Spring has sprung in the southern hemisphere, and the bush is bursting into life. There's plenty to see and do in Africa this season, but game viewing takes centre stage. So, if you're looking to stretch out the last of your northern hemisphere summer, here's where we recommend you go for African travel in September.
African travel in September features Great Migration sightings
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is, without a doubt, Kenya's most notable reserve. Numerous wildlife documentaries made this wildlife haven internationally famous as the home of one of the oldest pilgrimages in history. Every year the Great Migration sees thousands of zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle set off in search of greener pastures in the Serengeti. This incredible natural spectacle flocks to the reserve between July and October. Therefore, this makes Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya an excellent choice for African travel in September.
However, there's more to the Maasai Mara than the Great Migration. The reserve's abundant wildlife makes for incredible game viewing, with thriving populations of predators providing memorable sightings. Additionally, guests can expect to be immersed in Maasai culture when hosted in one of the reserve's luxury safari lodges or camps.
Bush breakfast in the Maasai Mara National Park, Image Credit: Governors Camp
Our Favourite Property: Angama Mara
As soon as you step onto the deck of Angama Mara, you will instantly understand why its name means "suspended in mid-air" in the local Swahili language. It overlooks vast views of Kenya's Great Rift Valley and Maasai Mara Reserve, where the famous Out of Africa was filmed.
This reserve is a popular destination for African travel in September, with plenty of game species in staggering numbers. And if you're looking for an excellent luxury base for your East African safari, Angama Mara is a perfect fit. It has generous tented suites situated along the two kopjes overlooking arresting views of the rolling valleys. Furthermore, each of these suites features a glass frontage for the ultimate angle of these views. The well-known Mara Triangle is only half an hour away, and you can enjoy plenty of activities, from game drives to local village visits, hot air ballooning and walking safaris. You're also in control of your schedule, as safaris are entirely flexible.
Sweeping views over the Masaai Mara, Image Credit: Angama Mara Tented Camp
2. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
As the largest and oldest national park in Zimbabwe, it's only fitting that Hwange is home to one of the largest elephant herds in Africa too. You can explore the variety of wildlife with plenty of activities, from walking and horseback to traditional vehicle-based safaris. Guests can expect to see lion, leopard, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, gemsbok, hyena, wild dog, and more.
Being just an hour's drive away, Hwange can easily be combined with a visit to Victoria Falls. Hwange should always be near the top of your list when planning African travel in September. The drier months combine the best game viewing opportunities and cooler weather, resulting in the perfect time to visit this wildlife paradise.
Hwange is famous for its elephants
Our Favourite Property: Verney's Camp
Located in a 10,000ha private concession in Hwange National Park, Verney's Camp offers an exclusive safari experience in Zimbabwe. With massive teak trees towering over the camp, it's as leisurely as it's adventurous.
The area is home to plenty of wildlife, and Verney's Camp is the best base from which to admire them all. The expert guides will take you out on morning and afternoon game drives, or you can embark on a walking safari. The camp is built with raised decks to give you the best vantage point of the bush. You can choose between the ten twin/double room tents or the two family units, all equipped with en-suite bathrooms.
Soak up the sun and the views at Verney's Camp, Image Credit: Machaba Safaris
3. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is a must on any East African expedition. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only intact caldera in the world, is among the best safari destinations on the planet. Varied vegetation ranges from forest to grassland plains, which means the diversity of wildlife species is as vast as it's abundant. A thriving lion population, endangered black rhinos and cheetah sightings are among the highlights for guests.
While wildlife is undoubtedly the main attraction, cultural visits to Maasai villages are an excellent way to experience one of the world's most famous cultures first-hand. A variety of lodges set on the crater's rim provide the ideal base for any visit to the area.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a great place to visit for African travel in September
Our Favourite Property: The Highlands
The Highlands safari camp is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. It's a wonderfully secluded camp encircled by mountain forests and is a hub of ecological sustainability.
Other than seeing the Great Migration when it's passing through, this camp is located in a wildlife-rich area. You can expect to see buffalo, leopard, elephant, lion, and black rhino species. When you're not out on safari game drives or guided walks, you can also go on village visits or embark on birding or photography missions. This camp consists of eight unique canvas dome tents with en-suite bathrooms as well as wood-burning fireplaces.
The Highlands is a unique accommodation with incredible views, Image Credit: Asilia Africa
4. Mozambique, East Africa
When it comes to tropical islands, Mozambique is Africa's hidden gem. And with five island archipelagos, there's no shortage of options to choose from. White sands and azure waters await along shorelines dotted with palm trees making this a great way to extend your summer with a dose of African travel in September.
Mozambique is attractive to travellers because of its off-the-beaten-track appeal, which takes them far from the crowds. Furthermore, marine life enthusiasts are in for a treat with a wide variety of species seen from above and below the Indian Ocean's surface. Couple this with easy accessibility to other African safari destinations, and it's a must to consider when planning your next trip.
Mozambique is a dreamy destination for African travel in September
Our Favourite Property: &Beyond Benguerra Island Lodge
&Beyong Benguerra Island Lodge is a lush forested island with pearly beaches and crystal clear warm water. It's located on Mozambique's Bazaruto archipelago and is a perfect Indian Ocean island destination for African travel in September. As the second-largest in the archipelago, there's plenty to explore on land and underwater. Diving and snorkelling are exciting as you can expect incredible underwater sightings. But if you prefer to stay dry, you can go on scenic boat rides.
The lodge consists of casinhas and cabanas, expertly blending Portuguese and Mozambican design. Fresh seafood is a daily delight on the menu. And you can get massaged silly at the onsite massage sala after a day of busy exploring or lazy lounging.
Your home in Mozambique for African travel in September, Image Credit: &Beyong Benguerra Island
Start Planning for Your African Travel in September
Slip away on an African holiday with the World's Leading Safari Company today. Our African Travel Experts have travelled all over our continent. Therefore, they know each of these destinations, properties and activities like an elephant knows its trunk! Contact them today, and let's start planning your African travel in September!
If you liked this blog, you might also like:
Featured Image Credit: &Beyond
Benguerra Island
