s Best Beach Weather

Warm, sunny days with calm seas—perfect for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

Best Safari Destinations in August – Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Zanzibar

Destination

Wildlife Highlights

Key Activities

Seasonal Insights

Top Accommodations

Masai Mara National Reserve- Kenya

- Peak Great Migration (Wildebeest & Zebras)
- Dramatic Mara River Crossings
- Predators: Lions, Crocodiles, Cheetahs

-Game Drives
-Hot Air Balloon Safari
-Photography Workshops

Dry season, excellent visibility
- Best time to see the Migration’s intensity

-Angama Mara
-Mara Serena Safari Lodge
-Governors’ Camp


Amboseli National Park -Kenya

- Large Elephant Herds
- Giraffes, Zebras, and Buffalo
- Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro

-Game Drives
-Maasai Cultural Visits
-Birdwatching Safaris

- Clear skies offer the best Kilimanjaro views
- Elephants gather near swamps

-Ol Tukai Lodge
-Tortilis Camp
-Amboseli Serena Lodge

Serengeti National Park- Tanzania

- Wildebeest Migration (Northern Serengeti)
- Crocodile attacks at the Mara River
- Hyenas, Lions, and Leopards on the hunt

-Migration Game Drives
-River Crossing Sightings
-Bush Dining Experiences

- The Serengeti comes alive with action
- Best time for predator-prey interactions

-Serengeti Serena Lodge
-Mara River Tented Camp
-Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Ngorongoro Crater- Tanzania

- High concentration of wildlife
- Black Rhinos, Lions, and Flamingos
- Resident Big Five animals

-Crater Floor Game Drives
-Maasai Cultural Tours
-Crater Rim Photography

- Dry season attracts wildlife to waterholes
- Great for Big Five photography

-Andbeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
-Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
-Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

- Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla Trekking)
- Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys
- Colorful Birdlife

-Gorilla Trekking
-Nature Walks
-Cultural Visits with Batwa People

- Peak season for trekking
- Cool, misty mornings enhance the jungle experience

-Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
-Buhoma Lodge
-Gorilla Heights Lodge

Queen Elizabeth National Park-Uganda

- Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha
- Elephants, Buffalos, and Hippos
- Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge

-Game Drives
-Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel
-Chimpanzee Tracking

- Dry weather offers great visibility
- Best time for boat safaris

-Mweya Safari Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Zanzibar-Tanzania

-Pristine beaches & turquoise waters
-Vibrant marine life (dolphins, reef fish)
-Exotic spices & Swahili culture

-Snorkeling & Diving
-Dhow Sailing & Sunset Cruises
-Spice Tours & Stone Town Walks

-August offers perfect beach weather
-Clear waters for diving and marine activities

-Zuri Zanzibar

-Baraza Resort & Spa

-Mnemba Island Lodge

Exclusive Safari Experiences in August

KENYA - The Heart of the Great Migration & Big Cats

Experience

Where to Go

Why August?

Luxury Lodges

Exclusive Tour

Great Migration & River Crossings

Masai Mara National Reserve

-Peak Mara River crossings.
-Wildebeest face crocodiles & big cats.
-Dramatic predator action.

Angama Mara,Governor’s Camp,Mara Serena Safari Lodge

7-Day Great Migration Safari

Big Five Safari & Predator Tracking

Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park , Laikipia

-High lion & cheetah activity.
-Elephant herds in Amboseli with Kilimanjaro views.
-Exclusive Laikipia conservancies.

Ol Donyo Lodge, Elewana Tortilis Camp, Kicheche Laikipia Camp

10-Day Big Five & Predator Safari

Photography & Hot Air Balloon Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park

-Golden light for perfect shots.
-Flamingos in Lake Nakuru.
-Hot air balloon over migration.

Sanctuary Olonana, Loldia House

8-Day Wildlife Photography Safari

Birdwatching Safari

Amboseli National Park,Lake Naivasha National Park,Samburu National Reserve.

