June signals the start of the African winter and, along with it, safari season. The drier weather means thinner vegetation and more concentrated water sources, making this prime time for an African safari. To be completely fair, there’s hardly an African destination that isn’t ideal for travel in June. However, here are our top picks for destinations and lodges for African travel in June.
African travel in June: Safari, safari and more safari
1. Kruger National Park, South Africa
There are few better places on Earth to see big game than in the Kruger National Park
The Big 5 safari mecca of southern Africa, the Kruger National Park, sits at the top of nearly every African bucket list. Big game is plentiful here – and even the very elusive leopard makes regular appearances. The region also boasts many private concessions, where luxury and exclusive experiences such as night safaris, walking safaris, and following the animals off-road are all allowed, unlike in the much busier public parks.
Although the Kruger region is an excellent year-round destination, the peak season is June to September. During the dry winter months, game viewing is excellent, maximising opportunities for sightings.
Our Favourite Property: Silvan Safari
Silvan Safari was voted World’s Leading Luxury Lodge for the fourth consecutive year in 2021
From its inception, Silvan was envisioned as a transformative sanctuary, transcending the typical notion of the African bush, surpassing the norm and transforming it into something exceptional. It’s no surprise that this haven set in a leadwood forest is a multiple winner of the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge title.
Each guest that visits plays a part in the Silvan story. While guests leave forever changed by their experience, they also form part of a greater journey which sees Silvan partner with local communities to help bring the Silvan experience to life, protecting this special place for generations to come.
2. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Sunset over Menze River Selous National Park
The Selous Game Reserve may not be as well-known as its more famous neighbours but still packs quite a punch. If you want a quieter safari experience, this is definitely the place for you. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can enjoy spectacular wildlife sightings and views at this hidden gem of Tanzania. Africa’s largest game reserve, Selous, is home to an astounding population of animals, birds and plant species that are sure to delight visitors.
The best time to visit Selous Game Reserve is from June to September, when the watering holes are full, and water is scarcer elsewhere, luring animals to congregate around them. Furthermore, guests from cooler climates also find the milder weather far more comfortable than the hot African summer.
Our Favourite Property: Siwandu Camp
Siwandu Camp is sheltered in a grove of palms on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, Image Credit: Selous Safari Company
Siwandu Camp’s history of withstanding floods, tornadoes and other natural phenomena echoes the enduring nature of the African landscape. Situated on Lake Nzerakera’s shores in Tanzania, it will attract the most ardent of nature and safari-lovers.
It comes as no surprise that game-viewing is available from Siwandu Camp. Not only from guided game drives but from the tented camp itself. And the two intimate camps come with every luxury you could want.
3. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa is famous for being the home of the walking safari, Image Credit: Puku Ridge
This incredible wildlife sanctuary is known as one of the greatest globally, and upon visiting, it’s very apparent why. South Luangwa is densely packed with wildlife, including over 400 bird species, offering the ultimate safari experience. However, it’s most famous for being “the birthplace of the walking safari”.
The dry season is the perfect time to visit South Luangwa. Animals congregate along the river and make sightings easy to predict. Therefore, June to September are the best months to take advantage of these conditions.
Our Favourite Property: Time + Tide Chinzombo
Chinzombo is the most luxurious way to enjoy South Luangwa, Image Credit: Chinzombo Safari Camp
Unparalleled luxury awaits on the shores of the Luangwa River at Time + Tide Chinzombo. The canopy of ancient trees overhead provides the peace, tranquillity and intimacy with nature that comes standard at Time + Tide camps. The private plunge pools, viewing decks, and minimalist, naturally inspired décor offer an all-encompassing safari feel served with lashings of luxury.
The nearby river attracts a variety of wildlife and a chance for guests to enjoy this incredible setting from the comfort of the lodge. Its location also allows easy access to the South Luangwa National Park. A range of activities takes full advantage of its natural setting, including guided safaris and select evenings a year where guests can spend a night under the African stars, covered only by a mosquito net.
4. Etosha National Park, Namibia
During the drier months, water holes at Etosha become a hive of activity
The Bantu word “Etosha” translates to “great white place”, referencing the giant mirage-inducing pan that gave the park its name. Among the largest national parks anywhere on earth, it’s famous for the incredible abundance and diversity of wildlife found here, despite its harsh landscape. Adding to its popularity, Etosha is one of the most easily accessible and adored places to visit anywhere in southern Africa.
In past millennia the Etosha pan was an ancient inland sea. While it may no longer be an ocean, the summer rains result in a layer of algae forming across the pan’s surface, attracting flocks of flamingos and numerous other bird species. Etosha’s permanent water sources become crowded with competing wildlife during the dry season, making this the perfect time for game viewing.
Our Favourite Property: Ongava Tented Camp
Sleep under canvas in the wild, Image Credit: Ongava Tented Camp
Etosha’s best-kept secret is, without doubt, the secluded Ongava Tented Camp. Situated on the neighbouring Ongava Game Reserve (just a 10-minute drive from Etosha), the camp gives guests the best game-viewing both Etosha and Ongava have to offer – with the luxury of exclusivity and privacy.
Ongava Tented Camp’s luxury tents overlook an active watering hole that allows guests to indulge in game-viewing from the comfort of their tent. Unusual and rare species visitors can look forward to seeing include gemsbok, springbok, Damara dik-dik, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and black-faced impala.
African Travel in June is Safari Season
What destinations and lodges for African travel in June have found their way onto your bucket list? Contact our Travel Experts to bring your dream safari itinerary to life. We can’t wait to welcome you to Africa!
