Africa in August: Things to Do & Destinations

1. Namibia

My Trip to Namibia | Safari, Desert, and Coast

Namibia empowers you to independently curate your African journey. Embark on a self-guided tour to discover the marvels this country presents at your own tempo. Namibia is the premier destination for self-drivers in August, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore desert landscapes, highlands, and engage in distinctive outdoor activities.

August represents the optimal period to explore two significant regions in Namibia: Sossusvlei and Damaraland. As the conclusion of the southern hemisphere’s winter approaches, the region enters its dry season, with Namibia’s often sweltering daytime temperatures decreasing to a comfortable 25°C (77°F). Precipitation is absent, clouds are sparse, and sunlight is consistently present.

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is renowned for its scenic sand dunes, especially the frequently photographed and commonly ascended Big Daddy and Dune 45. Adjacent to Deadvlei, the area is celebrated for its eerily exquisite arid clay pan. Photographers will find this landscape exceptionally rewarding, requiring merely the press of a button to obtain an award-winning image. More adventurous tourists can remove their footwear and ascend the colossal dunes, rewarded with breathtaking vistas from the summit.

Damaraland

A journey farther north uncovers the stunning mountains of Damaraland, a concealed sanctuary of ancient watercourses featuring expansive meadows, grasslands, granite hills, and profound gorges. Damaraland hosts distinctive fauna that have modified their behaviours to endure in one of the planet’s most extreme conditions. Here, one can observe small populations of desert-adapted elephants, black rhinoceroses, giraffes, ostriches, oryxes, and springboks (gazelles).

2. South Africa

Cape Whale Coast

The Whale Coast Route in South Africa

The frigid and inclement weather is nearly absent in August in beautiful South Africa. Winter jackets are stored in preference of a light jacket, a pleasing acknowledgement of the approaching spring. The whale-watching season has commenced in the western area of the country, as southern right whales gradually return from the Antarctic to breed in the milder Atlantic waters.

Walker Bay is the premier destination for tourism in August, as it offers the opportunity to observe these marine creatures; the waters next to the picturesque town of Hermanus serve as a favoured mating and breeding habitat. Observe whales from several vantage points around the stunning coastline, via boat, kayak, or helicopter. Additionally, foot traffic in August is minimal, resulting in the absence of crowds prior to the increase in November.

Kruger National Park

It would be a significant oversight to visit South Africa without experiencing one of the premier safari destinations globally. Kruger National Park is a sanctuary for the Big 5, offering exceptional animal observation throughout the year and accommodating all types of travellers, including first-timers and those seeking wheelchair- and halal-friendly safaris. The Kruger is an excellent destination in August, as the transition from winter to spring yields a temperate climate that is neither excessively hot nor chilly.

During the region’s arid season, the perennial water sources attract substantial wildlife populations, which are readily observable due to the limited vegetation, facilitating exceptional game viewing. The advantage of the cooler and drier climate is that the malaria danger in Kruger significantly decreases in August.

3. Zambia

What’s SAFARI like in ZAMBIA

Although your initial impressions of safaris may involve wildlife drives in 4×4 vehicles, there are plenty alternative methods to explore Africa’s natural landscapes. Experience wildlife from a novel vantage point through a walking safari, transforming you from a passive viewer to an active participant on your African safari in August. While game drives may encompass extensive areas, exploring the vast plains on foot provides unlimited access to all regions of the wilderness.

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is the origin of walking safaris and is the ideal destination in August for the optimal and safest experience of monitoring wildlife on foot. The temperate and arid climate of August creates ideal circumstances for a day of trekking in South Luangwa. Game viewing reaches its zenith during this season, enhancing your likelihood of successfully following an apex predator.

Experience the invigorating, fresh air at daybreak prior to commencing your expedition, guided by an armed scout. Navigate the Luangwa River while observing herds of elephants and buffalo drinking, Nile crocodiles basking on the sunlit banks, and large felines prowling through the adjacent trees.

4. Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

Visiting Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe (Everything You Need to Know!)

The ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’ provides unparalleled activities, ranging from wildlife drives in Victoria Falls National Park to water sports on the Zambezi River.

August is an optimal month to visit the renowned waterfall. The dry season is in full swing, and with limited vegetation, wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, such as the Zambezi River, facilitating the observation of large animals. Anticipate unobstructed vistas of the waterfall, characterised by optimal water levels and a slight mist on the Zimbabwean side.

Adventurous tourists will find white-water rafting on the river exhilarating, as Victoria Falls is the premier destination in August for this adrenaline-inducing activity, with optimal water levels and flow throughout this period. Furthermore, if you require additional justification for visiting Zimbabwe in August, the renowned Devil’s Pool, located at the precipice of the falls, becomes accessible about in the middle of the month.

5. Botswana

Chobe National Park

My Trip to Botswana | Safari in Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park

Although Botswana experiences elevated daytime temperatures in August, the wildlife observation in Chobe National Park is exceptional. For those capable of enduring elevated temperatures, Chobe is a fantastic destination for remarkable wildlife watching in August.

