Our Top Picks for October
Whether you are planning to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, experience a Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park or spend your honeymoon in the Seychelles, timing is important. Our guidelines are based on our expert, on-the-ground knowledge of Africa’s travel seasons.
Etosha National Park - Namibia
Season | Spring Average Temperature for October | 25 Celsius | 77 Fahrenheit
What
So many species gathered around one waterhole that you don’t know where to start looking!
Why
Etosha is a largely arid landscape, dominated by brilliant-white Etosha Pan at the centre. By October, after a long, dry winter, smaller water sources have long dried up, leaving only bigger ones and, in camps, pumped water. It’s not unusual to see large numbers of impala, giraffes, warthogs, rhino and elephants call drinking from the same waterhole.
When to book
October is still high season although availability isn’t as under pressure because it is not regional school holidays.
Lower Zambezi National Park - Zambia
Season | Spring Average Temperature for October | 25 Celsius | 76 Fahrenheit
What
Classic 4×4 game drives or guided nature walks in the morning; superb boating and canoe safaris in the afternoon.
Why
The Lower Zambezi is blessed by being bordered by the Zambezi River. Unlike the country’s Luangwa River, the Zambezi is easy going, calm and predictable, meaning you can enjoy all sorts of activities on it as the mercury soars. Canoeing with a guide down one of its channels promises a wildlife extravaganza of elephants, water monitors, vervet monkeys and plenty of colourful birds.
When to book
Zambia’s charm is that it is still relatively ‘undiscovered’ so can usually accommodate spontaneous travellers who find they can travel at the last minute or who simply must scratch the safari bug more or less immediately.
Linyanti, Savute & Chobe - Botswana
Season | Spring Average Temperature for October | 27 Celsius | 80 Fahrenheit
What
Botswana, always a sensational game-viewing destination, ramps up the spectacle with unbelievable sightings.
Why
October is one of the hottest (despite not being summer yet) and driest months in Botswana. After a long, dry winter, both water sources and grazing can be scarce so animals don’t venture far from waterholes. This makes them easy to find, for you – and Botswana’s teeming populations of lion, wild dog, hyena, cheetah and leopard. If you can handle the heat (many lodges have swimming pools and air conditioning), then October promises high-octane game viewing.
When to book
Because the game viewing is so good, Botswana in October can be surprisingly busy, despite the heat and areas like Chobe National Park are always popular because of their substantial elephant populations. Definitely don’t leave this until the last minute – chat to your Africa Safari Expert several months in advance to ensure a seamless itinerary.
Ruaha & Katavi National Parks - Tanzania
Season | Spring Average Temperature for September | 22 Celsius | 71 Fahrenheit
What
Superb game viewing and birding in Tanzania’s less well-known national parks.
Why
They may not be as famous as the Serengeti and certainly don’t have millions of wildebeest hurtling through for several months a year but Katavi and Ruaha have rustic charm in spades. Both are home to all the big cats, wild dogs, massive herds of buffalo and elephant, and at least 500 bird species.
When to book
If you’re a procrastinator or last-minute, spontaneous traveller than Ruaha and Katavi should be able to accommodate you.