October is a rewarding month for an East African safari. The Great Migration often remains in the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti early in the month before starting south. Parks are quieter after the peak, gorilla trekking is good with the first short rains possible late in the month in Uganda, and Kidepo and the Serengeti are in good condition. Kilimanjaro is still in season.
Key takeaways
- The last Mara River crossings, usually early in the month.
- Quieter parks after the peak months.
- Gorilla trekking good; first short rains possible late October.
- Kidepo is in its dry, prime season.
- Kilimanjaro climbs still in season.
October is a month of golden light and calmer parks. The dry season is ending, the grass is short and animals gather near water, while the crowds of high season have thinned. For many travellers it offers excellent value and wildlife.
Kenya and Tanzania
The migration herds are often still in the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti early in October, with some late crossings, before moving south through the eastern Serengeti towards the end of the month as the short rains approach. Resident wildlife in the Mara, Serengeti, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater is excellent. Combine both countries on our 10-day Kenya and Tanzania safari.
Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking and chimp tracking are good in October, with the first short rains possible late in the month in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison offer strong game viewing. October is a great month for Kidepo Valley, Uganda’s remote wilderness, which is dry and full of wildlife in the Narus Valley; see our 4-day Kidepo fly-in safari.
Kilimanjaro and the coast
October remains a good month for Kilimanjaro. Zanzibar is warm and mostly dry, with calm seas for diving.
Weather and what to pack
- Warm, mostly dry days; possible showers late in the month.
- A light rain jacket for treks, plus sun protection.
- Layers for early mornings.
Why travel in October
- Quieter parks after the peak season.
- Excellent wildlife at the end of the dry season.
- Good value at some lodges as shoulder-season rates begin.
Booking an October safari
Book permits and popular camps 4–8 months ahead. October is ideal for a combined Uganda and Kenya or Tanzania trip.
October at a glance
| Country | Conditions | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Mostly dry, showers late | Gorillas, Kidepo |
| Rwanda | Mostly dry | Gorillas, golden monkeys |
| Kenya | Dry | Last Mara crossings |
| Tanzania | Dry | Herds start moving south |
| Zanzibar | Warm, mostly dry | Diving, beaches |
Birding in October
October brings Palearctic migrants back to East Africa in growing numbers, and wetlands begin to fill with waders and wagtails. It is an excellent month for combining residents and migrants.
Events and holidays
Uganda celebrates Independence Day on 9 October, and Kenya marks Mashujaa (Heroes’) Day on 20 October. Both are public holidays with celebrations in towns and cities.
Costs and value in October
October is a shoulder month: some lodges start lower rates, while others keep high-season prices until the end of the month. The Mara fee stays at US$200 until December. It is an excellent time for good value without sacrificing wildlife.
A sample October journey
Fly to Kidepo for three nights in Uganda’s remote north-east, continue to Murchison Falls and Kibale for the Nile, chimpanzees and savannah, and finish with gorillas in Bwindi before the short rains arrive.
Who October suits: experienced safari-goers, photographers who love golden light, and travellers looking for good value at the end of the dry season. It is also the best month for combining Kidepo with the rest of Uganda, before the short rains make northern roads harder.
Frequently asked questions
Is the migration still in the Mara in October?
Often, especially early in the month, before the herds start moving south into the Serengeti.
Is October good for gorilla trekking?
Yes, though short rains may begin late in the month, making trails muddier.
Is it a good time for Kidepo?
Yes. October falls within Kidepo’s dry season, when wildlife gathers in the Narus Valley.
Are prices lower in October?
Some lodges begin shoulder-season rates, and availability is better than in August.
Is Kilimanjaro good in October?
Yes, it is still within the main climbing season.
Can I see both the Mara and gorillas in October?
Yes. Early October is ideal for the Mara, and gorilla trekking remains good, so a combined trip works very well.
Do the short rains affect gorilla trekking?
Late in October, showers can make trails muddier, but trekking continues and permits are easier to find.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
