Where to Go in Africa in October
Africa in October
October sees the first signs of the end of the dry season, as the first rains arrive towards the end of the month, but you will still see good game in most safari regions. This rainfall does not usually affect the quality of safari – in some areas, it’s simply a refreshing break from the high temperatures that characterise the end of the dry season. Temperatures are on the rise in the Seychelles, Mozambique, and Mauritius, as these countries move towards the summer months.
Tanzania
Tanzania’s main parks are still in their peak seasons and the heat is much less extreme than in southern Africa’s main parks – specifically those in Botswana, Zambia and Namibia. We are huge fans of the dry-season parks in October – specifically Ruaha and Katavi, where the lack of visitors and high volume of game makes it a fabulous and authentic safari destination. In the north of the country, Tarangire’s elephant herds are at their largest, while the Serengeti sees an increase in river crossings as the herds start their journey south.
South Africa
October is an interesting month to travel to South Africa because the Cape is coming into its peak season with beautiful days and clear skies. The Kruger is also impressive at this time of year because the rains have not yet set in.
Botswana
If you can handle the heat, Botswana is good at this time of year. The heat drives the game towards the watering holes, swelling herds and making life easier for the predators as they hang out around the lakes and rivers. Chobe and the Linyanti see vast herds of elephant, while the Okavango Delta offers the herds a permanent source of water. Chitabe Reserve in the southern Delta and the herds in the Linyanti are awesome sights, while the Boteti River area south of Maun sees large build-ups of game on its banks.
Zambia
Zambia is a superb destination throughout October, as long as you can handle the high temperatures. Huge herds of buffalo and elephant move through the Luangwa Valley, while the populations of elephant in the Zambezi Valley are equally impressive. The general concentrations of game throughout all the parks are unbelievably high, so excellent for viewing.
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Game drive in Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park. -
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Kenya
Kenya in October is also at the end of its dry season and offers superb game viewing as well as excellent value with many camps dropping rates as visitor numbers start to decline.
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Hot air balloon above the Mara River in Kenya. -
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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is starting to get very hot now, ensuring that wildlife is all concentrated around the permanent water sources, and offers tremendous game viewing.
Mauritius
October is the last month of the dry winter in Mauritius and the perfect time to visit before the country gets hot and humid during its summer months.
Seychelles
October is a very good month to visit the Seychelles as it is a transition month between the trade winds. The cooler southeast trade winds come to and end with the warmer northwest tradewinds arriving.
Namibia
October is the height of the dry season in Namibia, and one of the hottest months of the year. This is one of the best times for game viewing, as water is particularly scarce and wildlife is forced to congregate around the few remaining permanent waterholes. Daytime temperatures can reach 29°C (84°F) and often hotter in the desert.
Mozambique
If you prefer temperatures in the higher 30s to 34°C, then October, approaching the end of the dry season, is a perfect time to visit Mozambique! The water is calm and clear, so diving conditions are ideal.
Rwanda
Rwanda in October is very much the crossover month between the dry season and the short rains, making gorilla-trekking conditions somewhat unpredictable. For the most part, days are still warm and sunny, meaning that gorilla treks are still highly recommended.
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Adult and infant gorilla sighting in Volcanoes National Park. -
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Best October Destinations
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Tanzania
A classic safari destination home to big game, epic wildlife events, and iconic national parks.
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South Africa
Big Five safaris, lively cities, and dramatic coastlines. South Africa delivers exciting contrasts and variety.
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Botswana
From dusty salt pans to delta floods, Botswana is a celebration of pristine African wilderness.
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Zambia
From walking in South Luangwa to Zambezi exploration, Zambia is as authentic as safari gets.
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Kenya
The original birthplace of safari, where world-class wildlife experiences and beautiful beaches meet.
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Zimbabwe
Home to the legendary Victoria Falls and authentic safaris in remote, untouched wildlife reserves.
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Mauritius
The quintessential Indian Ocean island paradise getaway.
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Seychelles
A picturesque archipelago of white-sand beaches, rare wildlife, and exclusive private islands.
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Namibia
Towering dunes, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking night skies. Namibia’s scenery is unlike anywhere else in Africa.
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Mozambique
A standout mix of remote, wild spaces and magnificent tropical beaches.
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Rwanda
Gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and poignant history. Rwanda is a truly inspiring safari destination.
Best Trips in October
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