Safari by Season - October, November and December
A guide to travelling in Africa between October and December
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting travel experience this fall, why not consider a safari in Africa? October, November and December are some of the best months to visit Africa because of the warmer weather and the availability of wildlife. Planning a great safari is all about choosing the right time to visit, and we can definitely recommend this time of the year! In this blog post, we’ll share our guide to safaris during the months of October, November and December, so you have all the information you need to plan the perfect African safari.
African safaris in October
October is the end of the dry season in Africa, which makes it one of the best times to be on safari. Because there has been no rain for so many months, the bush is thinner, meaning that animals are easier to spot. And because of the lack of water, the herds usually congregate around the permanent watering holes, meaning that some sightings are almost guaranteed. In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park for example, it is not unusual to see over 1000 elephants drinking from the same watering hole over a 24 hour period during the month of October!
In East Africa, the Great Migration leaves the grassy plains of the Masai Mara and starts their long trek back towards Tanzania’s Ntudu Plains in preparation to give birth. We wouldn’t recommend seeing the migration at this time of year because the animals are moving in long, thin lines, instead of the great crowds we see making their way north at other times of the year.
If you’re planning on travelling to Africa in October, remember that although the wildlife viewing is at its best, it’s also a very hot time of the year, so dress appropriately and drink plenty of water! In some areas, the nights can be quite cool, so it’s also a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater for the evenings
African safaris in November
November marks the start of the rainy season across Africa, but if you don’t mind a few showers, it’s still an awesome time to visit! The rains bring back the lush greenery of the bush seemingly overnight, which is an amazing thing to witness.
For avid birders, November is the perfect time to go on safari in Africa because this is when the migrant birds arrive. Botswana in particular is full of incredible bird life during November. Another reason to visit Botswana in November is to take advantage of the shoulder season rates. Due to the exclusive nature of safari camps here, safaris to Botswana can be pricey during the peak season, but it is a bit more reasonable during shoulder season.
Another great reason to go on safari during this month is because many animals give birth in November. Southern Africa will be full of baby animals, including bush pigs, kudu, caracal, mongoose and honey badgers. In Madagascar, November is also the best time to see baby lemurs.
African safaris in December
As December rolls around, East Africa has a short respite from the rains, meaning December is a good time to visit Tanzania and Kenya. The great migration is in the Ndutu Plains preparing to give birth, so it’s a good time to visit the Serengeti, but we would recommend travelling to other areas of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit as well.
The Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks are all excellent during December. Lake Manyara is home to tree climbing lions, Tarangire has great elephant herds as well as other wildlife, and the Ngorongoro Crater floor is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big 5.
Although most of Southern Africa is still experiencing their rainy season during December, Cape Town is beautiful at this time of year. The weather is warm, making is the perfect time to explore everything on offer here. Hikes, relaxed days on the beach, and outings to the winelands are all great options in Cape Town during December.
Exploring Africa at the end of the year has never been easier...
Overall, a safari in Africa during the fall months is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and comfortable temperatures, it’s the perfect time to explore the beauty of this incredible continent. So grab your camera, get your travel gear ready, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
If you need assistance planning your dream African safari during October, November or December, get in touch and we’ll create something perfect for you.
