August is the busiest month for East African safaris and often the best for Mara River crossings, as the migration herds move between the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is excellent in the dry weather, and Zanzibar is sunny. Prices and demand are at their highest, so book permits and camps up to a year ahead.
Key takeaways
- Peak month for Mara River crossings.
- Dry, comfortable gorilla and chimp trekking.
- Highest demand: book 9–12 months ahead.
- Mara high-season fee US$200 per adult per day.
- Zanzibar is dry and sunny.
August is the high point of the safari calendar. The Great Migration herds are usually in the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara, crossing and recrossing the Mara River, and the dry weather makes trekking and game viewing excellent across the region.
The Mara River crossings
In August the herds gather on the banks of the Mara River in long lines, sometimes waiting for hours before plunging across, with crocodiles in the water and lions waiting on the far bank. Crossings happen in both Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s northern Serengeti. Staying three or four nights near the river gives the best chance of seeing one. See the Great Migration month by month.
Avoiding the crowds
August is busy at the most famous crossing points. To enjoy it more peacefully:
- Stay in a private conservancy bordering the Mara, where vehicle numbers are limited.
- Choose the northern Serengeti, which receives fewer visitors.
- Start early and be patient, letting other vehicles leave first.
Uganda and Rwanda
Dry conditions make gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes and chimp tracking in Kibale excellent, and Uganda’s savannah parks offer great game viewing as animals gather near water. Combine primates with the migration on our 12-day Kenya and Tanzania safari or a Uganda gorilla trip followed by the Mara.
Weather and what to pack
- Dry and sunny; cool early mornings, warm days.
- Layers for dawn game drives, sun protection and a dust cover for cameras.
- Good boots and gloves for gorilla treks.
Booking an August safari
August is the most competitive month. Book gorilla permits and riverside camps 9–12 months ahead, and consider flying between parks to save time.
August at a glance
| Country | Conditions | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Dry | Gorillas, chimps, Murchison |
| Rwanda | Dry | Gorillas, golden monkeys |
| Kenya | Dry | Peak Mara River crossings |
| Tanzania | Dry | Northern Serengeti crossings |
| Zanzibar | Dry, breezy | Beach and diving |
Birding in August
Birding is good in August, though fewer migrants are present. Dry conditions concentrate waterbirds at lakes and rivers, and savannah raptors are easy to spot over the short grass.
Events and holidays
August is school-holiday season for many families, adding to demand. Kenya’s parks are at their busiest, so early booking is essential.
Costs and value in August
August is the most expensive and in-demand month. Riverside camps charge their top rates, and the Mara fee is US$200 per adult per day. The northern Serengeti, conservancy camps and mobile camps can offer better value and fewer vehicles for the same spectacle.
A sample August journey
Spend four nights near the Mara River in Kenya or the northern Serengeti for the crossings, add the Ngorongoro Crater for black rhinos, then fly to Uganda for gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale, ending at Lake Bunyonyi.
Who August suits: travellers whose priority is the river crossings, families tied to school holidays, and anyone combining gorillas with the migration. If you dislike crowds, consider September or a conservancy camp.
Frequently asked questions
Is August the best month for the migration?
It is usually the best month for river crossings, though timing varies with the rains each year.
Is August too crowded?
The Mara can be busy at crossing points. Conservancy camps, the northern Serengeti and early starts help you avoid the crowds.
Is August good for gorillas?
Yes, with dry trails, but permits are in high demand.
How far ahead should I book?
Nine to twelve months ahead for August, especially for camps near the Mara River.
Is it cold?
Mornings and evenings are cool, especially at altitude; days are warm and sunny.
Can I combine August crossings with gorillas?
Yes. Fly between Entebbe or Kigali and Nairobi, or Kilimanjaro, to combine a gorilla trek with three or four nights near the Mara River.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater busy in August?
It can be. Entering as soon as the gates open gives a quieter first few hours on the crater floor.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
