Where to Go for an African Safari Holiday in February
Africa in February
By February, the majority of Safari Africa is experiencing heavy rains. However, Tanzania and Kenya are still in their dry season and both are excellent for game viewing. The Great Migration’s calving season is in full swing and predators are at their most active as they hunt among the large herds. Gorilla trekking is perfect in February, as Rwanda is also in its dry season.
Tanzania
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a very good holiday destination in February – indeed, the Serengeti is outrageously good throughout January, February and March, with February being calving month for the Great Migration. Safari aficionados flock to the Serengeti at this time of year, solely for the chance of combining their holiday with the two to three weeks when the migration is calving in full.
This is the time of year when approximately 500,000 wildebeest are born in less than a month! It is also at this time that the Serengeti becomes the finest place in Africa to view cheetah, and the sheer concentration of predators on the huge open plains is astonishing. We also use a couple of camps down in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (effectively an extension of the Serengeti), which offer in addition some of the finest cultural interactions and walking operations on the continent. A safari holiday designed around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro is superb for February.
South Africa
South Africa is a great holiday destination in February, particularly down in Cape Town and along the famous Garden Route. The climate differs greatly between the north and south of the country, but a safari in both the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands is still superb.
Kenya
Kenya is in its hot dry season in February and is excellent both for big game safari and bird viewing in the Maasai Mara and Laikipia. As many water sources dry up animals congregate around watering holes making game viewing much easier than the wetter months. The calving season is now also underway and all the cats are extremely active trying to use this opportunity for easy prey.
Rwanda
February is a popular time to visit Rwanda due to warm and generally sunny weather, making for good gorilla-trekking conditions. We recommend Wilderness Sabyinyo and Wilderness Bisate. This month does see a gradual increase in rain as it moves towards March, but the changeable weather patterns around Volcanoes National Park make it hard to predict.
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Adult and infant gorilla sighting in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. -
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View of zebra herd on a game drive in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. -
Best February Destinations
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Tanzania
A classic safari destination home to big game, epic wildlife events, and iconic national parks.
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South Africa
Big Five safaris, lively cities, and dramatic coastlines. South Africa delivers exciting contrasts and variety.
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Kenya
The original birthplace of safari, where world-class wildlife experiences and beautiful beaches meet.
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Rwanda
Gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and poignant history. Rwanda is a truly inspiring safari destination.
Best Trips in February
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