Best Places to visit in Africa in January
January is a wonderful month to explore Africa. Many parts of the continent offer fantastic wildlife sightings, beautiful beaches, and great weather for outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best places to visit in January with helpful details about what to expect and when to book.
Southern Serengeti, Tanzania
- Season: Mild summer, about 17°C (63°F).
- Why Visit: This is the calving season in the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every day about 8,000 wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators like lions, hyenas, and wild dogs, making it a great time for exciting wildlife action.
Great migration safari
- Booking: It’s a less busy, green season with fewer tourists, so you usually don’t need to book far ahead except around New Year when local families travel.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Season: Hot with temperatures around 27°C (80°F).
- What to Enjoy: Stunning beaches, vibrant cultural sites like Stone Town, and incredible diving spots especially on the southern part of the island or on nearby islands like Pemba and Mafia.
Zanzibar Beach safari
- Why Go: There are usually only five rainy days in the whole month. Zanzibar offers a perfect beach holiday after safaris elsewhere in Tanzania.
- Booking: The island is very popular, so secure your lodging early, especially for places with limited accommodation like Pemba and Mafia.
Kalahari Desert, Botswana
- Season: Hot summer, around 28°C (82°F) during the day.
- What to Experience: The desert turns green with scattered rains, bringing amazing birdlife and wildlife including the zebra migration.
- Why Go: Unlike northern Botswana where heavy rains make animals hard to find, the Kalahari stays relatively dry but lush. The zebra herds move through areas like Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans, which is a rare and special sight.
- Booking: This area is less crowded than popular spots like the Okavango Delta, so you can usually find good accommodation and rates without booking too early.
Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Season: Warm summer with temperatures near 27°C (81°F).
- What to Do: Enjoy world-class diving and snorkeling with clear waters and excellent visibility.
Quirimbas Archipelago
- Why Go: The short rain showers cool the hot days, and the seas stay calm and clear, perfect for underwater exploration.
- Booking: This is a popular time because of regional school holidays, so booking well in advance is recommended.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
- Season: Cool with temperatures around 11°C (64°F).
- What to Do: Trek mountain gorillas amidst lush forests.
- Why Go: January often has a dry spell making the trek easier with less mud and rain. The forest comes alive with sunshine streaming through the trees.
- Booking: Gorilla permits are limited and accommodation sparse, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Cape Town and Garden Route, South Africa
- Season: Warm summer with temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
- What to Enjoy: Road trips along the Garden Route, Cape Town’s beaches, the Cape Winelands for wine tasting, and visits to good safari parks like Addo Elephant National Park.
- Why Go: Unlike the rainy northern safari parks, Cape Town and the Garden Route are dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
- Booking: Early January (especially around New Year) is busy with locals on holiday, so book well in advance. The second half of January is less crowded.
Additional Highlights
- Wildlife Baby Boom: January is a wonderful time to see wildlife babies like antelope, zebras, and many others, which means plenty of action in the animal world with predators close behind.
- Green Season Benefits: The rains have made many areas lush and green, creating a beautiful, fresh environment for nature lovers and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
- Travel Deals: January is often the shoulder season (between busy times), so travelers can find good deals and fewer crowds at many destinations.
- Diverse Experiences: Whether it’s the thrill of gorilla trekking in rainforests, diving in warm tropical seas, or exploring vibrant cities and countryside, Africa offers a broad range of travel experiences in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about this tour.
1
What are the best places to visit in Africa in January?
Some of the best places include the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique, Zanzibar and Southern Serengeti in Tanzania, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, and Cape Town with the Garden Route in South Africa. Each offers unique wildlife, beautiful weather, and special activities like diving, gorilla trekking, and safaris.
2
What kind of weather can I expect in Africa in January?
January is summer in many parts of Africa, with warm to hot temperatures ranging from about 11°C (64°F) in cooler forests to around 28°C (82°F) in deserts. Some areas experience short rain showers which make the landscape green and lively, while coastal and southern spots tend to be dry and sunny.
3
Is January a good time for wildlife safaris in Africa?
Yes, January is a great time especially for seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration’s calving season in the Serengeti and zebra migration in Botswana’s Kalahari. Animals are often more active, and predator-prey interactions are common, making safaris very exciting.
4
Can I go gorilla trekking in January?
Yes, January is a good time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda because of generally drier weather which makes the forest trails easier to navigate. Permits are limited, so booking well in advance is important.
5
Is it busy traveling to Africa in January?
January is considered a shoulder or low season in many safari areas, so places are less crowded and prices may be lower compared to peak months. However, popular beach destinations and Cape Town can be busy in early January due to local holidays.
6
What should I book in advance for a January trip to Africa?
Book accommodations and gorilla trekking permits early, as these are limited and popular. For beach resorts, especially in Zanzibar and Mozambique, early booking is recommended due to demand during school holidays and the good weather.
7
Are there any special events or wildlife activities to see in January?
Yes, January is calving season in the Serengeti with thousands of wildebeest calves born daily, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes. It’s also a time of zebra migration in Botswana and good birdwatching with the green season bringing many migratory birds.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime. Explore our destinations and find your next adventure.