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Botswana Safari in September

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Lodges and camps are full around this time of year, as September is one of the most popular months for wildlife viewing. The weather remains excellent, and as the green landscapes die out in drier conditions, it becomes easier to spot game.

September is a great time to visit parks and reserves like Mashatu Game Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Selinda Game Reserve. In Mashatu, you’ll find animals like lions, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs, while the other parks have some members of the Big Five (rhinos are challenging to spot in Botswana).

Weather in September

Kuzuma Sunset views | Photo credit: Hideaways Camp Kuzuma
Lodges and camps are full around this time of year, as September is one of the most popular months for wildlife viewing | Photo credit: Hideaways Camp Kuzuma

Temperatures increase from August onwards, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the weather is unpleasant. While daytime temperatures can be comfortable, some areas, like the Kalahari, are hotter during the day and colder at night.

Average Weather in September

Temperature Celsius FahrenheitRainfall
Min13℃55℉0.09 inches
Max33℃91℉0.4 inches

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During September

Game drive spotting a leopard in the wild
Mashatu is a top destination for a variety of wildlife | Photo: Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve

If elephants, lions, wild dogs, and leopards are on your list for your safari trip, Mashatu Game Reserve would be a top destination for you. Although the game reserve isn’t a Big Five destination, it has a variety of activities to partake in, such as horseback riding and walking safaris.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

September is a good month for wildlife viewing at Kgalagadi. One of the best parts about the park is that it doesn’t have a high season, which means it never gets crowded and the rates rarely fluctuate. This is where you can see black-maned Kalahari lions as well as the rare pangolin.

Selinda Game Reserve

September coincides with the high season and the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Although higher rates apply during this month, Selinda rarely gets busy. That means you get quality wildlife sightings without the addition of a crowded park. All three big cat species can be spotted here, as well as wild dogs and hyenas.

Activities to Do in Botswana During September

  • Game drives
  • Mokoro safaris
  • Walking safaris
  • Horseback riding safaris
  • Desert safaris

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