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Places to visit in Africa in September offer incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. The dry season in many regions makes wildlife spotting easier, as animals gather around water sources. In some parts, spring brings mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. From the wildebeest migration in Kenya to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, September is an excellent time to explore the continent. Here are the top tourist attractions in Africa in September that you should consider for an unforgettable trip.
14 Best Places To Visit In Africa In September
Discover the 14 best places to visit in Africa in September, from thrilling safaris to scenic landscapes, perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers alike.
1. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Photo: Joachim Huber / Wikimedia Commons
Etosha National Park is one of the best places to visit in Africa in September for wildlife lovers. The dry season concentrates animals around waterholes, making it easy to spot elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes. The park is known for its vast Etosha Pan, a shimmering salt flat that attracts flocks of flamingos after occasional rains. Etosha is ideal for self-drive safaris and has excellent viewing hides near water sources, allowing visitors to see wildlife up close in a stunning landscape.
Location: Northern Namibia
Major Attraction: Etosha Pan; a vast salt flat attracting diverse wildlife
Must-Have Experience: Night game drives to spot nocturnal predators
Things To Carry: Binoculars, sun hat, camera, and comfortable walking shoes
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Top National Parks In Namibia
2. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Photo: Someone35 / Wikimedia Commons
Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. The Chobe River becomes a lifeline for wildlife during the dry season, making boat safaris a must. Visitors can witness huge herds of elephants bathing and drinking along the riverbanks, along with hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. The park also offers traditional game drives in its vast savannahs, where lions and leopards roam. Chobe’s proximity to Victoria Falls makes it a great addition to a Southern Africa itinerary.
Location: Northern Botswana
Major Attraction: Chobe River; famous for water-based safaris
Must-Have Experience: Sunset boat cruise for breathtaking wildlife views
Things To Carry: Light clothing, insect repellent, and a zoom lens camera
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
3. Masai Mara, Kenya
Photo: Key45 / Wikimedia Commons
Masai Mara is one of the most famous Africa tourist places in September due to the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River while predators like lions and crocodiles wait for their chance. The open grasslands provide excellent game-viewing opportunities, with chances to see cheetahs and hyenas. The Mara is also home to the Maasai people, known for their vibrant culture and traditions. Visitors can stay in luxury lodges or traditional safari camps for an immersive experience.
Location: Narok County, Kenya
Major Attraction: The Great Migration; one of nature’s greatest spectacles
Must-Have Experience: Hot air balloon safari for a bird’s-eye view of the plains
Things To Carry: Neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and a camera
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Masai Mara
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Photo: Harvey Barrison / Wikimedia Commons
Cape Town is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural diversity. September marks the beginning of spring, bringing mild weather and blooming flowers. The city offers everything from Table Mountain’s breathtaking views to the Cape of Good Hope’s rugged beauty. Wine lovers can explore the Cape Winelands, while adventure seekers can go shark cage diving. The coast near Hermanus becomes a prime whale-watching spot as southern right whales migrate close to shore.
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Major Attraction: Table Mountain; a stunning landmark with panoramic city views
Must-Have Experience: Whale watching in Hermanus, just outside Cape Town
Things To Carry: Windbreaker, hiking shoes, and a camera for scenic shots
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 6 days
5. Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands, South Africa
Photo: David Berkowitz / Wikimedia Commons
Kruger National Park and the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve offer some of the best Big Five safaris in Africa. The dry season forces animals to gather around waterholes, making game viewing easier. Kruger is great for self-drive safaris, while Sabi Sands provides luxury lodges and expert-guided tours. The region is famous for high leopard sightings and intimate wildlife encounters. Visitors can also enjoy bush walks, night safaris, and cultural visits to local communities, making it one of the best national parks in Africa.
Location: Mpumalanga & Limpopo, South Africa
Major Attraction: Sabi Sands; known for luxury lodges and high wildlife density
Must-Have Experience: Guided bush walks for an up-close experience with nature
Things To Carry: Neutral-colored clothing, sunscreen, and binoculars
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
Suggested Read: South Africa Jungle Safaris
6. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Photo: Gary Bembridge / Wikimedia Commons
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, offering incredible wildlife without the crowds. The park is known for its large elephant herds, diverse birdlife, and ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River becomes a key water source during the dry season, attracting predators and herbivores alike. It’s a fantastic spot for off-the-beaten-path safaris and night game drives. The park is less commercialized than the Serengeti, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter, more immersive safari experience.
Location: Northern Tanzania
Major Attraction: Tarangire River; a gathering spot for diverse wildlife
Must-Have Experience: Walking safari with expert guides
Things To Carry: Long-sleeve clothing, insect repellent, and a water bottle
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
7. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Photo: Brian Harries / Wikimedia Commons
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park, yet it remains one of its least visited. It features a rugged landscape of rocky hills, baobab forests, and vast savannahs. The park is known for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Visitors can enjoy off-road game drives, walking safaris, and birdwatching. Ruaha offers a remote, wild experience with fewer tourists, making it a perfect destination for those who want an authentic African wilderness adventure.
