July is a great month to explore the wildlife parks in Africa as the season is considered the best for game viewing. It is the first month with a full dry season in swing, and this is the time when the parks are at their peak and provide quality safari and peak game viewing and trekking times. The huge migrations are starting, camping options are endless, the bushes are less dense, and animals flock to the water sources to make game viewing easier. Thus, there is a much better chance to spot the wildlife because of the higher visibility of the animals.
Companies like Safarigo ensure you get the best safari experience in Africa throughout the year. However, there are some African National Parks where the experience is especially rewarding at this time of the year.
Given below are some exceptional parks to visit in July for incredible wildlife spectacles.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, for elephants
If you love to watch, elephants head straight for Hwange National Park, which boasts the largest elephant population. The park borders Botswana and the best time to catch a glimpse of those huge, majestic animals is in the drier months of July. Along with elephants, you stand a very good chance of spotting leopards, cheetahs, lions, wild dogs, and rhinos who gather around the water holes. It is indeed the most underrated wildlife park in Africa that should not be missed because of the greater diversity of mammals and the greatest concentration of big animals in the world.
- Why go in July – Clear skies and lots of sunshine, less dense bush for wildlife sightings
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, for the Wildebeest migration
The wide and wild Serengeti National Park boasts of vast game-filled plains which are studded with iconic acacia trees. Based on the year’s rainfall cycle, the Wildebeest Migration starts roughly during this time of the year. One can stay in lodges or tented camps to enjoy the great spectacle in the western and northern Serengeti. The Wildebeest and the bar-coded zebras pause at the muddy rivers before continuing their trek to the Masai Mara. You will get plenty of chances to see the Nile crocodile waiting patiently for the 4-legged prey to see how the prehistoric reptiles throw themselves at the abundance of food coming their way.
- Why go in July – Lowest temperatures and humidity, good wildlife sightings
Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana for African Wilderness
The Kalahari Desert is brutally wild and spread across thousands and thousands of kilometers. What makes it more challenging to explore as compared to other parks in the region is the expanse of the park and its wilderness plus aridity. Nevertheless, the park ranks high when it comes to encountering herds of majestic wildlife. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you get an insight into the diversity of Africa as you tour the Kalahari wilderness. Enjoy sightings of leopard and lion pride or herds of a couple of hundred elephants that are sure to give you a feeling of pride if you truly love wildlife.
- Why go in July – Greater numbers of wildlife along water channels, lowest risks of malaria
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, for mountain gorillas
If you have always wanted to see the endangered mountain gorillas, your best chance to see them is in Volcanoes National Park during the month of July. A group of trekkers is assigned to an expert and experienced ranger who will lead you into the mountainous forest. You will get some precious moments to see the mountain gorillas from close and watch them feed and interact with each other. It is a good idea to combine the trek with a visit to other parks and Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. The area is great for birding and chimpanzee trekking, plus other game viewing.
- Why go in July – One of the very best times of year for gorilla-trekking conditions and luxurious accommodations in the region.
Naukluft National Park, Namibia, for rugged wild
If you are in search of undeveloped landscapes and complete silence under dark night skies, you are sure to find it all here in Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Listed among the largest national parks in the world, it is also one of the oldest. Carrying a section of the wild Atlantic Ocean coastline and consisting of deep canyons and the giant, rust-red sand dunes, it is no wonder to find the park one of the most photographed scenes in Namibia. The hyper-arid region boasts a surprising collection of creatures such as hyenas, gemsboks, leopards, foxes, baboons, jackals, cape foxes, geckos, and more.
- Why go in July – Temperatures are reasonable, and Namibia has plenty of game viewing to offer at its finest safari destinations.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya for Masai Mara
Get ready for the wilder side of the safari experience and visit Samburu National Reserve, which offers a colorful cultural appeal and is well famous for its legendary Samburu hospitality. The Kenyan safari experience will stay with you for a lifetime with premier wildlife sightings of the Special Five that feature Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk antelope, and Somali ostrich. The peak season in Kenya offers the most incredible wildlife spectacles ever, which should not be missed by wildlife lovers.
- Why go in July – July is the right month to witness the Great Migration of thousands of Wildebeest and zebra.
South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park, Zambia
Zambia National Parks boast of several dedicated safaris and are particularly popular with Safari enthusiasts because of the uncrowded wilderness. South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park draw safari connoisseurs for lion and leopard sightings along with antelope species. Nowhere else will you come across such a spectacular concentration of wildlife. The Big Five are more common here except for the rhino, and thus, you stand a good chance to spot leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and lions. Plus, you get the services of the best guides and can enjoy activities such as walking safaris and night drives.
- Why go in July – Zambia’s parks are fully operational to explore and spot the Big Fives.
Combine your Safari trip with other local activities and attractions to take your experience to a whole new level. One can go camping, mountain biking, walking, and horseback riding through stunning landscapes of Africa and its wilderness. Some other activities to enjoy include hot air ballooning, white water rafting, and helicopter rides. Make the most of your time when you visit and explore the national parks of Africa in July!
