The Best Safaris in October/November (Part 1)

With its vast vistas, sweeping plains, abundant wildlife and universal significance as the cradle of mankind, Africa has always beckoned to the adventurous. As with all adventures though, timing is important, so we’ve prepared a rundown of the best destinations for safari enthusiasts looking to travel in October and November. 

The Safari experts at Safari.com are all about helping you to plan your African adventure, and our refund and best price policies are designed to make your choices, and your preparation, that much less stressful. For all the details, get a jump start on your travel checklist and set up a call with one of our consultants now. Or if you still need persuading, let’s have a look at some of the many safari options at your fingertips, complete with insights into the weather, wildlife encounters, and what to expect at this time of year. Look out for part two on our blog soon.
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‍1. Serengeti, Tanzania

‍The Serengeti is known the world for the massive migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, and the many predators that stalk them on their route, against a beautiful backdrop of acacia trees and opulent grasslands.

October marks the end of the dry season, and offers an excellent opportunity for game viewing, as the dried out vegetation offers little cover to animals. November sees the migrating herds head for the Lobo, Mbuze Mawe, and Seronera Valley of Serengeti, before heading south in search of new grasslands to graze upon.

Weather: There is sometimes rain in October, and the rainy season begins in earnest in November, but it won’t affect your travels. In November, afternoon temperatures hover around 26°C/79°F, and night temperatures at around 15°C/59°F. 

Wildlife: Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration and abundant predator activity. Elephants are also a common sight on the Serengeti.

Season: October and November are part of the wet season, offering fewer tourists and lower prices.

‍Safaris:

6 Day Great Migration Safari - Natures Most Spectacular Show
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10 Day Bush and Beach Safari

10 Day Masai Mara, Serengeti & Manyara Safari

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2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

‍Renowned for its sweeping savannahs and the iconic crossings of great herds of wild animals over the Mara River, Maasai Mara National reserve is the perfect location for lovers of wildest nature. Despite the rain, this is an opportune time to explore the Masai Mara, catching the tail end of the Great Migration as the herds return to Tanzania's Serengeti. Bird enthusiasts will also delight in the arrival of numerous migratory species to the park. 

‍Weather:  The long cool-dry season comes to an end in October. November heralds the onset of the "short rains," bringing an average of 20 days of precipitation during the month. Visitors should expect sporadic thundershowers, usually in the afternoon followed by clear blue skies. 

‍Wildlife: Witness the Great Migration as wildebeests and zebras cross from Tanzania. Crocodiles and Big Cats are a constant menace to the herds.

Season: October and November offer fewer crowds and lower rates compared to the dry season.

Safaris:

3 - Day Masai Mara Fly-in Safari with Governors Camp

10 Day Masai Mara, Serengeti & Manyara Safari
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4 Day Fly-in Masai Mara Safari

3. Kruger National Park, South Africa‍‍‍

Famous for the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes – Kruger National Park provides exceptional game and bird viewing amidst diverse landscapes. It’s dry season in October, which means the animals amass around watering holes and make for easy viewing. In fact, it's considered the best time of year to visit the Kruger if your priority is seeing big game, as the trees have shed the leaves and visibility is optimal. It’s also a good season for predators, as their prey are weakened by conditions and thus easier to hunt. November offers relative calm before the end of year bustle begins.

Weather: October sees an increase in bushfires, as conditions are arid. Mild temperatures begin in November as sporadic showers bring relief to fauna and wildlife alike. Expect hot, humid days and balmy evenings under the stars.

Wildlife: The Big Five and an array of birdlife are just part of this green and teeming ecosystem. The conditions (especially in October) make for optimal game viewing.

Season: Lower rates and fewer crowds as the dry season ends. November is a much calmer month in Kruger, before the end of year holidays commence. 

‍Safaris:
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5 Day Luxury Kruger Park & Sabi Sand Safari

4 Day All Inclusive Fly-in Tour to Kruger's Imbali Lodge

3 Day Unrivaled Views of the Kruger & Sabie River Safari
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4. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Many waterways ensure that Chobe National Park remains lush and verdant for much of the year. Botswana's third largest park, Chobe is recognized the world over as a bird and wildlife paradise. With October one of the hottest months of the year, visitors can expect to see majestic herds of elephant and buffalo adorning the banks of the magnificent Chobe River and browsing in the park's central Savuti region.

In November, the weather typically remains hot, with azure blue skies overhead. The first rains begin towards the end of the month, as the green season begins. It’s the perfect time to avoid the crowds and enjoy discounted rates. A prime location for Big Five viewing, its little wonder Chobe is so popular with travelers.

Weather: The hottest month of the year is October when temperatures can soar to 45°C (113°F). It typically remains warm in November, before the rains begin to fall at the tail end of the month.

Wildlife: Witness an abundance of wildlife, including elephants and buffalo gathered in large herds along the Chobe River.

Season: October and November offer lower rates and fewer tourists.
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4-day Chobe National Park safari

6 Day Luxury Victoria Falls & Chobe

5 Day Magical Moremi & Okavango Delta
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5. Okavango Delta, Botswana‍

Known as the "Jewel of the Kalahari," the Okavango Delta is celebrated for its unique water-based safaris, offering a chance to explore pristine wilderness from a range of different perspectives. Sprawling across an expanse of up to 15,000 square kilometres in the arid Kalahari Desert of northern Botswana, and sustained by the meandering Okavango River, it constitutes a rich and diverse ecosystem and offers unique and exciting wildlife encounters. Whether viewed from a mokoro, a hot air balloon or on foot, it’s a truly exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Weather: Temperatures in October are usually high both during the day and in the evenings. Mid-November sees the start of the rain, and attendant thunderstorms.

Wildlife: Spot a diverse range of animals and bird species in the uniquely wet and wild terrain. Lions, Rhinos, Leopards and many other animals await. November is the birthing season, which means predators stalking vulnerable newborn prey.

Season: October and November offer a different perspective of the delta with fewer tourists.

‍11 Day Botswana Luxury Safari

6 Day Romantic Chobe & Okavango Safari‍
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‍5 Day Magical Moremi & Okavango Delta