-Over 450 bird species.
-Rare Grey Crowned Cranes & Flamingos.
-Samburu Special Five species.

-Sirikoi Lodge,Elewana Elsa’s Kopje

7-Day Birdwatching Safari

Maasai Cultural & Walking Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve, Laikipia

-Live with the Maasai.

- Guided walking safari s in private conservancies.

-Authentic cultural experiences.

Lewa Wilderness, Mara Plains Camp

6-Day Maasai & Walking Safari

TANZANIA - Migration, Big Five & Kilimanjaro

Experience

Where to Go

Why August?

Luxury Lodges

Exclusive Tour

Serengeti River Crossing Spectacle

Serengeti National Park (Mara River)

-Peak migration action.
-Wildebeest face giant crocodiles.
-High lion, leopard & cheetah hunts.

-Four Season Safari Lodge Serengeti.

-Singita Mara River Camp

7-Day Serengeti Migration Safari

Big Five & Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Crater

-Year-round Big Five sightings Such as Lions, rhinos & elephants in Ngorongoro.
-Beautiful crater landscapes.

-Andbeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

-Gibbs Farm.

10-Day Big Five & Crater Safari

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Kilimanjaro (Lemosho/ Machame Routes)

-Best climbing weather.
-Less rain, clear summit views.
-Glacier photography & adventure.

-Summit Lodges,

-Luxury Tented Camps

9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb

Birdwatching & Flamingo Safari

Lake Manyara National Park , Lake Natron, Tarangire National Park

-Flamingos in Lake Natron & Manyara.
-Tarangire baobabs & elephants.
-Over 500 bird species.

-Chem Chem Lodge.

-Tarangire Treetops.

8-Day Birdwatching & Wildlife Safari

Zanzibar Beach & Cultural Experience

Zanzibar

-Best beach season.
-Dhow cruises & spice tours.
-Private island escapes.

-Mnemba Island Lodge.

-Baraza Resort & Spa.

5-Day Zanzibar Luxury Beach Escape

UGANDA - Gorilla Encounters & Wild Landscapes

Experience

Where to Go

Why August?

Luxury Lodges

Exclusive Tour

Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

- Perfect trekking conditions.
- Close-up encounters with silverbacks.
- High gorilla activity & clear views.

-Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

-Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari

Chimpanzee Tracking & Wildlife Safari

-Kibale Forest NP

-Queen Elizabeth NP

- Wild chimp encounters in Kibale.
- Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth NP.
- Boat safaris on Kazinga Channel

-Mweya Safari Lodge.

-Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

7-Day Primate & Big Game Safari

Birdwatching Safari (Shoebill & Rare Species)

-Mabamba Swamp.

-Lake Bunyonyi

- Rare shoebill stork sightings.
- Over 1,000 bird species in Uganda.
- Bunyonyi’s island-studded landscapes.

-Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort.

-Semliki Safari Lodge.

6-Day Birding Safari & Wetlands Experience

Hiking & Adventure in Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains NP

- Glacier peaks & alpine scenery.
- Challenging multi-day hikes.
- Unique flora & wildlife.

-Equator Snow Lodge

-Ruboni Community Camp

8-Day Rwenzori Trekking Expedition

Why August is the Ultimate Safari Month?

August is the peak season for extraordinary safari experiences across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration river crossings, tracking the Big Five, coming face-to-face with gorillas in the mist, or summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, this is the perfect time to embark on a luxury adventure.

Key Takeaways

1.Kenya – Best for Great Migration, big cats, and hot air balloon safaris over the Masai Mara.
2.Tanzania – Best for Serengeti river crossings, Ngorongoro Crater safaris, and Kilimanjaro climbs.
3.Uganda – Best for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, and Rwenzori mountain hikes.
4.Luxury lodges & private experiences – Exclusive accommodations ensure comfort, privacy, and unmatched views.

August offers perfect weather, unparalleled wildlife action, and top-tier luxury, making it the ultimate time to experience Africa’s most iconic safaris. Which adventure will you choose?

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