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Your Guide to a Safari in Autumn

Explore some of the best autumn safari holiday destinations & discover how we can create tailored African autumn safari packages.

Written by

Ker & Downey® Africa

An autumn safari holiday is the perfect time to visit Africa. With cooler weather than the hot months of December, January, and February, and fewer crowds, it offers a more intimate and exclusive experience. At the end of the dry season, the months of September, October, and November bring new bursts of life, offering the perfect combination of exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities coupled with breathtaking vistas. Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are all top safari destinations at this time.

Whether you’re planning an autumn safari with family, friends, or a significant other, we are here to help. As a leading luxury travel company headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, we have decades of expertise in crafting bespoke luxury African safari experiences for discerning travelers. We have handpicked and personally vetted a selection of the finest and most exclusive luxury lodges, tented camps, and hotels across the continent. Start planning your dream autumn safari holiday today – contact our team and let us create a tailored safari itinerary just for you.

What are the top benefits of an African safari in autumn?

There are many benefits of an African safari during the northern hemisphere’s Autumn months, including:

  • Sparse vegetation provides unobstructed views, making it easier to spot wildlife. The scarcity of water draws many animals to watering holes and river banks, making them easier to spot.
  • September and October are superb months to witness the Great Migration, featuring dramatic river crossings in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti.
  • During the autumn months, you will enjoy warm days and cooler nights, creating the perfect conditions to enjoy game drives and bush walks.
  • November marks the arrival of migratory birds, making it an excellent time for bird enthusiasts to spot rare species.
  • As the autumn months fall outside of Africa’s peak safari season, travelers can enjoy a more intimate and exclusive experience.
  • November marks the beginning of the birthing season in some areas, providing opportunities to witness adorable newborn animals and thrilling predator-prey interactions.
  • The autumn months are especially ideal for photographic safaris. The clear skies and golden light in September and October create exceptional conditions for capturing stunning wildlife shots.

Sample Africa autumn safari itinerary

Day 1-3: Arrival & Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Activities:

  • Fly into Arusha and enjoy a private transfer to a luxury lodge in the Serengeti National Park.
  • Embark on morning and evening game drives to witness the thrilling Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra.
  • Experience a hot-air balloon safari at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
  • Enjoy a sundowner while watching the savannah glow with autumn hues. 


Day 4-5: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Activities:

  • Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Descend into the crater for game drives to spot rhinos, lions, and flamingos.
  • Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions.
  • Relax at a luxury lodge overlooking the crater rim.

Day 6-7: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Activities:

  • Fly to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
  • Take a private guided tour of the Falls and experience the beauty of the iconic “Smoke that Thunders”.
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, spotting elephants and hippos along the way.
  • Embark on a thrilling helicopter flight over the Falls. 


Day 8-9: Chobe National Park, Botswana

Activities:

  • Private transfer to Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds.
  • Enjoy boat safaris along the Chobe River to spot wildlife gathering at the water’s edge.
  • Participate in land safaris to see lions, leopards, and other predators. 


Day 10: Departure

Activities:

  • Enjoy a final morning safari walk in Chobe.
  • Return to Victoria Falls for your onward flight home.

Plan your luxury autumn safari holiday with Ker & Downey® Africa

We are a leading luxury travel company that has been pioneering exceptional, responsible travel experiences in Africa for decades. Our expertise of Africa and the best safari tours and experiences is unmatched. From our homebase in Cape Town, South Africa, we curate once-in-a-lifetime safari holidays with unique and exclusive experiences coupled with accommodation in world-class luxury lodges, tented camps, and hotels. Contact our team today and let us create a bespoke autumn safari holiday.

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What are the best African safari destinations during autumn?

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The autumn months of September, October, and November are excellent times to enjoy an African safari adventure, with favorable weather conditions and wildlife numbers peaking in some regions. Some of the best destinations include: Serengeti National Park,Tanzania Masai Mara, Kenya Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, Botswana Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Etosha National Park, Namibia Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
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Is autumn a good time for a safari in Africa?

