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Calling all birdwatchers! If you want your South African safari to be focused on spotting a range of brilliant bird species during game drives and walking safaris, October is the start of the ideal birding season.
The first rains of summer begin in October. The dry landscapes quench their thirst, turning the golden savannahs and arid plains greener and more vibrant. Watering holes start getting replenished, and grazing habitats increase, giving wildlife the chance to spread out.
Avian migrants from North Africa and Europe begin popping up in national parks and game reserves, creating ideal conditions for birdwatching safaris in South Africa. With the rain, the dust of the dry season settles, creating better backdrops for photography safaris, too.
In contrast, the rainfall in Cape Town and surrounding areas begins to subside. Temperatures also begin to rise as spring progresses, making beach and wine farm excursions more pleasant. This is also a perfect time to explore the flower route in Namaqualand and go whale watching along the coast.
Weather in October
As the first rains fall on Kruger and surrounds, the temperatures begin to heat up. Top safari destinations in South Africa can reach a high of 30 °C/86 °F and a low of 17 °C/63 °F – conditions can still be slightly cold in the early mornings and evenings. Rainfall is usually concentrated in short bursts during afternoons, so it shouldn’t negatively impact morning and evening game drives. Cape Town’s temperatures can reach a high of 21 °C/70 °F and a low of 11 °C/52 °F, with an average rainfall of 1.2 in.
Average Weather in October
Kruger and Surrounds
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 17℃ | 63℉ | 1.1 inches |
| Max | 30℃ | 86℉ | 2.2 inches |
Cape Town
| Temperatures | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 11℃ | 52℉ | 1 inch |
| Max | 21℃ | 70℉ | 2.4 inches |
Destinations to Visit in South Africa in October
Madikwe Game Reserve
A premier destination for Big Five safaris in South Africa and ideal for first-time safari goers, Madikwe Game Reserve offers luxury in the wild. The diverse ecosystems – which range from open savannahs and rocky hills to riverine forests – create habitats for a variety of bird species. October, with the start of the green season, welcomes in migratory species, many of which can be seen in their vibrant breeding plumage.
Pilanesberg National Park
The Pilanesberg offers good game viewing conditions in October. With the first of the summer rains, you’ll be able to see the landscape shift into vibrant shades of green. A safari here will take you through a unique mix of flora, weaving between Kalahari and the lowveld environments. Along with migratory bird species, baby animals may start making appearances.
Grootbos Nature Reserve
This Western Cape eco-reserve begins to warm up in spring. A stay here can include nature walks in a myriad of landscapes and exploring caves where the ancient Khoi San lived. Close to the coast, from Grootbos you can hop on a boat for a marine Big Five safari, during which you could spot great white sharks, southern right whales, bottlenose dolphins, Cape fur seals, and African penguins.
Activities to Do in October in South Africa
- Whale watching by boat and along the coast
- Exploring the flower route
- Game drives in national parks and game reserves
- Photographic safaris
- Birdwatching safaris
