Wildlife in September.
September is about density: elephant, buffalo, zebra and antelope crowd the rivers and the remaining water, and the predators follow. Leopard are easier to see in the bare bush, and lion and wild dog hunt around the waterholes.
Carmine bee-eaters nest in colonies in the riverbanks, a blaze of colour along the Chobe and the Delta’s channels.
Where to go in Botswana in September.
Chobe riverfront
The elephant spectacle at its height. See Chobe.
Linyanti and Selinda
Elephant along the river and the Selinda Spillway, with night drives. See the Linyanti.
Okavango Delta
Central channels still full, with water and land activities. See the Okavango Delta.
September weather in Botswana.
| Average high | 33°C |
|---|---|
| Average low | 13°C |
| Average rainfall | Almost none |
| Season | Peak season |
Hot, dry afternoons and pleasant mornings. The air becomes dustier and hazier through the month. Plan for a midday siesta and make the most of the early mornings and evenings.
Figures are long-term averages for Maun, the gateway to the Delta. See the full climate table.
Prices, crowds and booking.
Peak rates apply. September is in high demand with experienced safari-goers and photographers, so book twelve to eighteen months ahead for the best camps.
What to pack for September.
Light, breathable clothes, a warm layer for early mornings, a wide-brimmed hat, sun cream and a dust cover for camera gear.
Our packing guide has the full checklist and the soft-bag rules for light aircraft.
Journeys that suit September.
- The Great Okavango: 10 days by light aircraft: Delta water, floodplain, Linyanti and Savuti.
- Chobe Introduction: 4 days on the Chobe riverfront from Kasane.
- Okavango Under Canvas: 8 days of mobile camping in Moremi and Khwai, May to October.
Every journey is a private departure and can start on any day. We adjust the route to the month you travel.
