Thinking of planning a September Safari? Find out where to go in Africa in September with Safari Online. Weather in Africa is at its best so choosing a destination can be challenging. Explore our travel recommendations to start planning.
It’s a great month for travel to the continent but choosing where to go in Africa in September can be overwhelming. Many destinations are at their best in terms of experience and weather so it’s worth putting together combination itineraries – a Big 5 safari plus a beach holiday for example, or gorilla trekking followed by whale watching and wine tasting.
East Africa is one place to go in September for classic wildlife encounters. The migrating wildebeest herds are braving crocodiles and big cats in the Serengeti and Masai Mara while the rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda are still relatively dry in September – good news if you are thinking about gorilla trekking and chimpanzee safaris.
And in Southern Africa, it is peak safari season: wildlife is concentrated around water, often in huge numbers, and is easy to see. If you’re undecided about where to go in September for game viewing, then consider places like the Chobe River, Luangwa Valley and the Lower Zambezi where you’ll see some of Africa’s greatest concentrations of big animals – especially elephants.
September is also a good time for Mozambique’s Indian Ocean islands: the weather has warmed up after winter but the summer rains are still a month or so away. And although the ocean temperatures are colder down in South Africa, if you’re looking for somewhere to go in Africa in September that combines wildlife, whale watching and wine tasting, then there’s only one place: Cape Town and the Whale Coast – and September is when the flowers are out.
Wildebeest herds are crossing crocodile-infested rivers into the Masai Mara, where they also face the attention of more predators.
Temperatures range from 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F) and it’s one of the driest months of the year with an average of 12 rainy days.
Big 5 game viewing in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park & a Kenya or ‘Spice Island’ Zanzibar beach holiday.
September is still great weather in East Africa and sees migrating wildebeest herds spilling across the rivers that divide Tanzania’s Serengeti from Kenya’s Masai Mara. The herds are heading for the fresh green grazing of the Masai Mara but have to run the gauntlet of crocodiles that lurk in the rivers as well as big cats and packs of spotted hyenas on the other side.
It results in spectacular game viewing, especially when combined with the general wildlife of the region – these reserves are also full of elephants, buffalo and antelope.
Other Great months for Masai Mara: October & November.
It’s a popular time to visit the region – book accommodation in a private reserve for more exclusive views & fewer other vehicles.
Destination famous for its massive numbers of elephants and buffalo, animals at water and predators: big cats, hyenas and wild dogs.
Be prepared for warm weather: temperatures range from 14°C to 33°C (57°F to 91°F) but there’s almost no chance of any rain at all.
Game viewing in the Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve; white-water rafting & a Devil’s Pool tour at neighbouring Victoria Falls.
Chobe in September means some of the best game viewing of the year: it’s deep into the dry season and Africa’s biggest concentration of elephants has gathered at the Chobe River. Thousands more crowd waterholes at other areas within the Chobe Park – the Savuti region especially, plus the Linyanti area. And waiting their turn at the water are herds of buffalo, zebra and antelope, all of which attracts big cats, wild dogs and hyenas.
It’s a great opportunity to see predator/prey interaction, and because so many animals are at water, September is a great time for a Chobe River boat cruise.
Other Great months for Chobe: July, August & October.
The Chobe River area gets busy in September: beat the crowds & peak-season prices by staying at accommodation in private concessions near the park.
September is the last month before the rainy season arrives. More availability for gorilla trekking permits – cheaper in Uganda.
Temperatures are much the same throughout the year: September’s daytime average is 16°C (61°F) with nights averaging 6°C (43°F).
Wildebeest migration in Serengeti/Masai Mara or go on safari in Uganda for big game, birdwatching & chimpanzee trekking.
Late dry-season for trekking and there will likely be some rain in September; there’s an average of 13 rainy days in the month but certainly less than the following few months.
You can fly in to each destination but your big decision is where to go in September: Uganda has a cheaper gorilla trekking permit and more entry-level accommodation; Rwanda has more of the higher-end accommodation with services such as private transfers. Gorilla trekking in both destinations is combined with other guided activities such as hiking, birdwatching and wildlife spotting but Uganda has the better infrastructure for an add-on safari – in particular, the Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks for big game, birds and chimpanzees.
Other Great months for Gorilla Trekking: January & February; June, July & August.
Trekking in the rainforest can be challenging for older or less fit travellers: ask us about shorter, less strenuous gorilla treks.”
