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17 Apr 2025
How do you know if you are a true travel lover? First — you can say “thank you” in at least five different languages. Second — you have mastered the art of gliding past airport queues like a total expert. And third — a safari is definitely on your bucket list.
When it comes to safaris, timing is everything. And guess what? We are just entering prime time — most safari seasons kick off at the beginning of summer. Now, here is the big question: Where to travel in June and July? And what can you expect to see there? Let’s explore the top options below.
But before you pack your travel bag — a quick note!
What is the Big Five?
The world’s best safaris are (no surprise) in Africa. And when people say a safari is “good,” they usually mean one thing: you can meet the Big Five — the five most iconic animals to spot in the wild: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.
Yes, it is a bit of a dated checklist — and it does not include many favourites like giraffes, zebras, or cheetahs — but it is still a solid marker for those who take their wildlife experiences seriously. And it is still a useful way to navigate the top safari destinations we are planning to travel.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Kenya is a truly unique destination — home to five major national parks, with the Maasai Mara National Reserve standing out as the crown jewel. It shares an open border with Tanzania’s Serengeti, forming one massive, interconnected ecosystem.
When to go?
The period from June to October is generally considered the best time to visit — with July and August being the peak of the Great Migration.
What to expect?
Maasai Mara is one of the rare places where you can spot all members of the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. But let’s be real: it is not a zoo. So if that is your goal, plan for at least two days of safari. You’ll also likely see giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
Tour to consider:
2,050–2,800 AED
Got a spare 4 days? Consider this adventure packed with wildlife and unforgettable views. You will spend the first two days exploring the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve — home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, and more. On day three, the journey continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, where you can spot hippos, giraffes, rhinos, and buffalo.
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Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Tanzania is home to six national parks, but the Serengeti is by far the most iconic. While Kenya offers a wilder, more rugged safari experience, Tanzania feels a bit calmer and more developed. And get this: the Serengeti is nearly 10 times bigger than Kenya’s Maasai Mara. That means more space, more animals, and more chances to witness something unforgettable.
When to go?
Tanzania and Kenya sit side by side in East Africa, so their safari seasons are quite similar. The best time to visit is from June to October, with July and August being peak months for the Great Migration.
Bonus tip: February is baby season in the Serengeti. If your guilty pleasure is watching adorable baby animals for hours on end — this is your time to go.
What to expect:
The Serengeti truly has every member of the Big Five, plus a lot of zebras, buffalo, giraffes, and more. One of my personal highlights? Ostriches. Watching them sprint across the plains — surprisingly fast and oddly graceful — was unforgettable.
Tour to consider:
2,303 AED
If you are planning to explore more than one national park in Tanzania (a great idea, by the way, as each park has its own unique vibe and wildlife), this tour is a solid option. For just 2,303 AED, you will visit three major Tanzanian parks and fully immerse yourself in nature.
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Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of the most underrated safaris in the world? Okavango Delta in Botswana. Compared to the usual safari hotspots, Botswana is the greenest, most peaceful, and honestly — the cutest. What makes it even more special? Instead of the usual jeep (though those are used too), you will be offered a traditional canoe, to travel and explore.
When to go?
July to September is the sweet spot. Warm and dry weather draws all kinds of animals to the water to drink — making it the perfect time for close-up sightings.
What to expect?
The Big Five are all here. And beyond that? The Okavango Delta is also a birdwatcher’s dream, home to over 400 species.
Tour to consider:
4,261 AED
A great mix of jeep safaris (think lions and elephants) and mokoro rides (think hippos and crocodiles), all with meals included. A proper adventure, without roughing it too much.
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Kruger National Park, South Africa
Three things that make this park stand out. First — it is really accessible. Prices vary a lot, so even if you are on a tight budget, it is still totally doable. Second — it is incredibly diverse, with over 147 mammal species and more than 500 bird species. And third — you can actually stay overnight literally inside the park. Waking up to the sound of elephants walking nearby? Pretty unforgettable.
When to go:
May to October is the dry season — which means fewer leaves, less water, and better chances to spot animals as they gather around the watering holes.
What to expect:
The Big Five are all here — including both Black and White rhinos. You will also see zebras, giraffes, hippos, and loads of other animals. And if you are into birds, this place is heaven — a real hotspot for birdwatching.
Tour to consider:
3,067 AED
Imagine staying right in the heart of the park — watching baby deer run and play, hippos splash in the lake, and lions resting under the bushes. Yes, it is just as magical as it sounds.
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Etosha National Park, Namibia
What makes Etosha stand out is that it is self-drive friendly. If you have a driving license, feel free to explore the park on your own. Just remember the safety rules: never leave the car until you reach designated safe areas.
When to visit:
The dry season from June to October is considered the best time to visit, as animals are easier to spot during this period.
What to expect:
Here, you will find almost all of the Big Five, except for buffalo, which prefer wetter, lusher areas. But even taking this into account, there is still plenty to see — cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and more. And if you visit during the rainy season, you may even get to see flamingos.
Tour to consider:
1,175 EUR
This 3-day tour spends all your time in Etosha National Park, making it more than enough to immerse yourself in nature and spot all the animals you have been dreaming of. In the evenings, unwind in your small chalet with a refreshing drink on the balcony and prepare for another exciting day ahead.
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