The climate in Kenya and Tanzania
In our homeland,
Kenya, there’s no summer or winter – and no spring or autumn either! Instead, there are dry and wet seasons. Due to climate change, it can sometimes be tricky to predict exactly when heavy rains will fall, but generally, the main rainy season starts at the end of March and lasts until around May.
During this season, it mostly rains at night, so you can still travel during this period – just be aware that some unpaved roads may become difficult to navigate. On the plus side, nature is beautifully green at this time, as well as in the months following the rains. Nairobi, being in a higher-altitude area, can still experience some showers in November and December.
Kenya’s weather is particularly pleasant during the two most important Dutch holiday periods: the summer holidays and the festive season. If you’re planning a family trip, especially for a safari, the best time to visit is during the Dutch summer holidays. In July and August, the Great Migration takes place, with two million wildebeests and 500,000 zebras crossing the Masai Mara (Kenya).
Can’t travel in the summer holidays? No worries! The animals are always on the move. From November to December, the wildebeests and zebras can be spotted in the Serengeti (
Tanzania). Bring your telephoto lens, as the lions, cheetahs, and leopards certainly won’t miss out on this feast!
The climate in Uganda and Rwanda
Rwanda and
Uganda also experience dry and wet seasons. Since Rwanda sits at a higher altitude compared to Kenya and Tanzania, temperatures here are generally cooler – in the mountains, it can even freeze at night! Both Rwanda and its neighbour Uganda are great destinations to visit year-round, especially for a jungle trek to spot gorillas. However, travelling during the dry seasons tends to be more comfortable. From mid-May to mid-October, the landscapes in both countries are lush and green, with less rainfall compared to the wet season. Another dry period runs from December to February, bringing warm and pleasant weather.
The climate in South Africa
Unlike East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, which sit on the equator and maintain warm temperatures year-round without a true winter, South Africa is far enough from the equator to experience distinct summer and winter seasons. When it’s summer in the Netherlands, it’s winter in South Africa! Interestingly, this is actually the best time for a family safari in
South Africa. During July and August, the dry season makes it much easier to spot the Big Five, as there’s less vegetation and cover for the animals to hide.
