Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe are all good choices for a safari in June. It is a great month to go to the bush; it is mostly dry and many iconic safari destinations offer great wildlife viewing. The dry conditions are excellent for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda too.
See below for an overview of the best parks to visit in Africa by country. Please note that the listings focus on the most popular parks only and are not comprehensive.
Every safari is filled with special moments, big and small. Some might be bucket-list items, some might be unexpected surprises. Mind though that wildlife viewing is seasonal and careful planning guarantees a successful trip. See below for some inspirational clues on where to go on an African safari in June.
The Sardine Run in South Africa
The annual sardine run in South Africa is one of the most exciting marine spectacles in the world. Every year between May and July, vast shoals of sardines migrate north along South Africa’s Wild Coast. The exact timing is unpredictable but June is a safe bet to witness this unique event. A huge concentration of marine predators, such as birds, dolphins, sharks and whales, follow the sardines. All play part in the feeding frenzy so well documented in the Emmy Award–winning BBC film The Greatest Shoal on Earth.
Around June splinter groups of the great wildebeest migration reach the Western Corridor of the Serengeti. They mass at the southern bank of the Grumeti River. The numbers gradually increase and so does the pressure to cross. Eventually they take the leap. Everywhere animals are plunging into the water and inevitably big crocs are waiting. The timing for this dramatic event is difficult to predict (even more so than the famous crossing of the Mara River), so witnessing it is very special.
Start of the Shark-cage Diving Season in Gansbaai in South Africa
The Gansbaai coastline in South Africa is thought to have the largest great white shark population in the world. With a global population of about 3,500, these epic predators are listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ in the wild. The most exciting and safest way to see them is on a shark-cage diving trip. Although often presented as an adrenaline thrill, coming eye to eye with one of the world’s most powerful predators is much more than that. Always choose a responsible operator when booking this sensitive activity.
June marks the beginning of the Dry season, favorable for wildlife viewing in most East African parks and reserves. The bush starts to dry out and animals start moving towards permanent water sources, which makes them easier to find. However, the vegetation isn’t parched yet; the surroundings are still looking lovely and green. The high season only really kicks off in July, so you can beat the crowds on a June safari. And although not really low season either, you might still get some good deals at this time.
