Africa in February: When/Where to Go, Things to Do & Weather
Africa in February: When/Where to Go, Things to Do & Weather. February in Africa experiences the peak of summer. Precipitation has established itself throughout much of the continent, enriching its extensive savannahs and irrigating the tropical coastline via afternoon downpours. However, it is not solely overcast: select the appropriate place, and you will experience Africa’s quintessential azure skies and radiant sunshine. February is an opportune period for both safaris and beach vacations, if one is aware of the ideal destinations, coinciding with some of the year’s most significant wildlife encounters. If you have ever desired to snorkel beside a 12-meter (40-foot) whale shark or observe a rare mountain gorilla in its native environment, now is the opportune moment to pursue these experiences. It is time for exquisite wine cellars on expansive estates in Cape Town’s splendid winelands and palm-thatched bandas on boundless tropical beaches. Desire to observe azure skies above? Arrange a trip to Africa in February. Although it may not be peak season in the most frequented locales, it is an ideal time for relaxation and rejuvenation beneath the African sun in these destinations:
Africa In February: Things to Do & Destinations
1. Kenya
Samburu & Masai Mara
This Kenya Safari Will Blow Your Mind (Masai Mara)
The Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya’s savannah plains, presents a distinct experience compared to its more renowned southern counterparts, Amboseli and the Masai Mara. The palm plantations and thorny scrub of Samburu starkly contrast with the vast meadows of the Mara, although the wildlife is equally magnificent. This location features all the common species – elephant, lion, and leopard – as well as region-specific species known as the Samburu Special 5: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.
Note that February is characterised by high temperatures, making lodges with pools preferable; yet, this period presents a favourable dry interval between Kenya’s rainy seasons. The primary activities here include game watching via 4X4, cultural interactions with local villages, captivating guided nature hikes, and camelback safaris.
Samburu and the Masai Mara are ideal destinations in February and, in our view, among the finest methods to see Kenya. You may appreciate the diversity and distinctive terrains of Samburu alongside the renowned grasslands and fauna of the Mara.
Traveller Types: Best For…
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Travellers interested in cultural experiences
- Families
2. South Africa
Cape Town
Kruger Luxury vs Budget Safari Experience
February is the preferred month for summer in Cape Town among connoisseurs. Devoid of the holiday throngs, the weather is as bright as one might expect in Africa and as arid as an oak-aged chardonnay. From the stunning white-sand beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton to the retail centre of the V&A Waterfront, several activities and sights await. We recommend avoiding the sun-drenched City Bowl and proceeding south to the cooler, shaded inclines of Table Mountain, where lush rows of verdant grapes delineate the commencement of the Constantia Wine Route.
Constantia, one of Cape Town’s most prestigious districts, hosts South Africa’s oldest wine vineyards, and the February warmth renders cold wines and picnics beneath oak trees exquisite. The surrounding Silvermine Nature Reserve offers exceptional hiking opportunities, along with organic food markets to explore and local beaches to enjoy. Conclude a leisurely summer day with a musical concert amidst the scenic splendour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden – an ideal method to immerse oneself in South Africa during February.
Traveller Types: Best For…
- Foodies
- Sunseekers
- Families
3. Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
The Truth About a Serengeti Safari (5 Things You Should Know)
Post the short rains season in Tanzania, the southern Serengeti provides ample fodder for the herds of the Wildebeest Migration. The calving season lasts until approximately March, so brace yourself for several unsteady calves and the possibility of heartbreak as predators target vulnerable prey. For dramatic predator encounters, East Africa in February offers lions, brown hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs preying on helpless calves. Additionally, February marks the commencement of the Migration’s rutting season, during which males compete for the opportunity to mate with receptive females.
4. Zanzibar
ZANZIBAR: Beach Adventure
The whale shark, exceeding the length of a London bus and weighing double its mass, is unequivocally the largest fish in the water. However, their considerable size conceals an intriguing reality: slow-moving, filter-feeding whale sharks are nearly as perilous as a lethargic cow. Snorkellers have even seized a table-sized fin to obtain a ride! Juvenile whale sharks exhibit playful behaviour towards human divers.
This migratory species, these magnificent giants, inhabit the East African coast from October to April in unprecedented numbers compared to a decade prior, with February being the optimal month for observation. Travel to the southern coast of Kenya or the exquisite islands of Zanzibar, where your visit will align with the archipelago’s optimal weather conditions. Chumbe Island is excellent for general snorkelling, but Mnemba Island features a dedicated marine reserve, and Pemba and Mafia Islands are renowned for whale shark snorkelling. If you have long aspired to swim with the largest fish on Earth, visit East Africa in February.
Traveller Types: Best For…
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Adventurers and active travellers
- Couples and honeymooners
5. Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda vs Uganda vs Republic of Congo
While elephants, chimpanzees, and forest buffalo are significant attractions, the highlight is the endangered gorillas. In February, one should visit Congo, Uganda, or Rwanda to observe these giant apes in their natural habitat. While gorilla trekking is regarded as a year-round endeavour, February is optimal for such excursions due to favourable dry conditions, excellent hiking terrain, and less malaria risk. Throughout the most of the year, gorillas consume a diet consisting primarily of unadorned, starchy plants; however, in February, they are sometimes located beneath trees laden with fruit.
Traveller Types: Best For…
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Adventurers and active travellers
6. Seychelles & Mozambique
Maurtius vs Seychelles, which one is best
If you intend to vacation in the Indian Ocean in February, it is advisable to bring an umbrella, as it is cyclone season. What is the rationale behind our recommendation of Mozambique and the Seychelles? Situated outside the cyclone zone, both sites provide quintessential sun-drenched, palm-fringed beaches, despite occasional afternoon rains, throughout the season when the northern hemisphere has snow and ice.
The secluded Quirimbas Archipelago, situated off northern Mozambique, is perfect for honeymooners and adventurous families. The Seychelles offers a spectrum of accommodations, from family resorts to exclusive private islands. Both locations provide an unparalleled combination of aquatic activities and luxurious relaxation, and due to convenient logistics, each serves as an excellent complement to your February safari in Africa.
Traveller Types: Best For…
- Sunseekers
- Honeymooners
- Families
- Adventurers and active travellers