Warm temperatures and little rain make for an optimal safari experience across East Africa. With the lush greenery taking over the plains, July and August are the best months to visit Kenya and Tanzania and experience animals and nature.
Here’s our list of the best places to visit in July:
- Wildebeest Migration Crossings in Tanzania and Kenya Millions of wildebeest are migrating all over the Serengeti in Tanzania year round, but one of the most dramatic and popular adventures is watching the herds wildebeest cross the crocodile-infested Mara River and into Keya’s Maasai Mara. The animals overtake the river in a marvelous spectacle. Mobile camps are available to follow the herds as they move in search of lush pastures after rainfall.
- Great Barrier Reef, visit Uluru The Great Barrier Reef and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia are two breathtaking locations in one amazing trip. In Uluru, sunrises and sunsets set the landscape ablaze with color. Explore the Anagu culture of the region with tours, presentations, and art galleries. Make your way to the coast to take in the Great Barrier Reef by boat, snorkel, or scuba. World’s largest coral reef and home to many of the world’s most beautiful marine species a trip to northeastern Australia won’t disappoint.
- Ski in Portillo, Chile The Chilean Andes are sure to fulfill an avid snow-sporter’s dreams. Portillo boasts some of the best powder, steeps, chutes, and slopes. Because it is above the tree-line, skiers and snowboarders find wide-open ranges to master. This private area is only available to guests at the Portillo Hotel, so visitors become like family after spending a week or two here. With all the amenities of a vacation resort, there are plenty of activities for singles, young couples, and families, Portillo, Chile in July should be on the list!
- Singing Wells in Kenya During the dry season in Africa, water is a valuable resource. Even more so for those with livestock relying on water to keep their farms and feed their families. Wells need to be dug deep into the ground to access aquifers, so the locals work together in a human chain to haul water up from these valuable watering holes. Songs fill the air as groups of water-carriers work, keeping the rhythm as they pass buckets of water up to their thirsty animals. This experience is extremely personal, as the warriors usually work naked in the hot sun. For a humble, cultural venture, the Singing Wells is tough to beat.
- Hike the Fish River Canyon in Namibia Fish River Canyon is the world’s second largest canyon. Visitors can hike through the canyon, enjoying amazing sunrises and sleeping under the stars. At the bottom of the canyon, find hot sulphur pools perfect for relaxing tired, aching bodies. Hikers need to be self-sufficient during the trek, so experienced hikers are more apt to conquer Fish River Canyon. Much of the hike is along the river, so water is readily available for drinking (with the correct water purification) and bathing.
- Look For Snow Leopards in Ladakh, India Fewer animals are more elusive than the snow leopard. The search for a snow leopard is different than your typical safari, as the habitat is colder and more mountainous in the Himalayan region. Snow leopards are most often seen as they come down into the valley, hunting for food. Many travelers dedicate years, or even lifetimes, to catch a sight of the rare snow leopard. On your quest for this magnificent animal, you will also have an opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhist customs. Beyond the hustle and bustle, while traveling through the villages, you can explore yoga and meditation in area filled with spiritual opportunity. An exciting and tranquil getaway awaits in northern India.
Looking for more ideas?
The great wildebeest migration continues in Tanzania and Kenya in August or if you’d rather head to South America, the International Tango Festival in Buenos Aires isn’t something to just tap your toes at!
