African safari in October – suggested destinations
October is one of the best all-round months in South Africa . It is still prime safari season as it is the tail end of the dry season in the Kruger, Madikwe and other safari destinations. It’s a great time for whale-watching. Plus the fynbos is spectacular in late Spring in the nature reserves and Botanical Gardens on the West Coast, Whale Coast and Cederberg. So it’s one of the best destinations for an African safari in October.
It’s also one of the best months for seeing the Desert Adapted Elephant in Namibia’s Damaraland.
The best time for diving in East Africa is generally reckoned to start in October and extend until April. After around April time the long rains wash sediment out into the Indian Ocean, reducing visibility for diving.
It’s getting distinctly hot in many of the game reserves especially in Zambia, Malawi and northern Zimbabwe – its known locally as ‘suicide’ month. Though game-viewing remains excellent, you need to be sure that you can deal with the heat. Most walking safaris tend to stop in early October to give you a hint.
The flow over the Victoria Falls has reduced considerably after months of no rain. If you really want to visit, and its October, make sure that you visit the Zimbabwe side of the Falls. These are the best side from mid- September into January.
In Uganda, October marks the middle of the second rainy season of the year in the south but is toward the end of the wetter months in the north. If visiting Uganda in October and November, perhaps spend more time in Murchison Falls or Kidepo rather than in the southern grassland reserves.
In Ethiopia, the glorious Simien Mountains are driest from September to November. It is a perfect month for all-round sightseeing. October is a good month for trekking, with wild flowers in bloom, mild days and cool nights.
Recommended Countries / Areas
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