Mother nature at her finest as the wildebeest in the Kenya prepare to cross the Mara river, Elephants congregate in large numbers along Bostwana’s Chobe waterways, Mountain Gorillas can be trekked in Uganda and Rwanda, and endangered Green Turtles come up on to the beaches of Tortuguero (Costa Rica) and turtle island park, in Borneo, at night to lay their eggs.
Top Tips:
By August, the wildebeest front runners are preparing one of the most dramatic parts of their journey as they begin crossing the Mara River in Kenya. There will be in the region of two million wildebeest making the journey as part of the annual Great Migration. This is undoubtedly one of the natural wildlife wonders of the world and must be top of anyone’s bucket list of spectacles you should see in Africa in this lifetime.
Coming face to face with a mountain gorilla for the first time will undoubtedly stick with you for the rest of your life. Seeing these endangered creatures really is an overwhelming experience. Be prepared for a long trek into the dense undergrowth of Uganda’s Bwindi National Park in search of them, but the hard work is soon forgotten, as you get to spend the most precious time being so close to them.
Chobe in Botswana boasts the largest concentration of Elephants during August. At the height of the dry season, these giant mammals congregate in large numbers along Chobe’s waterways, where you will see herds, and herds, of these amazing creatures. The weather in August will give you the very best safari experience.
July to October is the nesting season for the endangered Green Turtle and is at the top of many a wildlife enthusiast “must do’s” to watch these up close when they come up on to the beach at night to lay their eggs. This is a fantastic natural phenomenon and can be seen both on Tortuguero beach in Costa Rica, as well as Turtle island in Sabah, Borneo (hawksbill turtles can be seen here too). It is possible to arrange trips at night to witness this magnificent event in a safe and ethical way, to protect the turtles and their surroundings.
Best August destinations for wildlife watching
- Wildebeest Migration Masai Mara national Park, Kenya
- Elephants in Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Sea turtles in Costa Rica and Borneo
- Mountain Gorilla, & chimpanzee tracking Uganda and Rwanda
- Squirrel monkeys and birds in northern Ecuador
- Polar bear watching in Arctic Canada
- Macaws in Manu National Park, Peru
- Orangutans in Borneo
- Grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park
- Galápagos (see what is happening month by month on the islands)
- Africa (see what is happening month by month on this continent)
