June is one of the best months for an East African safari. The long dry season begins, gorilla and chimp trails dry out in Uganda and Rwanda, the Great Migration moves through the western Serengeti with crossings of the Grumeti River, and Kilimanjaro’s main climbing season starts. It is busier than May but quieter than July and August, with the lower Masai Mara fee still in place.
Key takeaways
- Start of the long dry season across the region.
- Prime gorilla and chimp trekking conditions.
- Grumeti River crossings in the western Serengeti.
- Excellent month for Kilimanjaro climbs.
- Quieter than July and August; Mara fee still US$100 in June.
June is when East Africa’s long dry season begins. The rains have ended, the landscapes are still green, the air is cool and clear, and wildlife viewing improves week by week. For many travellers it is the ideal balance between good conditions and manageable crowds.
Uganda and Rwanda: prime trekking
June brings drier trails in Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park and Kibale, making gorilla and chimpanzee treks easier. The savannah parks of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison start to dry out, with shorter grass and animals gathering near water. Permits return to standard prices (US$800 gorilla, US$250 chimp in Uganda) and demand rises, so book well ahead.
Tanzania: the western Serengeti
The migration herds usually move through the western Serengeti in June, crossing the Grumeti River, where large crocodiles wait. It is a quieter alternative to the famous Mara River crossings. The central Seronera valley is excellent for big cats. Read the Great Migration month by month.
Kenya
The Masai Mara is dry and green, with excellent resident wildlife and the lower US$100 reserve fee for the last month before the high-season rate. The first herds may arrive late in the month in some years. Amboseli and Samburu are dry and productive.
Kilimanjaro
June is the start of the main climbing season on Kilimanjaro, with clear skies and dry trails. Nights on the mountain are cold. See our 7-day Machame route climb.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s hotels reopen and the weather is dry and pleasant, with trade winds and warm seas. June to September is excellent for kitesurfing on the east coast.
Weather and what to pack
- Dry, sunny days; cool mornings and evenings, especially at altitude.
- A warm fleece or jacket for early game drives and gorilla treks.
- Sun protection, a hat and light layers.
Booking a June safari
June is the start of high season. Book gorilla permits and popular lodges 6–9 months ahead, especially for the second half of the month.
A sample June journey
Combine two gorilla treks on our 6-day Uganda and Rwanda double gorilla safari, then fly to Tanzania for the 7-day Northern Circuit and the Grumeti crossings.
June at a glance
| Country | Conditions | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Dry season | Prime trekking |
| Rwanda | Dry season | Prime trekking |
| Kenya | Dry | Last month of US$100 Mara fee |
| Tanzania | Dry | Grumeti River crossings |
| Zanzibar | Dry, breezy | Kitesurfing season starts |
Birding in June
Birding is very good in June, with clear weather making forest birding easier. Resident species dominate, as migrants have left, and the dry conditions concentrate waterbirds around lakes and rivers.
Events and holidays
On 3 June, Uganda Martyrs Day draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the Namugongo shrine near Kampala, many walking for days from across the region. Expect heavy traffic around Kampala on and before that date, and plan airport transfers accordingly. June also marks the start of school holidays in parts of Europe and North America later in the month, so family-friendly lodges fill up quickly from mid-June onwards.
Frequently asked questions
Is June a good month for a safari?
Yes. It is dry, green and cooler, with excellent wildlife viewing and fewer visitors than July and August.
Where is the migration in June?
Usually in the western Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River, before heading north in July.
Is June good for gorilla trekking?
Very good: trails are drying out and the forests are still lush.
Is it cold in June?
Mornings and evenings can be cool, especially at altitude in Bwindi, the Ngorongoro rim and on Kilimanjaro. Bring warm layers.
Is Zanzibar open in June?
Yes. Hotels reopen and the weather is dry and pleasant, with cooling breezes.
Is June good for families?
Yes. Dry weather, cooler temperatures and the start of school holidays in some countries make June a popular family month.
When should I book for June?
Six to nine months ahead for gorilla permits and popular lodges, especially for the second half of the month.
Is June good for Zanzibar?
Yes. The rains have ended, hotels have reopened and the weather is dry, sunny and pleasantly breezy.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
