Where to go for a Serengeti safari in October?

Where to go for a Serengeti safari in October?

Most guests eye the peak months (July and August) for a good reason. But you can choose to be different. However, why do most explorers crave visiting the Serengeti in these two months? It’s because nature unfolds—the wildebeest reaches its pinnacle. Safari conditions are also perfect for safaris: dry, sunny days, thin vegetation, and less rainfall.

The Serengeti is 14,763 km² in extent and has several regions with different habitats. Which means even the wildlife encounters differ from one region to another, from season to season, and from month to month. In this article, we’ll feature some of the best spots in the Serengeti to visit during your October safari.

Why travel in October?

October is perfect for anyone seeking silence in Serengeti’s top sites. Many explorers have just left Tanzania and gone back to their countries.

October is still dry. You probably don’t like to get rained on, yet hate crowds. Who does? Since this month is dry, we recommend you schedule your safari for this month. The skies are clear, the trails are dry, and the vegetation is thin.

October is affordable. It’s a shoulder when just a few visitors are coming to Tanzania. Lodges lower their rates to close more deals. Operators (of which we are) also offer discounted rates to attract more customers.

Places to visit in the Serengeti in October

Northern Serengeti.

The wildebeest migration is in this region as the animals cross (or have crossed) the Mara River. In some years, animals cross this crocodile-infested river early in August or September, but there’s hope to catch the migration from the Serengeti. The herd does not just cross in its entirety: some herds remain in the Lamai Wedge and Kogatende. So, there’s hope to at least see a river crossing.

Highlights

• Mara River crossings—animals cross from and to the Serengeti. They are unpredictable.
• Watching river crossings with fewer tourists. It’s you and a few fellow guests on the banks of the mighty Mara River.
• No competition in the safari camps. Many camps in this region are not crowded. Enjoy seclusion in luxurious mobile camps, still in the region.

Places to stay: Kenzan Mara Tented Camp, Sayari Camp, Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Taasa Lodge, Serengeti Bushtops Camp, and Lemala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge.

Central Serengeti

If you are looking for a region packed with wildlife, the Central Serengeti is the place to be. Here, wildlife—herbivores and predators—thrive in the grass-rich Seronera Valley.

Search for the Big Five in the diverse habitats of the heart of the Serengeti. Lions in 20-strong prides rule hectares of plains. They hunt plains game like wildebeest, zebra, eland, and gazelle.

Rhinos hide in the shrubs and kopjes in the Moru Kopjes, while elephants and buffalo inhabit the woodlands and riverine forests. Watch out for leopards in the acacia trees as you drive along the banks of the Seronera River.

You can also treat yourself to an adventure to find the big cats. And you will appreciate that it’s no coincidence this region is called the Big Cat Capital of the world. Other animals you will see include wildebeest, giraffes, elands, impalas, warthogs, hyenas, and more.

Highlights

• Spotting all the Big Five animals.
• Fewer crowds because it’s a shoulder month.
• Frequent encounters with wildlife—big and small.
• Loads of places to stay—luxurious and budget.

Where to stay: The Four Seasons, Serengeti Sound of Silence, Siringi Serengeti Camp, One Nature Nyaruswiga, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, and Dunia Camp.

Southern Serengeti.

This remote south is usually untouched. Only a few curious guests visit it during the calving season (January to March). And after that, it remains quiet throughout the year. Here, you will find a lot of resident wildlife, including buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, impala, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, and cheetah.

Highlights

• Private game drives in the fertile plains of Ndutu.
• Exclusive offers in lodges and camps.
• Fewer crowds. You are more likely to be the only explorer.

A place to stay: Sanctuary Kusini Camp.

Western Serengeti.

These remote regions teem with wildlife year-round. With a few guests visiting it, Western Serengeti is the best place to visit in October. Expect to see wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, crocodile, and hippo. You can also spot large prides of lions, hyenas, and elephants.

Highlights

• Rugged, untamed beauty.
• Fantastic river network (Grumeti and Mbalageti).
• Night drives in the private Grumeti Reserve.

  

Places to stay: &Beyond Grumeti River Tented Lodge, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Lodge, Mbali Mbali Soroi Lodge, and Singita Faru Faru Lodge.

The bottom line.

A Serengeti safari isn’t about competing for a wildlife sighting with a pack of safari vans. It’s about planning it strategically to avoid the crowd. And October is one of the best months for experiencing this park. Let’s start planning your October safari. Our experts are here to help you.