Things to Do in Botswana in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Botswana
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources - the Okavango Delta floods are receding and game viewing reaches peak conditions with shorter grass and predictable animal movements around waterholes
- Shoulder season pricing drops by 20-30% compared to peak winter months (June-August), with lodges offering better availability and occasionally throwing in extras like free nights or activity upgrades to fill remaining capacity
- Migratory birds arrive in massive numbers - over 200 species return from Europe and northern Africa, making October exceptional for birding enthusiasts, particularly in the Okavango and Chobe regions
- Weather sweet spot before the rains fully arrive - you get warm days around 25°C (77°F) perfect for game drives without the scorching 35°C+ (95°F+) heat of September, and the landscape starts greening up with early rains bringing dramatic storm clouds and better photography light
Considerations
- Unpredictable rainfall pattern means you might experience dusty, dry conditions one day and afternoon thunderstorms the next - roughly 10 rainy days spread across the month, with storms typically lasting 30-90 minutes but occasionally washing out late afternoon game drives
- Mosquito populations surge with the first rains, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Chobe riverfront areas - malaria risk increases compared to the dry winter months, requiring more vigilant prevention measures
- Some lodges and camps close for annual maintenance during this transition period between high seasons, limiting accommodation options in certain areas, particularly in more remote private concessions
Best Activities in October
Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursions
October sits in that perfect window where water levels are still high enough for traditional mokoro canoe trips through the channels, but receding floods mean wildlife concentrations improve dramatically. The birdlife is exceptional right now with migrants arriving, and you'll spot elephants, hippos, and lechwe antelope along the waterways. Morning trips (departing 6:00-6:30am) offer the best light and animal activity before the day heats up. The variable weather actually works in your favor - those dramatic storm clouds create incredible photography conditions you don't get in the harsh winter light.
Chobe National Park Game Drives
October is arguably the best month for Chobe's famous elephant herds - you'll see concentrations of 100+ elephants at riverside drinking spots during the heat of the day. The Savuti area becomes particularly productive as predators stake out the remaining waterholes. Book afternoon drives (3:30-6:30pm) to catch animals coming to drink, though be aware that late October storms might cut drives short occasionally. The vegetation is still relatively sparse, making spotting easier than it will be once November rains green everything up.
Makgadikgadi Pans Wildlife Migration Viewing
If early rains arrive in late October, you might catch the beginning of one of Africa's most underrated wildlife spectacles - thousands of zebras and wildebeest migrating to the pans. Even if the big migration hasn't started, the stark lunar landscape of the salt pans is extraordinary, and you'll see brown hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and springbok. The cooler October temperatures make quad biking and walking on the pans more comfortable than the brutal September heat. Night drives here are exceptional - the lack of light pollution means genuinely world-class stargazing.
Moremi Game Reserve Mobile Camping Safaris
October offers ideal conditions for mobile camping - not too cold at night (you'll actually appreciate the 20°C/68°F evenings rather than shivering through 5°C/41°F winter nights), and the occasional rain shower is manageable in proper safari tents. Moremi's diverse habitats mean you'll see everything from lions and leopards to wild dogs if you're lucky. The mobile aspect lets you follow animal movements and camp in different areas each night. This is genuinely the most immersive way to experience the bush, and October's moderate weather makes it accessible even for camping novices.
Tsodilo Hills Cultural and Hiking Tours
October weather is actually perfect for the 3-5 hour hikes required to see Tsodilo's 4,500 ancient rock paintings - you'll avoid the 38°C+ (100°F+) temperatures of September, and occasional cloud cover makes the exposed cliff climbs more bearable. The spiritual significance of these hills to the local San people adds cultural depth beyond just wildlife viewing. This is your chance to understand Botswana's human history, not just its animals. The 410m (1,345 ft) climb to the Male Hill viewpoint requires decent fitness but rewards you with views across the Kalahari.
Kalahari Desert San Culture and Tracking Experiences
The Central Kalahari becomes more accessible in October as temperatures drop from the brutal mid-40s°C (113°F) of September to more manageable levels. Walking with San trackers to learn traditional survival skills - finding water, tracking animals, identifying medicinal plants - is far more comfortable now. The landscape starts transforming with early rains, and you'll understand how the San people read these changes. This complements the wildlife-heavy experiences elsewhere and gives you genuine insight into how humans have lived in this environment for 20,000 years.
October Events & Festivals
Maun Festival
This annual celebration of Botswana's tourism and conservation efforts typically runs in late October, featuring traditional dancing, local music performances, and craft markets showcasing Botswana's basket-weaving traditions. It's genuinely community-focused rather than tourist-oriented, though visitors are welcome. You'll see Tswana cultural displays, taste traditional foods like seswaa (pounded meat) and bogobe (sorghum porridge), and potentially pick up authentic crafts at better prices than hotel gift shops. The exact dates shift year to year, so confirm timing when planning your October trip.