Wildlife in October.
Everything that lives away from the rivers is drawn to them. The Chobe riverfront and the Linyanti hold vast herds of elephant and buffalo, and predators work the paths to water. Hippo crowd the shrinking pools.
The first impala and tsessebe births sometimes begin at the very end of the month, if the rains come early.
Where to go in Botswana in October.
Chobe riverfront
Huge numbers of elephant and buffalo every afternoon, best enjoyed from a boat. See Kasane.
Linyanti and Savuti
Elephant on the river and lions at Savuti’s waterholes. See Savuti.
Okavango Delta and Moremi
Excellent game around the permanent water. See Moremi.
October weather in Botswana.
| Average high | 35°C |
|---|---|
| Average low | 18°C |
| Average rainfall | About 15mm, the first storms late in the month |
| Season | Peak season |
Very hot and dry, with afternoons often 38–40°C, and warm nights. Late in the month, clouds build in the afternoons and the first storms may arrive. The Central Kalahari is hot and sparse now, so we usually leave it for the green season.
Figures are long-term averages for Maun, the gateway to the Delta. See the full climate table.
Prices, crowds and booking.
Peak rates apply, though availability is a little easier than in August. Book twelve months ahead for the best camps. Some travellers who mind the heat choose early September instead.
What to pack for October.
The lightest breathable clothes you own, a wide-brimmed hat, high-factor sun cream, a refillable water bottle and a light layer for the early morning.
Our packing guide has the full checklist and the soft-bag rules for light aircraft.
Journeys that suit October.
- Chobe Introduction: 4 days on the Chobe riverfront from Kasane.
- The Great Okavango: 10 days by light aircraft: Delta water, floodplain, Linyanti and Savuti.
- The Grand Botswana: 14 days, private and exclusive-use, every major ecosystem.
Every journey is a private departure and can start on any day. We adjust the route to the month you travel.
