July

By July, the dry season is in full swing and it’s a brilliant month to visit just about anywhere on the continent. It can be a little chilly in the mornings and evenings (but nothing a warm jacket and scarf won’t solve), but temperatures during the day are blissful and it’s generally dry and warm. Across the top safari parks and reserves, the bush is drying out and the animals congregate in their hundreds (and sometimes thousands) around the waterholes, making for superb sightings and photo opportunities. Most beach destinations are idyllic too, with the exception of Cape Town which is in the grip of winter.

HIGHLIGHTS

Best places to visit in July

Botswana

July is the quintessential time of year to visit Botswana. The country’s most famous parks (the Okavango Delta, Linyanti, and Chobe) are in their peak seasons for game viewing, and you’ll find everything from scores of red lechwe and elusive wild dog, to jaw-dropping herds of elephant. Down in the Okavango, the delta is in full flood and it’s one of the best times to enjoy a mokoro safari through the tranquil, lily-filled waterways. And if you’ve always dreamt of meeting the cheeky meerkat or quad-biking across the Makgadikgadi Pans, and spotting desert lion in the Kalahari, now’s a pretty good time of year to do that too.

Malawi

Little landlocked Malawi is a true gem in July. For safaris, Liwonde and Majete are glorious, both in terms of weather and wildlife sightings. In Liwonde in particular, huge numbers of elephant start to congregate around the Shire River and flocks of Lilian’s lovebirds fill the sky. It’s a great time of year for hiking too, in both Zomba and Mulanje, as it’s still (relatively) cool during the day – but if you’re planning a multi-day trek in the mountains, come well-equipped as temperatures can drop dramatically at night. Round things off with a couple of days at Lake Malawi. It’s the perfect temperature for watersports, adventuring, or just soaking up the sun, cocktail in hand.

Kenya

Kenya is one of those places that’s almost always magical, come rain or shine, but if we had to pick one of the best months to visit, July would be a strong contender. Across the country, you’ll find bright blue skies, plenty of sunshine and equally as marvellous game viewing. Popular parks like the Masai Mara can get busy, so head up to the north if you’re looking for a quiet escape – track rhino or embark on a camel safari in Samburu, ride out on a horseback in Laikipia, or visit the ground-breaking conservation initiatives and take a walking safari in Lewa Downs.