Our Recommended Safari Holidays for January
For travelers prioritizing big game sightings, Tanzania and Kenya are the top destinations. These regions are still in their dry seasons, offering excellent conditions for safari. If gorilla trekking in Rwanda is on your list, January is also a great time, as the country is experiencing its dry season, much like the rest of East Africa. Many visitors also flock to South Africa in January, where the Cape and Garden Route shine at their best. Despite the rainy season, the safari experiences in South Africa remain top-notch.Tanzania Holidays
Tanzania is a standout destination in January, particularly the Northern Circuit. The Serengeti is exceptional throughout the months of January, February, and March. During this time, the first herds of the Great Migration arrive at the Ndutu plains just south of the Serengeti, preparing for the calving season in February.
The Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa to view cheetahs during this period. The concentration of predators on the open plains is simply breathtaking. We also recommend a couple of camps in the area that provide some of the finest cultural interactions and walking safaris in Africa. A combination of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater makes for an unforgettable safari experience in January.
South Africa Holidays
South Africa is absolutely stunning in January. The weather is perfect, and driving along the famous Garden Route offers unparalleled views. However, the challenge of this time of year lies in combining the Cape Town and Winelands with a high-quality wilderness safari. While Botswana is entering its rainy season and much of Zambia is closed due to floods, South Africa’s safari parks such as Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands remain exceptional, even with a chance of rain. We recommend combining these safaris with a short add-on holiday to Cape Town for a memorable experience.
Kenya Holidays
January is a fantastic time to visit Kenya. With clear skies and hot days, game viewing in areas like the Maasai Mara is at its peak, and it marks the beginning of the calving season. As a result, Kenya becomes a popular destination for safari in January. However, some areas can become crowded, so it’s important to plan an itinerary that avoids the busiest spots.Rwanda Holidays
January is an ideal time to visit Rwanda, thanks to warm, sunny weather and dry days. This makes for great gorilla trekking conditions, with well-located accommodations such as Wilderness Sabyinyo and Wilderness Bisate providing excellent options. While the weather is generally dry, Rwanda’s unpredictable patterns around Volcanoes National Park mean that occasional downpours are still possible.
