African Safari in October – Where to Go & Why

Quick snapshot

• Best for: outstanding late dry-season game viewing (with added heat), South Africa as an all-round favourite (safari & whales & Cape in spring), Namibia’s Damaraland, and Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains
• Weather: many safari regions are hot, dry but with rising humidity; the Cape in South Africa is in spring; Victoria Falls flows are noticeably lower
• Watch-outs: heat in Zambia/Malawi/northern Zimbabwe; walking safaris often stop early October; Uganda & Rwanda now have higher rain in Bwindi (Gorillas)

Top picks for October (best destinations)

• South Africa – prime safari tail-end plus whale watching plus flowering fynbos (West Coast/Whale Coast)
• Namibia (Damaraland) – one of the best times for desert-adapted elephants
• Botswana / Zimbabwe – excellent game viewing (but low water flow over Victoria Falls so set correct expectations)
• Kenya / Tanzania – strong safari and the start of the better diving season on the East African coast
• Ethiopia (Simien Mountains) – dry season for trekking and sightseeing, with wildflowers in bloom
• Uganda (north) – focus on the north rather over the wetter south in October/November

What’s happening in October

In South Africa, October is one of the best all-round months: it’s still prime safari season in places like the Kruger and Madikwe, whale watching is strong, and late spring brings spectacular fynbos displays in nature reserves and botanical gardens on the West Coast, Whale Coast and in the Cederberg, as well as warmer sunny days.

Elsewhere in Southern Africa, October can be an exceptional safari month, but it’s also one of the hottest. Game viewing remains excellent as the dry season reaches its final stretch, with animals concentrating around water sources. The trade-off is comfort in places like Zambia, Malawi and northern Zimbabwe, heat can be intense. Note that many walking safaris pause in early October, which tells you something about daytime temperatures.

In Namibia, October is a fantastic time for Damaraland, famous for Desert Adapted Elephant  and dramatic scenery.

On the water: the best diving period on the East African coast (Zanzibar and Kenya coast) is often considered to begin around October and runs through to March, before the long rains reduce underwater visibility later in the season.

At Victoria Falls, flows are much lower after months with little rain. If October is your travel month and the Falls are a must, then the Zimbabwe side usually offers the best views from mid-September into January. However swimming in the Devil’s Pool of Livingstone Island (on the Zambian side) usually starts in late September and continues to December.

In Tanzania, the south and west of the country have more of a summer rainfall pattern so this is a great time to visit the southern parks of Ruaha and the Selous, or Western Tanzania prior to the start of the summer rains.

In Uganda, October sits in the second rainy season in the south, while it’s toward the end of the wetter months in the north — so if you’re travelling in October/November, it makes sense to spend more time in Murchison Falls orKidepo than in the southern grassland reserves.

And if you want a non-safari standout,  Ethiopia is excellent now: theSimien Mountains are among their driest months (September–November), and October is ideal for trekking with mild days, cool nights and wildflowers in bloom.

Where to be cautious in October

• Heat: Zambia/Malawi/northern Zimbabwe can be very hot so ensure you can cope with heat, or check camps for Cool Breeze eco-friendly cooling.
• Victoria Falls: low water flows so go with realistic expectations and prioritise the Zimbabwe side for viewpoints
• Rwanda and Uganda (south): rainy season conditions can mean wetter trekking and muddier travel

Trip ideas in October

South Africa – Cape to Namibia self drive or South Africa Explorer Offer

Namibia – Best of Namibia Fly-in or Namibian Adventure Self-drive

Botswana – Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls

Tanzania – Western Tanzania Adventure or Southern Tanzania Adventure & Coast

Kenya – Sky Safari in East Africa

Zambia/Malawi  – Valley & Lake Safari

Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Highlights Safari

Madagascar – Masoala Rainforest & Anjajavy Reserve

Mozambique – Benguerra Island Fly-in

Get an October safari recommendation tailored to your dates, budget comfort zone, and travel style.