South Africa’s premier game reserve: not many Big 5 safari destinations can match the reliability & quality of game viewing of the Kruger.
The weather is warm – 13°C to 29°C (55°F to 84°F). Usually nine hours of sunshine a day with perhaps the chance of an early-summer shower.
Mozambique’s Indian Ocean archipelagos & Cape Town flowers & whale-watching season & Victoria Falls white-water rafting & Devil’s Pool.
The Kruger is Africa’s best Big 5 game viewing region. The dry winter months have forced animals to concentrate near water and the result in September is easy game viewing.
And while the game viewing is excellent in the Kruger Park itself, we recommend a safari in one or more of the adjoining private reserves: the Sabi Sands, Timbavati and Thornybush, among others. Here you enjoy what is perhaps the best Big 5 viewing in Africa from the comfort of a range of lodges that cater for all kinds of travellers from families to honeymooners. The weather is warm and a lodge with a pool is a good idea in September.
Other Great months for Kruger Park: May through August; November.
On honeymoon? There are great lodges in the Sabi Sands where the bride pays only 50% – ask us which ones have the current best deals.
Classic ‘Crusoe-chic’ island getaways for honeymooners, families & water-sport lovers. Best time for a beach holiday & for diving/snorkelling.
Perfect beach weather: warm, sunny & dry. Well out of cyclone season and summer’s rain. Temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) to 27°C (81°F).
Kruger/Sabi Sands (there’s even a direct flight from Mozambique to the Kruger) or Botswana with an overnight stop in Johannesburg.
Mozambique’s Indian Ocean archipelagos of Bazaruto and the Quirimbas make a great post-safari treat. Both destinations offer great scuba diving and snorkelling in an ocean that sits at a balmy 23°C (73°F) and there are also sailing cruises, desert island picnics and horse rides on the beach.
Accessible via a short flight from South Africa – and even directly from the Kruger Park – the Bazaruto and Quirimbas islands combine well with a Big 5 safari in the Kruger or Sabi Sands.
Other Great months for Bazaruto & Quirimbas: June, July, August & October.
Accommodation on Mozambique’s archipelagos can be expensive: try mainland Vilanculos for good-value beachside accommodation. There is a range of lodges along the coast offering most of the experiences you’d have on the islands.
Big concentrations of animals at water and has so much to offer in terms of activities and experiences including Africa’s best walking safaris.
Prepare for heat: temperatures in Zambia in September range between 16°C and 34°C (61°F and 93°F) with virtually no chance of rain.
Victoria Falls is easy to combine with a safari in Zambia & you’ll be there at a great time for white-water rafting & a Devil’s Pool tour.
Zambia has successfully put itself on the safari map in recent years and two of its reserves are definitely where to go in Africa in September for heavyweight game viewing. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its big game viewing and September is prime walking season. In combination with game drives and even boat cruises, walking safaris take you into the African bush at its most exciting time of year, safe in the company of expert guides and armed rangers.
There’s also walking in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park but the emphasis is more on exploring the Zambezi River by boat and canoe as well as its grasslands and forests by 4X4. A magical landscape of land and water, the Lower Zambezi offers a great diversity of wildlife – hippos and crocodiles as well as elephants, big cats and antelope.
Other Great months for Zambia: May through August; October.
Combine two or three lodges from the same operator for discounted long-stay specials.
September is one of the best times to be in South Africa’s Western Cape: spring flowers, land-based whale watching and the Cape Winelands.
Still a bit of winter’s rain but you’ll get about seven hours of sunshine a day and temperatures range between 8°C (46°F) and 19°C (66°F).
A Big 5 safari in South Africa’s Kruger Park or in Botswana, and ending at the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia.
September is one of the best times to be in the Cape if you’d like things natural with a glass of red on the side. Cape Town can always offer Table Mountain, penguin colonies and shark dives but September is when migrating Southern Right whales arrive on the Cape coast – easily visible from land. It’s also when several local national parks are ablaze with colour as sheets of spring flowers paint the landscape.
And providing the dramatic backdrop to it all are the mountains of the Cape Winelands where you’ll find cosy wine estates, fine food and chocolate tastings.
Other Great month for whale-watching: October.
Save on costs with our well-located, self-catering apartments in Cape Town & Hermanus
September is a great time to experience Africa’s diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable adventures. From iconic game drives to hidden seasonal gems, our travel experts know how to build a safari that makes the most of this prime time of year.
