African Safari in September – Where to Go & Why

Quick snapshot

• Best for: dry-season safari across Southern & East Africa, South Africa’s spring highlights (whales + fynbos), and excellent Indian Ocean conditions (Mauritius/Madagascar; Seychelles diving lull)
• Weather: the dry season continues, with temperatures starting to rise (still comfortable in many areas, warmer later in the month)
• Watch-outs: some hot safari regions (especially Zambia) can start feeling warm for walking later in September; Cape/Garden Route can still have winter-style weather pockets

Top picks for September (best destinations)

• South Africa (Cape Town plus Whale Coast plus Cederberg) – whales peak, fynbos in bloom, and a gorgeous “spring trio” itinerary
• South Africa (Eastern Cape safari) – nights warm up, and winter offers often run to the end of September
• Botswana / Namibia – dry-season safari remains excellent with warming temperatures
• Kenya & Tanzania – classic dry-season safari conditions continue
• Mauritius & Madagascar – traditionally a great time: warm, less humid; Madagascar’s eastern rainforests are more visitable in drier months
• Seychelles – diving is excellent in the calmer lull between trade winds (often into October)

What’s happening in September

One of the best months to visit in nearly all of our destinations.

September is one of South Africa’s most rewarding months for “safari plus scenery plus special moments”. It’s peak season for whale watching in Hermanus, as Southern Right whales come into Walker Bay to calve. While the season runs from July to early November, September and early October are usually the best months – and so it pairs beautifully with Cape Town and the Cederberg, which can be verdant with fynbos in bloom.

The Cape West Coast may still have Spring wildflower displays until the middle of the month.

On safari, the dry season continues, so game viewing remains excellent across most destinations. At the same time, temperatures begin to rise towards the end of September – which can be very pleasant for most travellers – but in hotter regions (especially Zambia) walking safaris can become less comfortable toward the end of the month. If walking is a priority, earlier September can be the smarter choice.

For value seekers, September can be an excellent time in the Eastern Cape, where winter rates often run until month-end and night-time temperatures are warming up.

It’s also a strong month for beach add-ons. Mauritius and Mozambique are warm without being excessively hot, and humidity is generally lower. In Madagascar these drier months are popular for visiting the eastern rainforests and Ile Sainte Marie.

And in the  Seychelles, September can offer superb diving conditions during the calmer period between the trade winds (often continuing into October).

Where to be cautious in September

• Hot safari areas if walking: later September can feel hot (especially in parts of Zambia) so plan timing and camp choice carefully if you want to walk
• Garden Route & Whale Coast: excellent value with winter rates, but weather can be variable and outdoor plans may need flexibility

Trip ideas in September

South Africa – Faces of the Cape self-drive or South Africa Collection Offer

Namibia – Namibia Fly-in with Skeleton Coast

Botswana – Okavango Delta Safari

Kenya  – Kenya Exploration Fly-in Safari

Tanzania – Nomad Tarangire, Crater & Serengeti

Zambia/Malawi – Romantic Zambia & Malawi

Zimbabwe – Relaxing Zimbabwe Safari Offer

Madagascar – East Highlands to Ile Sainte Marie

Mozambique – Kruger Safari & Mozambique Beach Retreat Rwanda/Kenya – Gorillas, Chimps and Migration Safari

Get a September safari recommendation tailored to your dates, budget comfort zone, and travel style.