February is the middle of Southern Africa’s (Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia) wet season. Despite the huge storms and heavy afternoon downpours, the bonus of travelling at this time of year is the stunning, lush green landscapes and, spectacular sunsets. Lodges and camps are also much quieter.
For a drier safari experience, Kenya and Tanzania are excellent destinations. February is when the Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration’s calving season is in full swing. The cats are at their most active as they hunt among the large herds. It is also a good time to go Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
Where to go on safari in East Africa in February?
| Month Rating (1 star to 5-star) | Temperatures | Rainfall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya |  | 90C to 280C | 27 mm |
| Tanzania | | 180C to 290C | 130mm |
| Rwanda |  | 170C to 280C | 90 mm |
| Uganda | | 170C to 280C | 60 mm |
TANZANIA
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit (Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation area) is an excellent destination in February. With the wildebeest and zebra migration in full swing, Serengeti National Park is full of wildlife.
The majority of the migration activity in February takes place on the Ndutu Plains, south-west of the Serengeti. This is where wildebeest give birth. Predator activity is higher, as lions, leopards and cheetahs move into the area to prey on young and vulnerable calves.
KENYA
In Kenya, February is a hot and dry time of the year and excellent for wildlife watching. As water sources dry up, animals congregate around remaining available watering holes. This makes game viewing much easier. Whilst the wildebeest and zebra migration has headed south back into Tanzania, there is still plenty of resident wildlife giving birth. All the predators are highly active, taking the opportunity for easy prey.
A safari on a private wildlife conservancy in Kenya will keep you away from the hordes of vehicles in the national parks and game reserves. Private conservancies are unique because you have the opportunity to go off-road and experience the wildlife up close and personal, without hordes of other tourists. Unlike national parks and game reserves, the number of vehicles at a sighting on a private wildlife conservancy is strictly limited. You are also able to drive off-road and participate in nature walks and night game-drives.
RWANDA and UGANDA
February is a popular time to visit Rwanda and Uganda due to warm, sunny weather and mostly dry days. Being mountainous countries with lowland rainforests, Rwanda and Uganda receive rain year-round, however, January is typically a time of year that receives the least amount of rain, making for much more pleasant conditions when trekking the endangered mountain gorilla.
Where to go on safari in Southern Africa in February?
| Month Rating (1 star to 5-star) | Temperatures | Rainfall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana |  | 190C to 320C | 100 mm |
| Madagascar |  | 170C to 270C | 280 mm |
| Namibia | | 170C to 290C | 90 mm |
| South Africa | | 190C to 290C | 127mm |
| Zambia | | 160C to 290C | 190 mm |
| Zimbabwe | | 200C to 300C | 175 mm |
BOTSWANA
Although February is the rainy season in Botswana, the best places to visit at this time of year are Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The wet season is the time of year these areas come alive, with wildlife returning due to ample water and green grass. Makgadikgadi salt pans are a magnet for flamingos and other birds, plus migrating zebra, which come for the lush seasonal grazing. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve see an influx of Springbok and Oryx.
SOUTH AFRICA
Having a coastline of more than 2,500 kilometres, South Africa is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the Indian Ocean on the east. This means South Africa’s weather differs significantly between the south and north of the country. In February, the Western Cape area is a great destination, mainly down in Cape Town and along the famous Garden Route. Combining Cape Town with a safari to Kruger National Park and/or surrounding private game reserves is a great idea, however important to know the weather on the Northeastern side of the country is much wetter during Summer.