In the dry season, large numbers of elephants, buffalo, and various wildlife congregate near the Chobe and Serondela River, while the Savuti region provides exceptional opportunities to observe the formidable resident lion pride. Game drives are not the sole method to explore this environment. Staying in the national park allows you to partake in a Chobe River boat tour to observe the plentiful animals attracted to the riverbanks.

6. Mozambique

Bazaruto Archipelago

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique: 20 Epic Things to Do in Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Following a week of exhilarating game drives in the wild African terrain, it would be beneficial to recuperate on a sunlit beach, beverage in one hand and preferred book in the other. Although Southern Africa’s winter may be concluding, the tropical islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago flourish at this period.

August occurs during the region’s arid season. Typically, oppressive temperatures decrease, and flora diminishes, revealing wildlife for enhanced observation. Water-based activities are plentiful, ranging from scuba diving and snorkelling to big game fishing; the strikingly blue waters offer something for anyone. It is also a destination in Africa during August for the opportunity to observe humpback whales as they migrate from the frigid waters of Antarctica to the milder seas of East Africa.

7. Malawi

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi

For a distinctive perspective on a beach vacation, consider the stunning shoreline of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi, an unrecognised treasure of Africa, features sandy beaches and pristine waters devoid of the hazards associated with the ocean—there are no strong currents or shark advisories present.

Malawi experiences clear sky, sunny days, minimal precipitation, and mild nights – an ideal destination for a coastal retreat in August. Referred to as the ‘lake of stars’, the water attracts hippos, warthogs, and sporadically, elephants to its banks. Lake Malawi offers an unparalleled ‘beach’ retreat, featuring days of kayaking, snorkelling, and diving in its unblemished waters amidst African wildlife.

8. Tanzania

Serengeti

let’s go on my DREAM safari in tanzania 🇹🇿 the nicest hotel in the serengeti

In the northwestern quadrant of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, vast herds of wildebeest advance, adhering to the perennial migration path that has persisted for millennia. Having evaded the crocodiles of the Grumeti River, they must now navigate a comparable peril to across the Mara River, where crocodiles congregate silently as the sound of approaching hoof heralds the coming of the enormous herds. The verdant pastures of Kenya’s Masai Mara are situated just beyond the river, serving as an alluring allure for the wildebeest, which traverse the waters in a breathtaking display.

The southern and central Serengeti are among the premier destinations for game viewing in August, offering experiences as dramatic as the Migration’s drama in the north, although devoid of the high-season throng. The expansive southern and central savannahs of the Serengeti are teeming with indigenous animals, yet they offer a more secluded and intimate environment. The south-central Serengeti experience extends beyond mere wildlife viewing. Numerous resorts are situated in private concessions, providing a variety of exceptional activities, including as excursions to Maasai settlements and walking safaris led by local guides and trackers.

Nyerere National Park (Previously Selous)

Nyerere, a relatively obscure safari location in Southern Tanzania, is characterised by its vast wilderness and abundant wildlife. It hosts the largest population of lions and buffalo in Africa. Nyerere has been designated a World Heritage Site for almost 30 years; nonetheless, it remains mostly unknown, attracting only one percent of Tanzania’s annual tourists. This is a destination to consider in August for exceptional safari experiences away from the masses.

The formidable Rufiji River traverses Nyerere, providing boating safaris along its lush banks, while elephants and giraffes quench their thirst at the water’s side. On land, you will monitor flourishing lion prides and Africa’s greatest population of wild dogs during 4×4 game drives.

9. Kenya

Masai Mara

Ultra Luxury Safari Camp in the Masai Mara

The expansive plains of Kenya’s premier reserve serve as a refuge for a plethora of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and the renowned big cats of the Mara: lions, leopards, and cheetahs. For optimal observation of the Wildebeest Migration’s dramatic river crossings from Tanzania into Kenya, the Masai Mara is the premier destination in August.

To experience this event, it is essential to reserve your safari far ahead of time, as it is peak season and the finest accommodations are often filled up to a year in advance. August is among Africa’s driest months, with a temperature of approximately 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), rendering it ideal for safari excursions.

Residing within the national reserve places you in close proximity to the Migration’s activity, however it can become quite crowded. We advise residing in the Mara’s private conservancies, as they are situated little farther from the Migration hotspots, allowing for convenient access to the activity while also providing an escape into serenity.

10. Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Into the Wild: Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Guide for Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

Africa’s premier wildlife experiences involve close interactions with amazing animals. We engage in swimming with whale sharks, monitor breeding herds of elephants, and observe formidable silverback gorillas. Such experiences are frequently transformative – potentially being the paramount method for re-establishing our connection with the natural environment.

Gorilla trekking frequently imparts to travellers an enhanced awareness of our identity as constituents of the primate evolutionary lineage, revealing that we share numerous behaviours and characteristics deemed inherently human, such as affection and humour.

Prime gorilla trekking destinations in August include Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the Congo’s Odzala National Park. The weather is cool and dry, facilitating trekking and enhancing comfort compared to other seasons.