Things to Do in Botswana in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Botswana
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime game viewing season as animals concentrate around permanent water sources - the dry conditions mean vegetation is sparse and wildlife is incredibly visible at waterholes, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park where elephant herds of 100+ are common
- Comfortable daytime temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F) make walking safaris and mokoro excursions genuinely pleasant - you're not dealing with the oppressive 35°C+ (95°F+) heat of October and November that can make midday activities exhausting
- September sits right at the tail end of peak season pricing but before the October spike, meaning you can still find decent availability at premium lodges if you book 8-12 weeks ahead - expect to pay 15-20% less than August rates at many camps
- The Okavango Delta is at near-maximum flood levels from the Angola highlands' seasonal flow, creating exceptional water-based safari opportunities with channels fully navigable and floodplains teeming with birdlife - this is genuinely one of the best months for mokoro trips
Considerations
- September is technically still peak season, so popular areas like Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe riverfront get crowded with safari vehicles - you might find yourself sharing a sighting with 6-8 other trucks at prime spots during morning game drives
- Those 10 rainy days tend to come as brief afternoon thunderstorms that can ground small aircraft and disrupt fly-in safari schedules - flights between remote camps sometimes get delayed 2-4 hours, which matters when you're paying premium rates
- Dust levels are significant by September after months of dry conditions - if you have respiratory sensitivities, the combination of 70% humidity and airborne dust on game drive tracks can be uncomfortable, and you'll be washing red Kalahari sand out of everything
Best Activities in September
Okavango Delta mokoro excursions and water-based safaris
September is genuinely ideal for exploring the Delta by traditional dugout canoe because flood levels are still high from the seasonal inflow that peaks around July-August. The channels remain deep enough for easy navigation, and you'll glide through papyrus-lined waterways with excellent chances of spotting sitatunga antelope, red lechwe, and African jacanas. The combination of accessible water routes and concentrated game viewing makes this the sweet spot - by October the waters start receding. Morning excursions are particularly worthwhile when hippos are still active near the channels.
Chobe National Park elephant viewing and river cruises
The Chobe riverfront in September offers what might be the most concentrated elephant viewing on the continent - herds gather at the permanent water source as surrounding areas dry out completely. Late afternoon boat cruises along the Chobe River let you watch hundreds of elephants crossing between Botswana and Namibia, with the low water levels meaning they wade through shallower sections. The 25°C (77°F) temperatures make sunset cruises comfortable rather than sweltering. Worth noting that September sees significant safari traffic here, but the sheer number of elephants means you'll still get spectacular sightings.
Makgadikgadi Pans quad biking and cultural experiences
September is actually perfect for exploring the vast salt pans because the surface is completely dry and firm after months without rain - those occasional September showers don't accumulate enough to make the pans impassable like they would in January-March. The surreal landscape of endless white expanse works brilliantly in the moderate temperatures, and you can do quad bike excursions without the punishing heat of October-November. Cultural visits to nearby San Bushmen communities are particularly worthwhile as this is traditionally their dry season hunting period, and you might participate in tracking demonstrations that feel genuinely authentic rather than performative.
Moremi Game Reserve guided walking safaris
Walking safaris in Moremi during September take advantage of the comfortable morning temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) and excellent game visibility. The dry conditions mean you can track animals through sparse vegetation, and experienced guides can get you surprisingly close to giraffe, kudu, and occasionally lion on foot - which is a completely different experience than viewing from a vehicle. The combination of active floodplains in some areas and dry woodland in others creates diverse terrain for walks. That said, you'll want to start early because by 11am it's getting warm enough that animals retreat to shade.
Gaborone and Maun cultural tours and craft markets
If you need a break from safari intensity or have weather delays, September is decent for exploring Botswana's urban centers. Maun's craft markets near the airport offer genuine Botswanan basketry and woodcarvings at negotiable prices, and you can visit weaving cooperatives to watch artisans work. Gaborone has the National Museum and Kgale Hill for city views, though honestly the capital is more functional than fascinating. The moderate temperatures make walking around these towns comfortable, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm gives you an excuse to duck into cafes serving seswaa and pap.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve predator tracking
September in the Central Kalahari offers exceptional predator viewing because the dry season concentrations are at their peak - lions, cheetahs, and brown hyenas are easier to locate as they follow prey to remaining water sources. The sparse vegetation after months without significant rain means visibility is excellent across the grasslands and acacia scrub. This is genuinely remote safari territory with far fewer visitors than Chobe or Moremi, so if crowds bother you, the Kalahari delivers solitude. The downside is the dust and occasional September storms can make the sand tracks challenging, so you'll want an experienced guide with proper 4x4 equipment.
September Events & Festivals
Maun Festival
This annual celebration in Maun typically happens in late September and showcases Botswanan music, dance, and cultural performances. You'll find traditional troupes performing setapa and borankana dances, craft vendors selling local artwork, and food stalls serving regional specialties. It's worth attending if your dates align, particularly as a cultural counterpoint to safari activities. The festival grounds are near the Thamalakane River, and events run afternoon through evening to avoid the midday heat.