Destinations for an African safari in October include Kenya, Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania. October is also the peak season for a lot of safari destinations as the dry weather makes it easier to spot wildlife. But note, Africa’s well-known safari locations will be crowded during peak season. Although July and August are the busiest holiday months, October is a particularly popular period for safari travellers because of the game viewing. Furthermore, a safari in October combined with the beach is also a fantastic option as this time of year is a great time to visit islands like Zanzibar, Seychelles, and Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago.
Northern Kenya Safari in October
As Meru National Park in Northern Kenya is still a relatively unknown reserve, you can take your time exploring it on a safari in October. Nine months of the year in northern Kenya are dry and without rain, which allows for superb game viewing along the palm-lined rivers that flow through Meru and down from Mount Kenya, or the perennial Ngiro River that runs through Samburu National Park.
Zambia
The Zambezi River borders the Lower Zambezi, which is a blessing. The Zambezi River is peaceful and consistent, in contrast to the nation’s Luangwa River, so you may take part in a variety of activities there even when the temperature is high. Elephants, water monitors, vervet monkeys, and a variety of colourful birds are among the wildlife extravaganzas that canoeing with a guide down one of its waterways provides.
Tanzania
Tanzania’s main parks are still in peak season, and the heat is much milder than in southern Africa’s main parks, particularly those in Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia. We love the dry-season parks in October, especially Ruaha and Katavi, where the lack of tourists and abundance of game make for a fantastic and authentic safari experience. Tarangire’s elephant herds are at their largest, while river crossings in the Serengeti have increased as the herds begin their journey south.
South African Safari in October
The month of October is an interesting time to visit South Africa because the Cape is entering its peak season, with beautiful days and clear skies. The Kruger National Park is also remarkable at this time of year because the rains have not yet arrived.
Botswana Safari in October
Botswana’s Chobe River, Savuti, and Linyanti are the best places to visit in October for wildlife, with thirsty elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, and more antelope species than you can count. Let’s just say the predators have an easy time of it. Ambushes at waterholes are a favourite tactic for lions and leopards, while cheetahs and wild dogs charge into impala herds, singling out the weak and unlucky. With game viewing at its peak, you don’t want to miss out on the excitement of a safari in October.
African Tropical Islands
October is a great time to visit some of the top destinations in East Africa, particularly the tropical islands. There is very little rain to ruin your afternoons in Zanzibar and even less in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, and island temperatures are ideal—warm but not sweltering. In Seychelles, underwater visibility may reach an incredible 30 meters or 100 feet of breathtaking beauty.
