Things to Do in Botswana in September

September Weather in Botswana

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Prime game viewing season - animals concentrate around permanent water sources like the Chobe River and Okavango Delta channels, making wildlife spotting 40% more reliable than wet season months
Perfect mokoro (dugout canoe) conditions in the Okavango Delta with water levels at optimal 1.2-1.5m (4-5 ft) depth, allowing access to remote channels while still navigating shallow areas
Ideal weather for camping with warm days 25°C (77°F) and cool nights 20°C (68°F) - no need for heavy sleeping bags but comfortable enough for outdoor dining and campfire evenings
Bird migration peak with over 450 species present including massive flocks of red-billed quelea and European migrants, making it the year's best month for serious birders

Considerations

High season pricing kicks in with accommodation rates 60-80% higher than March-July, and advance booking essential for premium Delta camps
Tourist concentration at major water points means sharing prime game viewing spots with 8-12 other vehicles, especially at Chobe riverfront
Dust levels increase significantly on game drives as vegetation thins, requiring face coverings and sealed camera equipment for afternoon drives

Best Activities in September

Chobe National Park Game Drives

September offers the year's most concentrated elephant viewing along the Chobe riverfront. Herds of 200+ elephants gather daily between 3-6pm for their evening drink, creating legendary photography opportunities. The dry conditions mean animals must visit water regularly, making sightings almost guaranteed. Morning drives at 6am catch predators before they retreat from rising temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book full-day packages 3-4 weeks ahead combining morning game drive and afternoon river cruise for P1,200-1,800 ($90-135) per person. Look for operators offering specialized photography vehicles with elevated platforms. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Okavango Delta Mokoro Expeditions

Water levels in September create perfect mokoro conditions - deep enough to access remote lagoons but shallow enough for polers to navigate easily. This is when you'll spot the rare sitatunga antelope and African wild dogs at water edges. The cooler mornings 15°C (59°F) mean comfortable 3-4 hour paddling sessions without overheating.

Booking Tip: Multi-day mokoro trips typically cost P2,500-4,200 ($185-315) for 2-3 days including camping and meals. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for September as camps fill quickly. Choose operators offering overnight island camping for authentic bush experience. See current expeditions in booking section below.

Central Kalahari Desert Tracking

September's moderate temperatures make this the ideal month for walking safaris in the Kalahari. Bushmen guides can track desert-adapted animals like brown hyena and caracal during comfortable morning temperatures. The semi-arid conditions concentrate game around the few remaining waterholes, increasing sighting odds significantly.

Booking Tip: 3-day Kalahari experiences range P3,500-5,500 ($260-410) including cultural visits with San communities. Book with operators offering traditional tracking lessons and bush survival skills. Best accessed via Ghanzi town. Check available tours in booking section below.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Stargazing

September's clear, dry air creates exceptional visibility for astronomy on the vast salt pans. With minimal light pollution and 20°C (68°F) evening temperatures, conditions are perfect for all-night stargazing sessions. This is also when thousands of zebras begin their migration south toward the Boteti River.

Booking Tip: Overnight stargazing experiences cost P1,800-2,800 ($135-210) including professional telescopes and camping equipment. Book operators offering both astronomy and zebra migration viewing. Early September best for migration timing. Current tours available in booking section below.

Moremi Game Reserve Walking Safaris

September's reduced vegetation and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for guided walking safaris. Professional guides can approach within 30m (98 ft) of grazing animals, and the firm, dry ground makes silent stalking possible. Early morning walks at 6am capitalize on active wildlife before temperatures climb.

Booking Tip: Day walking safaris range P900-1,400 ($67-105) per person with certified guides. Multi-day walking and camping combinations cost P2,200-3,600 ($165-270). Book operators with Level 3 Professional Guide certification. See current walking safari options in booking section below.

Tsodilo Hills Cultural Expeditions

September's comfortable hiking temperatures make exploring Botswana's only UNESCO World Heritage site much more enjoyable. The 4,000+ rock paintings are best photographed in the angled light of September's lower sun position. Local San guides share oral histories that connect the ancient art to current cultural practices.

Booking Tip: Full-day Tsodilo expeditions typically cost P1,200-1,900 ($90-142) including guide fees and traditional lunch. Book 2-3 weeks ahead and choose operators working directly with local San communities. Combine with overnight camping for stargazing. Check current cultural tours in booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Early to Mid September

Zebra Migration Peak

Thousands of zebras begin their annual southern migration from Makgadikgadi Pans toward the Boteti River, creating one of Africa's great wildlife spectacles. Best viewing from camps along the migration route with prime positioning for photography.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight sleeping bag rated to 15°C (59°F) - September nights in the bush drop significantly despite warm days

High-factor sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm with UV protection - September's UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water doubles exposure

Dust masks or bandanas for afternoon game drives - dry season means significant dust clouds on dirt tracks

Neutral colored clothing in cotton or bamboo fiber - polyester traps heat uncomfortably in 70% humidity

Quality binoculars 8x42 minimum magnification - dry season means animals may be 100-200m (328-656 ft) from vehicles

Insect repellent with DEET 30%+ - tsetse flies are active near water sources despite dry conditions

Waterproof bag for camera equipment - occasional rain showers last 20-30 minutes but can damage electronics

Comfortable walking boots broken in before travel - firm ground perfect for bush walks but rocky terrain requires ankle support

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for mokoro trips where sun reflects off water

Power bank 20,000+ mAh capacity - remote camps have limited charging opportunities and long game drive days drain devices quickly

Insider Knowledge

Book morning game drives at 6am rather than 6:30am slots - that extra 30 minutes captures peak predator activity before day heats up and animals seek shade

Pack a thermos with hot coffee for early morning mokoro trips - September mornings start at 15°C (59°F) and polers appreciate warm drinks during long paddling sessions

Choose accommodation on eastern edges of the Delta - September's lower water levels mean better access to remote areas without long pole transfers

Avoid booking Chobe riverfront activities between 11am-3pm in September - animals retreat from heat and tourist boat traffic peaks during these hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation less than 8 weeks ahead - September is peak season and premium Delta camps sell out entirely, forcing expensive last-minute alternatives

Packing only summer clothing - September mornings and evenings require layers as temperature swings reach 10°C (18°F) daily variation

Scheduling tight itineraries - September's excellent game viewing means you'll want extra time at each sighting, and small aircraft transfers can face weather delays