Location: Central Tanzania
Major Attraction: Large prides of lions hunting in the open savannah
Must-Have Experience: Off-road game drives to explore hidden wildlife areas
Things To Carry: Sunglasses, layered clothing, and a good camera lens
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Suggested Read: Best National Parks In Tanzania
8. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Photo: Matthias Bethke / Wikimedia Commons
Sossusvlei is one of the most surreal African tourist places in September. The towering red dunes of the Namib Desert create breathtaking landscapes. Early mornings are the best time to explore before the heat becomes intense. Climbing Dune 45 offers spectacular sunrise views, while Dead Vlei provides a striking contrast of white clay and dead acacia trees. The dramatic scenery makes it a paradise for photographers and adventure seekers looking to experience one of the world’s oldest deserts.
Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Major Attraction: Dune 45; a famous sand dune perfect for sunrise hikes
Must-Have Experience: Exploring Dead Vlei, a white clay pan with dead trees
Things To Carry: Plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sun hat
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
9. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve. It is famous for its large elephant population and high density of lions. The park’s waterholes attract herds of buffalo, zebra, and giraffe, along with elusive predators like leopards and cheetahs. September’s dry weather offers excellent game viewing, as animals gather at these water sources. Hwange is less crowded than other major parks, making it a great destination for those looking for a quiet and immersive safari experience.
Location: Western Zimbabwe
Major Attraction: The Ngweshla Pan; a prime game-viewing area
Must-Have Experience: Sunset game drives to spot nocturnal wildlife
Things To Carry: Light clothing, a flashlight, and insect repellent
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
Suggested Read: Airports In Zimbabwe
10. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Photo: Volcanoes National Park / Wikimedia Commons
Volcanoes National Park is one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Africa in September. It is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and offers one of the best trekking experiences in the world. The annual Kwita Izina, a gorilla-naming ceremony, takes place in September, making it a special time to visit. The park’s lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes provide stunning scenery. In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can hike to the Dian Fossey Research Center and explore local Rwandan culture.
Location: Northwestern Rwanda
Major Attraction: Gorilla trekking; a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter
Must-Have Experience: Attending the Kwita Izina gorilla-naming festival
Things To Carry: Rain jacket, hiking boots, gloves, and a waterproof bag
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
11. Serengeti, Tanzania
Photo: INTREEGUE Photography / Shutterstock
September falls within the Serengeti’s dry season, bringing warm days with almost no rain, perfect for safari plans. The thinning grass and shrinking waterholes draw vast herds into the northern plains, making this the prime month to witness the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration as thousands ford the Mara River with fewer tourists than in August. Daily game drives along dusty tracks offer close views of lions, elephants and giraffes, while clear skies and crisp sunrises create unforgettable morning safaris in one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa.
Location: Northern Tanzania
Major Attractions: The Great Migration and Big Five safaris
Suggested Read: Serengeti National Park
12. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Photo: Joachim Huber / Wikimedia Commons
In September, the Okavango Delta’s long dry winter reaches its peak, with daytime temperatures rising to around 35 °C and almost no rain. The annual flood gradually recedes, leaving shallow channels where herds of elephants, buffalo and antelope gather, while lions, crocodiles and wading birds vie for the last pools of water. Mokoro (traditional canoe) trips remain possible in the deeper northern areas, offering silent glides past papyrus-fringed channels. With clear skies and thinning vegetation, this high-season month delivers superb, close-up wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations.
Location: Northwestern Botswana
Major Attractions: Mokoro safaris and rich wildlife in a lush wetland
13. Victoria Falls, Zambia
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
In September, Victoria Falls on the Zambian side welcomes visitors under clear, dry skies with daytime highs reaching 33 °C and cool nights around 15 °C. At Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, you can admire the 1.7 km-wide curtain of water plunging more than 100 m into the Zambezi Gorge, with thinner spray offering superb views from the main lookout points. It’s prime time for guided walking trails and canoe trips above the falls. Adventure lovers can book white-water rafting or bungee jumping nearby for an exhilarating perspective on this natural wonder, making it one of the best waterfalls in Africa.
Location: Zamibia/Zimbabwe border
Major Attractions: One of the world’s largest waterfalls and adventure activities
Suggested Read: Discover Waterfalls In Zambia
14. Hermanus, South Africa
Photo: Henry Trotter / Wikimedia Commons
In September, Hermanus awakens under bright spring skies with daytime temperatures around 18–21 °C and gentle southern breezes along its cliff-lined shoreline. This coastal town is famed as the whale-watching capital of Africa, and September marks the peak of the southern right whales’ presence, allowing close sightings from the coastal path or a boat trip in Walker Bay. Stroll the well-marked Hermanus Cliff Path for spectacular sea views, wander the colourful stalls at the Saturday Country Market, or relax on the pristine sands of Grotto Beach. With fewer crowds than in summer, September is ideal for pairing wildlife encounters with fresh seafood, local wine tastings and the best beaches in Africa.
Location: Near Cape Town
Major Attractions: Shore-based whale watching in September
Africa offers some of the best travel experiences in September, from witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya to exploring the deserts of Namibia. Whether you seek adventure, wildlife, or cultural experiences, these places to visit in Africa in September provide unforgettable memories. The dry season makes wildlife spotting easier, and events like the gorilla-naming festival add unique cultural experiences. Plan your trip to one of these amazing destinations with TripXL and enjoy the best that Africa has to offer.
Cover Photo: Lina Loos / Unsplash
