What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

South Africa in October

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

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.

A sunbird perched on a green plant
October is the start of prime birdwatching in South Africa | Photo credit: Grootbos Nature Reserve

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

Lion in Madikwe Game Reserve | Photo credit: Morukuru Farm House
Madikwe Game Reserve is a great choice for a Big Five safari in South Africa | Photo credit: Morukuru Farm House

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

TemperaturesCelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min11℃52℉1 inch
Max21℃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.

Three people on a nature walk along a fynbos trail in Grootbos Nature Reserve
A stay at Grootbos can include nature walks in magnificent ecosystems | Photo: Grootbos Nature Reserve

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

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Adelle Bell, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Second safari trip planned for us by Discover Africa. Excellent and tailoring...

Classic Masai Mara Adventure Safari Review

Cheryl, United States
30 Mar 2025
We contacted Discover Africa Directly...

Southern Africa Safari Getaway Review

Alex Haege, Australia
31 Jan 2025
Best knowledge, communication and advice

5 Day Sabi Sabi Safari Review

Jane, United States
23 Oct 2024
My first Safari wonder was absolutely memorable with Matthy's expert arrangement

10-Day East African Wonders Review

Karen Ding, United States
29 Aug 2024
Victoria Falls and Botswana Safari

7 Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Moremi Safari Review

Hind, United Kingdom
01 Jul 2024
Our safari was organised so as I didnt have to do anything...

10 Day Kenya and Tanzania Review

Amanda, Egypt
19 Jun 2024