PLACES TO VISIT IN OCTOBER
Animals at the water hole - Elephants, Zebra, Giraffe, Impala, Etosha , Namibia
Etosha National Park - Namibia
Season - Spring
Average Temperature for October - 25 Celcius
What to do ?
So many species gathered around one waterhole that you don't know where to start looking!
Why go ?
Etosha is a largely arid landscape, dominated by brilliant-white Etosha Pan at the centre. By October, after a long, dry winter, smaller water sources have long dried up, leaving only bigger ones and, in camps, pumped water. It's not unusual to see large numbers of impala, giraffes, warthogs, rhino and elephants call drinking from the same waterhole.
When to book ?
October is still high season although availability isn't as under pressure because it is not regional school holidays.
Pack of Wild Dogs, in search of prey, Chobe, Botswana
Hippo relaxing in the water, Chobe river, Botswana
Linyanti, Savute & Chobe - Botswana
Season - Spring
Average Temperature for October - 27 Celcius
What to do ?
Botswana, always a sensational game-viewing destination, ramps up the spectacle with unbelievable sightings.
Why go ?
October is one of the hottest (despite not being summer yet) and driest months in Botswana. After a long, dry winter, both water sources and grazing can be scarce so animals don't venture far from waterholes. This makes them easy to find, for you – and Botswana's teeming populations of lion, wild dog, hyena, cheetah and leopard. If you can handle the heat (many lodges have swimming pools and air conditioning), then October promises high-octane game viewing.
When to book ?
Because the game viewing is so good, Botswana in October can be surprisingly busy, despite the heat and areas like Chobe National Park are always popular because of their substantial elephant populations. Definitely don't leave this until the last minute – chat to your Africa Safari Expert several months in advance to ensure a seamless itinerary.
Large group of Vulturine Guinea fowl at the waterhole, Samburu, Kenya
Samburu National Reserve - Kenya
Season - Spring
Average Temperature for October - 28 Celcius
What to do ?
Rocky outcrops that are home to klipspringers and rock hyrax surrounded by green plains that are one of the best places to see gerenuk, the adorable antelope with an unusually long neck that can stand unaided on its hind legs for minutes at a time to feed.
Why go ?
Lying in the north of Kenya, Samburu is one another of those fantastic safari gems that may not be as famous as the Masai Mara but is as rewarding in its own way. The lodges here are often extraordinary: many are built into the rocky hills and boulders that are so characteristic of Samburu.
When to book ?
Since it's more an off-the-beaten-track destination, Samburu is ideal for last-minuters or those who can't book safaris too far in advance.