Where to go in Africa January

Nothing troubles a traveller’s mind more than where to go in Africa January.  Some people prefer to travel at the start of the year rather than in December. These are mostly introverts who love a quiet space which December doesn’t give. People turn out in large numbers to visit top tourist destinations during the last month of the year.

Therefore; January is a great time to visit different African destinations. Crowding isn’t an issue because a majority of the people are back to their daily hustles. This, together with a lower cost of travel, inspires a certain clique of wanderlusts to start the year on a different note.

Where to Go in Africa January

Africa is a magical destination and this magic is sometimes best captured at the start of the year. Weather and cost are perfect for wanderlusts to explore every inch of chosen destinations. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing where to go in Africa January.

1. Kenya

The weather is perfect in Kenya at this time of the year. January is dry and hot across the country. Hotel rates are also cheaper since this is an off-peak season. You have all the tourist spots to yourself. Some of the places you can visit in Kenya this month include the following:

• Diani
• Giraffe Manor
• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Tsavo National Park
• Meru National Park
• National Museum of Kenya
• Old Town in Lamu
• Amboseli National Park
• Mt Kenya National Park
• The Aberdares

2. Uganda

Just like Kenya, it’s hot and dry in Uganda. The first month of the year is the best to head out for a mountain gorilla trekking spree. The best spots in Uganda as far as where to go in Africa January are as follows:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Jinja
• Fort Portal
• Kampala
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Bunyoyi

3. Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the eye candy for tourists. It’s famous for its gorilla trekking escapades. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species only found in Rwanda and Uganda.  December to February is dry with fewer guests visiting Volcanoes for a gorilla safari.  Consider visiting Lake Kivu and Akagera National Park too.

4. Tanzania

Tanzania is an absolute thrill whenever you think about where to go in Africa January. The skies are clear, the sun shining bright and hot more than ever. This is an opportune time to discover the hidden gems of Tanzania hassle-free. Head out to the following spaces.

• Serengeti National Park
• Mt Kilimanjaro
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Zanzibar
• Raha National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Dar es Salaam
• Mahale Mountains National Park
• Selous Game Reserve
• Rubondo Island National Park
• Udzungwa Mountains National Park

5. South Africa

Forget about Kruger National Park for a moment because January has a lot of entertaining stuff beyond wildlife. Temperatures between December and March favour outdoor travel. Cape Town’s beaches roar to life. Incidentally, there are only a dozen people on the beaches with all the sunny festivity.

While here, the highlight of where to go in Africa January is the buzzing Cape Town nightlife.  Sunny weather is inviting for a wine tour around Cape Winelands and Garden Route. Wine lovers enjoy a time of their lives tasting different wine brands and enjoying the breathtaking views of the winelands.  Other top activities to engage in while in South Africa include:

• A tour of Table Mountain
• Cape Wineland wine-tasting
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden picnics
• Beach time along Garden Route
• Eastern Cape nature and game safari

6. Botswana

Unlike South Africa which is dry from December, Botswana experiences significant rainfall in January. However, it’s not a deterrent for travel being a fairly desert country. The wet season supports the growth of vegetation across parks changing the optical landscape of this Southern African country.

Herds of elephants are easier to spot around Chobe River drinking water and foraging on the river’s banks.  The southern parts of the Kalahari Desert, usually sparkling with, hot red sand are transformed into a green zone with lots of vegetation on the ground. It is the season that welcomes the annual Zebra Migration where large herds of zebras migrate between the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Botswana’s annual Zebra Migration holds record as the longest land Migration in Africa with at least 15, 000 zebras covering around 500 kilometers. Besides this natural wonder, visit the following places:

• Nxai Pan National Park
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Okavango Delta
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Chobe National Park

7. Morocco

North Africa features in where to go in Africa January. Morocco receives millions of foreign tourists every year. Nevertheless, January records the lowest number of tourists. While at it, it’s the best time to visit popular tourist destinations such as Marrakech, Fe, Rabat and Casablanca. There is no crowding in January as it is recorded from April onwards. Hotel rates and transport are also lower in the off-season.

8. Egypt

The temperature is mildly cool in Egypt at this time of the year. It is the perfect time for a sightseeing safari across Egyptian cities like Cairo, Alexandria, New Administrative Capital, Luxor and Aswan. Visitors to the Great Pyramids of Egypt are minimal giving you the best tour experience of Egypt. Further, the month’s pleasant weather is good for relaxing Nile cruises with very few tourists on board.

9. Tunisia

Africa is the land of history and Tunisia has a rich history mostly seen on cultural sites such as:

• Carthage
• El Djem Amphitheater
• The National Bardo Museum
• The Great Mosque of Kairouan
• Dougga
• Matmata
• Chott el Djerid
• Hammamet
• Djerba Island

Is January a Good Time to Visit Africa?

January is a good time to visit Africa because it’s an off-peak season meaning fewer tourists in national parks, beaches and historical sites. All other travel-related costs are lower making a January holiday affordable.

Conclusion

There are endless options on where to go in Africa January. Eastern, Northern and Southern Africa have the best tourist destinations for a January vacation. There are fewer tourists and affordable rates making it worthwhile in every aspect.