When to visit
 

Hi everyone,
I plan to travel for a year in 2015. I want to see as much of Africa and Europe as I can. However, I have absolutely no idea when to go where - I'm confused by all the different advice.

I'd like to see Europe in their summer but don't want to miss seeing the wildlife in Africa. My plan is to travel up or down the east coast/middle section of Africa so that I can see as much as possible. I'd be doing this in an organised group (e.g. STA or Intrepid).

Does anyone know which month would be the best time to start my trek (north or south) so that I see as much wildlife as possible. I also plan to visit Egypt and Jordan. Ideally I'd be doing this trip before my stint in Europe but I don't want to go during the rainy season.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Europe is hot, expensive and crowded in the summer. Spring and fall are better, IMO. Fall is drier.

I can only speak for southern Africa, but May - September is best for wildlife viewing when it's dry. I prefer late May - July as the nights are longer so after a long day of wildlife viewing, you can get a good night's sleep.

Egypt and Jordan are hot (really hot) in summer.

I'm very jealous!! Please share your itinerary at some point. A year of travel would be a dream come true.

June to December great days in Tanzania from Safaris to Beach relaxation

Africa is an immense continent with safari opportunities available across thousands of miles, so the best time to travel to Africa depends on your specific destination. Overall, it's best (but most expensive) to travel in the dry season, which corresponds with the region's winter.

Since safari destinations are in the Southern Hemisphere, their seasons run opposite of North America. Winter is from June to September, and summer is from December to March. Peak seasons for Kenya and Tanzania being July to October and January to March. Low season April to June.

The prices are a bit fair in low season but be prepared to get some showers whilst on safari although this does not affect the quality of game viewing.

If you haven't done so, pick up a copy of Fodor's "Complete Safari Planning Guide" that covers all the safari countries. Lots of useful info as: seasons, where, costs, where to visit, accommodations, types of safaris, health/medical, etc.

Good luck!