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Yes, autumn is an excellent time to visit Africa for safari goers and travel enthusiasts. September and October are Africa’s dry season, offering superb wildlife encounters as animals gather around remaining waterholes and river banks. The autumn months are also considered the shoulder season, falling outside the popular summer and Christmas holiday periods, providing more competitive prices and a more intimate and exclusive experience. In November, migratory birds return to Africa’s vast wilderness, making this an ideal time for bird enthusiasts.
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Which is better for an autumn safari: Southern Africa or East Africa?

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Both Southern Africa and East Africa offer epic safari experiences in autumn, so the choice will boil down to your preferred safari experiences. East Africa Key highlights during autumn in East Africa include the Great Migration, especially the spectacular Mara River crossing in Kenya’s Masai Mara. The autumn months are also superb times for enjoying a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Southern Africa Game viewing opportunities are at their peak in Southern Africa during the months of October, November, and December, especially in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The early rains in November bring vibrant landscapes, migratory birds, and the birth of baby animals, providing once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences.
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What should I pack for an autumn safari experience in Africa?

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Lightweight layers: Temperatures can vary widely; pack breathable layers for warm days and cooler mornings/evenings. Neutral-colored clothing: Khaki, beige, and olive tones help blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects. Long-sleeved shirts and pants: Protect against sun and insects during game drives and bush walks. Light jacket or fleece: Essential for chilly mornings and evenings. Rain jacket or poncho: Particularly useful in November as rains may start in some regions. Wide-brimmed hat: For sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes: Closed-toe hiking or safari boots for bush walks. Photographic equipment: Ideal for capturing stunning images of your safari experience to treasure for years to come. When you book with us, our safari experts will provide details on what you should pack to ensure you are fully prepared for your safari.
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What type of animals will I encounter on an African safari in autumn?

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During the northern hemisphere’s autumn months animal lovers can expect to see some of Africa’s most majestic animals, including: Great Migration species, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles Big cats and predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs, and hyenas Elephants, rhinos, and giraffes Primates, including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys Aquatic animals, including crocodiles and hippos Bird species, including migratory birds and rare species The precise wildlife you will see will depend on your safari location. Let us know which animals you would like to see while on an African safari vacation and we can create a bespoke itinerary just for you.
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What luxury safari tours and experiences can I enjoy during the autumn months?

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You can choose from a superb selection of luxury African safari tours and experiences, especially when you book with a leading travel company like us. Here are just some experiences we can arrange for you: Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris Gorilla Trekking Adventures Big Five Safari Experiences Walking Safari Tours Luxury River Cruises and Canoe Safaris Desert Safari Experiences Cultural Experiences Hot Air Balloon Safaris Photographic Safari Tours Bush and Beach Experiences No matter what type of African safari tours and experiences you desire, our expert luxury African safari travel specialists can create a bespoke itinerary. Contact us today to start planning your safari experience to Africa in autumn.
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Do I need to worry about malaria in Africa?

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No, you do not necessarily need to worry about malaria if you visit low-risk or malaria free areas such as high-altitude safari lodges in Tanzania. However, even when visiting low-risk areas, you should take the necessary precautions, including wearing long sleeved shirts and pants in light colors, wearing mosquito repellent, and by staying in accommodations that have mosquito nets, screened windows, and air conditioning. If you want to enjoy a malaria free experience in Africa, contact us today.
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Why choose us for a luxury safari holiday in autumn?

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We are a leading safari travel company that has been pioneering responsible African safaris for decades that enable travelers to leave a positive legacy in Africa. Our focus is on creating bespoke, luxury safari experiences in some of Africa’s most stunning parks and private game reserves. Our team aims to exceed expectations to create once-in-a-lifetime, thrilling African safari experiences that enables guests to connect with Africa’s people and nature like never before. If you want to enjoy a luxury African safari holiday during autumn, contact us today.
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