Where to go on safari in September

Some great suggestions where to have the best safari experiences in September

Alex
Alex
Operations & Marketing Development
Published on
30 Sep 2020
Updated on
17 Nov 2020
Azura Benguerra Dining In Dhow On Beach

Following on from August, September is still in the heart of the dry season and offers exquisite wildlife viewing. The Great Migration is still in full swing, crossing the Mara River in Kenya. The sheer concentrations of wildlife taking refuge around water sources makes for a brilliant safari experience. As with August, it’s difficult to pin down exactly where to go and what to see as there is so much variety available.

Tanzania

Most visitors to Tanzania automatically head North, to enjoy the well-promoted joys of seeing the Great Migration in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Those looking for something a little different should look to go South, enjoying the beautiful Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park, both of which are in their prime come September, which is the middle of their dry season. Anyone looking for more adventure can keep heading West, with the beautiful Katavi National Park and dramatic Mahale Mountains also found on the Southern Circuit, where you can still enjoy amazing wildlife viewing but in the company of far fewer visitors.

Mozambique

September is one of the driest months of the year with very little rainfall in Mozambique. Day time temperatures are warming up and night times are lovely. September through to February is also the best time to see whale sharks in Tofo with its being a little later (October onwards) in the Bazaruto Archipelago. For lovely weather and good whale sharks Tofo is great.

Retreat From The Modern World At Ras Kutani
The wonderfully remote selous game reserve, tanzania
Anantara Bazaruto
Anantara Bazaruto, Mozambique

Zambia

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia sees hot, dry conditions drawing wildlife, both prey and predator to the rapidly dwindling water sources. This is prime leopard country and you will stand a very good chance of seeing one of Africa’s most elusive predators as it stalks the antelope who are forced to drink at the few remaining permanent water sources.

It’s also the breeding season for many beautifully coloured birds, a firm favourite being the carmine bee-eater. You’ll be able to watch these mosaics of pink, orange, red and turquoise blue as they build their nests in riverbanks and skilfully dart through the sky, hunting for insects.

South Africa

Southern Africa is blessed to have whale migration routes which traverse the coastlines which makes it a great place to tick off whale watching from your bucket-list. South Africa is one of the best destinations in the world, providing whale-watchers with spectacular displays of raw power and elegant water acrobatics.

At least 37 species of whales and dolphin can be found off the coast of South Africa with the most common sightings being southern right whales, humpback whales, several species of coastal dolphins as well as Bryde’s whale and even the rare orca.

Whale-watching territory in South Africa is vast, stretching from as far south as the Cape West Coast (Cape Peninsula) all the way up to north Kwa Zulu Natal near the Mozambique border. The best time of year to see these mighty marine mammals is generally between May and October, depending on species and location

River Bed Dinner Nkonzi Camp
Nkonzi Camp, South Luangua - Zambia
Thonga Beach Lodge Aerial View
Thonga Beach Lodge, Kwa Zulu Natal - South Africa

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024