Where to go on safari in October

Where to go on safari in October? These destinations score highest this month on weather, wildlife seasons and crowds.

Africa

1. Chobe Botswana · 36° · mostly dry

   At the height of the dry season large numbers of elephant and buffalo gather along the Chobe River.

2. Etosha Namibia · 35° · mostly dry

   Dry season: animals gather at waterholes, and floodlit waterholes at the camps allow night viewing.

3. Hwange Zimbabwe · 33° · mostly dry

   Late in the dry season wildlife depends on pumped waterholes and elephants gather in high densities.

4. Lower Zambezi Zambia · 36° · mostly dry

   Best viewing as animals come down to the river, with very high temperatures in October.

5. Mana Pools Zimbabwe · 36° · mostly dry

   As inland water dries up, wildlife concentrates on the river floodplains; the best viewing period.

6. Nyerere Tanzania · 32° · mostly dry

   Dry season; sunny days with little rain, and wildlife gathers around the Rufiji River and lakes.

7. Okavango Delta Botswana · 36° · mostly dry

   Animals concentrate near permanent water; this is the peak period for viewing and demand.

8. Ruaha Tanzania · 32° · mostly dry

   Dry season; wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha River, and October is very hot.

9. South Luangwa Zambia · 38° · mostly dry

   Peak dry season: wildlife concentrates along the Luangwa River and oxbow lagoons, though October is very hot.

10. Tarangire Tanzania · 29° · mostly dry

    Height of the dry season; the Tarangire River becomes the main water source and draws large numbers of elephants and other animals.

The Gulf

1. AlUla Saudi Arabia · 32° · mostly dry

   Main visiting season, with cultural events and higher visitor numbers.

2. Dhofar Oman · 30° · mostly dry

   Sarb season: clear skies, mild weather and lingering greenery.

3. Ras Al Jinz Oman · 34° · mostly dry

   Hatching season, when hatchlings head to the sea.

4. Al Areen Bahrain · 33° · mostly dry
5. Al Marmoom United Arab Emirates · 36° · mostly dry
6. Dubai Desert United Arab Emirates · 36° · mostly dry

   Arabian oryx and gazelles are resident year-round; dawn and dusk give the best sightings.

7. Edge of the World Saudi Arabia · 34° · mostly dry

   Access status changes and the site has had temporary closures; confirm before setting out.

8. Hatta United Arab Emirates · 36° · mostly dry

   Main season for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking; weekends are busiest.

9. Khor Al Adaid Qatar · 35° · mostly dry
10. Liwa United Arab Emirates · 36° · mostly dry

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