Where to go on safari in September

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.

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

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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