September

East Africa: Migration, Predators, and Classic Safaris

Kenya: Masai Mara Migration at Its Peak

September is one of the finest months to visit Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Masai Mara National Reserve:

• The Great Migration is fully established
• Frequent Mara River crossings continue
• Massive herds of wildebeest and zebra dominate the plains
• High densities of lions, cheetahs, and leopards

Amboseli National Park:

• Excellent visibility and large elephant herds
• Clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro

Laikipia Conservancies:

• Exclusive safari experiences away from crowds
• Walking safaris and night game drives

Why Visit Kenya in September: Sustained migration action and excellent predator sightings define September.

Tanzania: Northern Serengeti and Classic Parks

Tanzania delivers outstanding safaris in September.

Northern Serengeti:

• Ongoing Mara River crossings
• Intense predator pressure on migrating herds

Central Serengeti:

• Strong resident wildlife populations
• Excellent sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs

Ngorongoro Crater:

• Reliable Big Five sightings
• Comfortable temperatures and clear views

Tarangire National Park:

• Large elephant herds and concentrated wildlife

Why Visit Tanzania in September: Migration drama combined with uncrowded viewing compared to August.

Uganda: Prime Gorilla Trekking and Savannah Safaris

September remains an excellent safari month in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

• Good trekking conditions for mountain gorillas
• Slight increase in greenery adds beauty without major disruption

Kibale Forest National Park:

• Consistently successful chimpanzee tracking

Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
• Dense wildlife along the Kazinga Channel

Murchison Falls National Park:

• Strong concentrations of wildlife along the Nile

Why Visit Uganda in September: Excellent primate encounters with fewer visitors than peak summer months.

Rwanda: Dry-Season Gorilla and Big Five Safaris

Rwanda continues to perform strongly in September.

Volcanoes National Park:

• One of the best months for gorilla trekking
• Generally dry trails and clear forest visibility

Akagera National Park:

• Big Five safaris with wildlife gathering near lakes

Why Visit Rwanda in September: Reliable trekking conditions and premium, well-managed safari experiences.

Southern Africa: Wildlife Concentrations at Their Highest

Botswana: Outstanding Delta and River Safaris

September is one of Botswana’s top safari months.

Okavango Delta:

• Floodwaters are still high
• Wildlife densities are exceptional
• Predators thrive around shrinking water channels

Chobe National Park:

• Huge elephant herds along the Chobe River
• Excellent boat-based wildlife viewing

Why Visit Botswana in September: Peak wildlife concentrations with slightly warmer temperatures.

Zambia: Rivers, Predators, and Walking Safaris

Zambia is outstanding in September.

South Luangwa National Park:

• Wildlife crowds the Luangwa River
• Exceptional leopard sightings
• Walking safaris are at their best

Lower Zambezi National Park:

• Canoe safaris deliver close encounters with elephants and hippos

Why Visit Zambia in September: High-density wildlife and immersive safari experiences.

Zimbabwe: Mana Pools and Hwange Excellence

Zimbabwe delivers some of Africa’s most atmospheric safaris in September.

Hwange National Park:

• Massive elephant herds at waterholes
• Strong sightings of lions and wild dogs

Mana Pools National Park:

• Walking safaris among elephants
• Exceptional river-based wildlife encounters

Victoria Falls:

• Lower water levels improve views of the gorge

Why Visit Zimbabwe in September: Outstanding wilderness experiences with fewer crowds than peak August.

Namibia: Dry Desert Safaris and Stark Landscapes

Namibia continues to shine in September.

Etosha National Park:

• Wildlife concentrates at waterholes
• Excellent black rhino sightings

Damaraland:

• Desert-adapted elephants and rhinos

Sossusvlei:

• Warm but manageable temperatures
• Exceptional desert photography

Why Visit Namibia in September: Predictable wildlife viewing and iconic desert scenery.

South Africa: Reliable Big Five Safaris

South Africa remains a strong September destination.

Kruger National Park:

• Peak dry-season wildlife visibility
• Strong Big Five sightings

Private Game Reserves:

• Off-road tracking allows close predator encounters
• High-quality guiding and luxury lodges

Why Visit South Africa in September: Consistent wildlife viewing and excellent safari infrastructure.

Birdwatching in September

September signals the transition to spring in Southern Africa:

• Early migratory birds begin returning
• Raptors remain highly visible
• Waterbirds gather at remaining wetlands

Photography in September: Concentration and Drama

September is outstanding for wildlife photography:

• Clear skies and strong light
• Dense wildlife around water sources
• Increased predator activity and interactions

Practical Safari Travel Tips for September

• Book lodges and permits early
• Pack layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
• Stay hydrated as temperatures rise
• Consider private conservancies for exclusivity

Is September One of the Best Months for an African Safari?

Africa in September offers near-perfect safari conditions. With peak dry-season wildlife concentrations, clear visibility, dramatic predator action, and iconic migration events still unfolding, September consistently delivers world-class safari experiences.

Whether you are witnessing wildebeest crossings in the Masai Mara, tracking leopards along the Luangwa River, walking among elephants in Mana Pools, or trekking gorillas in misty forests, September provides unforgettable encounters across Africa’s most celebrated destinations.

For travelers seeking exceptional wildlife viewing with slightly fewer crowds than mid-summer, September stands out as one of the finest months to experience Africa on safari.